Methotrexate and Cbd

[Fergie432]

Methotrexate and Cbd- is anyone on Methotrexate taking Cbd? Any side effects? Did you ask Dr or rheumatoid nurse if ok? Thanks.

[medway-lady]

I asked for about an ointment as had Shingles last year and was in agony. Was told you can't rub in enough to hurt you but don't swallow it. It did nothing at all except cost a fortune. I'm sure others will come along with more info.

[Hidden]

Not taken it alongside mtx, but I took it out of desperation whilst still undiagnosed. Absolutely zero effect other than to make me feel far too chilled out (the bit I really didn’t like about cannabis when I was a bit of a naughty boy in my late teens) and leave me financially struggling for the duration due to the cost of a reputable product at therapeutic doses for my size. Knowing it was expensive, I saved up for months ahead of trying it, but still found it somewhat financially prohibitive at around £20 for 4 days and taking it for a month. According to all the naturopaths and homeopaths that swear by it, you need to build up to a decent, size-dependent dose and take it for a couple of weeks at ‘full strength’ before really being able to assess if it’s working for you.

I would strongly advise you to speak to a doctor involved in your care before going ahead, as although it’s not a problem for many people, it is contraindicated with some meds as it can alter how they’re absorbed. It also has an impact on the liver due to the way it’s processed, and most RD meds are extremely heavy in that regard, too, so there is a potential compound risk element depending on your medication and personal medical history. I spoke to my GP ahead of trying it, and although he wouldn’t give his blessing due to the lack of research, he was at least able to tell me it shouldn’t do me any harm at the time. Having researched it quite extensively, I wouldn’t try it now as a result of my arthritis meds and that the research increasingly shows that the presence of other cannabidinoids (such as the bits that get you high and are not legally allowed in U.K. cbd products) are required for effective relief of systemic pain. CBD on its own seems to have limited effectiveness for anything more than ‘normal’ msk pain that can be aided by its relaxant properties.

[Fergie432 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your info, think I’ll forget the idea of trying cbd, sounds too risky along with Methotrexate.

[nomoreheels]

My thoughts are, in common with any other ‘natural' remedies, is to always check with your prescriber before considering, be that your GP (for non Rheumatoid meds) or your Rheumy. We just don't know for sure how they may interact, or as Charlie_G has said, how it's processed or metabolised & the possible extra stress on the liver.

[lily2003]

I have a CBD cream I sometimes use on non-RA aches (osteo or sore feet from too much walking, etc) and I have some CBD drops I used last week for a toothache. I discussed it with my first rheumy and told him I was aware that the positive effects might just be placebo. He agreed and also agreed there isn't much known, though he felt my occasional use was a problem.

Your post reminds me that I don't think I've ever mentioned the CBD to my "new" (since Jan) rheumy. I probably should at our next appointment.

[Fergie432]

Thank you👍