If you have panic disorder and feel like you need a stronger treatment than psychotherapy, the National Institute of Mental Health recommends consulting with a psychiatrist about getting a prescription for antidepressants. While these medications can be effective in treating panic disorders, you may feel uncomfortable side effects such as nausea or headaches. If you want to avoid these side effects and prefer a more natural approach, then CBD may be a treatment to check out.
Cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD, is one of the two main active ingredients found in marijuana (per Medical News Today). Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) though, CBD is not psychoactive. While you won't feel a "high" from CBD, there are several possible benefits CBD may offer that scientists are currently studying, from easing muscle inflammation to decreasing anxiety.
According to Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, current research shows that when taken in low to moderate doses, CBD can reduce feelings of anxiety and panic. There's also a pending phase three clinical trial that will be examining the effect different dosages of CBD capsules, ranging in increments from 200 mg to 800 mg, can have in treating panic disorder (PD), agoraphobia, as well as generalized and social anxiety disorders. Current Neuropharmacology conducted a brain imaging study on healthy humans taking CBD and found that CBD presented "anti-panic" effects on the parts of the brain that are typically activated during a stress response in patients with PD.
