Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense discomfort or fear, typically ranging from 3-30 minutes. They are characterized by intense and often overlapping physical and psychological symptoms that include rapid heart beat or palpitations, sweating, shaking, feelings of choking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, feelings of detachment, and numbness. Panic attacks often occur within other or alongside anxiety disorders. Similarly to anxieties, panic disorder activate the body’s “Fight or Flight” response, triggering a release of both adrenaline and stress hormones.
CBD has shown promising potential in helping with panic attacks and lowering anxiety responses. Research shows that CBD can have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects and can be beneficial for various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder. A 2024 study of 300 people found that CBD-dominant cannabis products were associated with significant reductions in anxiety symptoms.
CBD’s potential mechanisms for reducing anxiety include:
- Interaction with serotonin receptors, which are involved in regulating fear and anxiety
- Indirect activation of CB1 receptors by increasing anandamide levels, which may help regulate long-term fear processing
- Possible anti-inflammatory effects in the brain and nerves, which could contribute to anxiety reduction
Compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications, CBD appears to have fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependency.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks, while potentially recurrent, can be managed effectively through preventative strategies and targeted interventions, significantly reducing their frequency and impact. The etiology of anxiety and panic disorders is multifaceted, encompassing a range of factors including neurochemical imbalances, psychosocial stressors, hormonal fluctuations, environmental triggers, and even gastrointestinal health. The relationship between symptoms and occurrences often exhibits a cyclical nature, where the perception of a characteristic panic attack symptom may precipitate an episode, subsequently exacerbating the initial symptoms. This self-perpetuating cycle can be challenging to break without appropriate intervention. A comprehensive approach to mitigating panic attacks involves:
- Enhancing overall mental and physical well-being through lifestyle modifications
- Implementing evidence-based preventative measures
- Utilizing supplements and CBD products
These strategies, when employed systematically, can serve as significant milestones in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks. However, it is crucial to emphasize that any treatment plan should be developed and monitored under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals to ensure safety and efficacy.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of over 100 cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being the most well-known and researched. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause impairment or a “high”. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems that help regulate functions like mood, pain response, and anxiety. CBD may also influence serotonin signals and other neurotransmitters like GABA, which are involved in mood regulation.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since the early 2000’s but has become much more well-known since the recreational legalization of cannabis. It has grown in popularity exponentially in treating a wide range of unwanted symptoms and conditions, as more people are finding success when using it. Research has also continued to support the effectiveness and safeness of CBD as an alternative health option.
How CBD May Help with Panic Attacks
Research studies and clinical observations have shown encouraging results for CBD in anxiety treatment. When used under medical supervision, many individuals have reported positive outcomes with minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for those struggling with panic disorders.
CBD’s versatility in administration allows for tailored approaches to panic attack management, but preventatively and in the moment:
Oral Ingestion: When taken orally, CBD can provide long-lasting relief, potentially managing anxiety levels and panic attacks for 8-12 hours.
Inhalation: For those seeking rapid relief, inhaling CBD through a vaporizer offers near-instantaneous effects, though the duration is shorter, typically lasting a few hours. This quick-acting property of inhaled CBD could prove invaluable, as panic attacks often strike without warning, leaving individuals in need of immediate intervention. As research continues to grow, CBD stands out as a promising natural alternative for those seeking to manage panic attacks and anxiety.
Research on CBD for Anxiety and Panic Disorders
For panic attacks and anxiety, CBD shows promising potential in clinical studies:
- A clinical review that looked at 49 other published studies found that preclinical evidence conclusively demonstrates CBD’s efficacy in reducing anxiety behaviors relevant to multiple disorders, including PTSD, GAD, PD, OCD, and SAD. Human experimental findings support preclinical findings, and also suggest a lack of anxiogenic effects, minimal sedative effects, and an excellent safety profile.
- A 2024 study of 300 people (all with anxiety, but only some that use cannabis) found CBD-dominant cannabis products were associated with significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, reporting “tension and anxiety relief with limited harm”.
- A study on CBD and PTSD found that 10 of the 11 participants saw a decrease in their symptom severity after using CBD for 8 weeks. Many symptoms of PTSD and panic attacks are often very similar and share many internal biological reactions.
CBD Products for Panic Attacks
The variety of CBD products in the past few years has increased exponentially to meet patients’ needs. With a variety of ingestible, topical, and inhalable options available, finding the right product and dosing strategy is easier now than ever. For preventative measures, ingestible CBD is often the best strategy as it works longer in your body, for up to 8-12 hours. These options typically include ingestible oils, soft gels, edibles, beverages, and more. Easily measurable and dosable, ingestible CBD is the most common when using medical cannabis.
In the event of needing immediate relief, the inhalation of cannabis can be felt within seconds and could be a perfect product option when looking to combat quick on-set symptoms from panic attacks. Many vaporizers do not need to be heated up, can be used instantaneously, and are small and discreet to carry around.
When looking to utilize CBD products for symptom relief and medical purposes, always go through the medical process to ensure your products are high quality, lab-tested, and the right fit for you in terms of your dosing needs and medical history.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects of CBD can include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and an upset stomach (specifically if taken in the oil format). An upset stomach as a side effect is typically caused by the carrier oil in the CBD oil, and not the CBD itself. Just like any medication, it is important to stick to your recommended dose and speak with your doctor if you are noticing any unwanted side effects or symptoms potentially caused by the medication. With medical cannabis, your treatment plan can often be altered via products and dosage to mitigate unwanted side effects.
While few and far between, medical cannabis can interact with other medications. This is another reason it is important to use it under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
Integrating CBD into a Comprehensive Treatment Plan
Integrating CBD into your life alongside other therapies, treatment options, and lifestyle changes is often the best approach to reducing unwanted anxiety and panic attacks. If you are curious about CBD and medical cannabis, book a free virtual appointment with Apollo Cannabis Clinics. Our doctors, nurse practitioners, and patient educators will be sure to answer all your questions and guide your medical cannabis journey towards maximum relief. We offer free personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support by phone and email 7 days a week.
