Using CBD for Anxiety and Panic Attacks Relief: A Guide

Understanding CBD and Panic Attacks: Relief and Considerations

A panic attack is an excellent example of the physical stress that anxiety may cause. Your chest tightens up, your breathing becomes shallower, and your heart starts to race. It’s a mind-body fight. Your rational mind understands that you’re secure and not in danger, but you can’t help feeling like you’re surely dying as your body insists that this one is even worse than the last. Anti-anxiety medicines that aren’t limited by adverse effects are desperately needed. With ongoing studies, researchers are uncovering the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids. Does CBD help anxiety and panic attacks? Or can CBD cause anxiety? In this article, we’ll explain how CBD works to halt panic attacks and ease anxiety.

How to Use CBD for Anxiety, but First, What Exactly is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden onset of great terror that is accompanied by a slew of terrifying bodily symptoms that lasts anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Panic disorder is defined as a condition in which a person has frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic disorder is often associated with phobias. A phobia is an irrational fear of something—usually an object, a scenario, or a location. Although panic attacks can happen without warning and for no apparent reason, a phobia can produce severe sensations of terror, which can lead to a panic attack.

Everyone experiences panic attacks differently. There is a vast list of unpleasant bodily symptoms, with the following being the most common:

• Palpitations of the heart
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling dizzy and off balance
• Pain and tightness in the chest
• Body trembling or shaking
• Sweating or experiencing chills

A panic attack can mirror the symptoms of a life-threatening emergency, even if your body isn’t in danger. Many people describe panic attacks as feeling like they’re about to die. Understandably, this is a very unpleasant event. It can set off a self-fulfilling loop of fearing your next panic attack, exacerbating your anxiety on a daily basis. For more detailed information on anxiety, panic attacks, and panic disorder, including possible causes, click here.

• A panic attack is a sudden onset of intense fear accompanied by frightening physical symptoms, lasting 5-20 minutes.
• Panic disorder involves frequent and unexpected panic attacks, often associated with phobias (irrational fears of objects, situations, or locations).
• Panic attacks can occur without warning and for no apparent reason, while phobias can trigger intense feelings of fear leading to panic attacks.
• Common physical symptoms of panic attacks include heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest pain, trembling, and sweating or chills.
• Panic attacks can mimic life-threatening emergencies, causing a feeling of impending doom, and can create a self-fulfilling loop of anxiety about future attacks.

Using CBD Oil for Anxiety and Panic Attacks: What does the Research Say?

The connection between CBD and anxiety is still being studied. The majority of studies on CBD’s use in anxiety are still in the early stages. In 2017, Current Neuropharmacology released a review of the data on CBD’s effects on panic behavior. Using CBD for anxiety appears to be a beneficial treatment for panic disorder based on existing research, however human clinical trials are urgently needed.

Small electric shocks were used to teach 48 people to link fear with a colored box in one human study. Extinction learning, or the slow decline in responsiveness to a conditioned stimuli, was shown to be increased by 32 mg of CBD, according to researchers. In other words, CBD helped humans lessen conditioned fear reactions, implying that it could aid in the unlearning of phobias and panic triggers.

CBD’s effect on the brain has also been studied by scientists. Researchers examined how blood oxygen levels changed after a 600 mg dosage of CBD using a neuroimaging method known as fMRI. The amount of oxygen used by a brain region correlates with its activity. The more active a brain region is, the more oxygen it consumes. To elicit a modest panic reaction, participants were given photos of scared faces. CBD users showed a significant reduction in activity in the amygdala, a brain area. These findings show that CBD may be able to lessen our neurological panic response because the amygdala is crucial for signaling fear.

There’s also a lot of evidence on CBD and anxiety, specifically how it can help with social anxiety disorder. Reduced social anxiety symptoms may aid in the prevention of panic attacks brought on by social phobia.

• The relationship between CBD and anxiety is still under investigation, with most studies on CBD’s use for anxiety in the early stages.
• A 2017 review in Current Neuropharmacology suggests that CBD may be a beneficial treatment for panic disorder based on existing research, but human clinical trials are needed.
• One human study found that 32 mg of CBD increased extinction learning, helping participants reduce conditioned fear responses and potentially aiding in unlearning phobias and panic triggers.
• fMRI neuroimaging studies have shown that CBD can reduce activity in the amygdala, a brain region crucial for signaling fear, suggesting it may lessen neurological panic responses.
• Evidence also supports CBD’s potential in treating social anxiety disorder, which could help prevent panic attacks triggered by social phobia.

What Form is the Best CBD for Anxiety?

When it comes to utilizing CBD for anxiety and panic attacks, there are numerous product varieties to choose from. CBD is available in tinctures, pills, edibles, vapes, topicals, concentrates, and many other products. This section discusses the most common ways people are using CBD to combat panic attacks.

CBD Oil for Anxiety (Tinctures)

CBD oil drops are by far the most popular product on the market right now. CBD is delivered sublingually in this form, which means the user must slip the necessary quantity beneath the tongue, hold it there for 60 seconds, and then swallow it. CBD will enter your bloodstream through the tiny blood arteries in your mouth, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism. The benefits of using CBD oil for anxiety are that effects are noticeable approximately 15–30 minutes after ingestion and persist on average 4-6 hours. If you’re anticipating a panic attack and want to prevent it by soothing your nervous system, using CBD oil is a wonderful option.

• CBD oil drops, also known as tinctures, are the most popular CBD product on the market.
• Tinctures are administered sublingually, meaning the user places the desired amount under the tongue, holds it for 60 seconds, and then swallows.
• CBD enters the bloodstream through tiny blood vessels in the mouth, bypassing the liver’s first-pass metabolism.
• The effects of CBD oil for anxiety are noticeable within 15-30 minutes of consumption and typically last 4-6 hours.
• If you anticipate a panic attack and want to prevent it by calming your nervous system, CBD oil is a great choice.

CBD Capsules or Edibles

Oral administration is used for capsules and consumables (for example, candy). Before being released into the bloodstream, they must travel through the digestive system. As a result, the effects of capsules and edibles may take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to take effect. The effects, on the other hand, linger longer because of the slow release of CBD. Depending on your metabolism and the dosage of your capsules/gummies, anxiety relief may last 8–10 hours.

• Capsules and edibles, such as gummies, are taken orally and must pass through the digestive system before being released into the bloodstream.
• The effects of CBD capsules and edibles may take 30-90 minutes to kick in due to the digestive process.
• However, the effects of capsules and edibles last longer due to the slow release of CBD into the system.
• Depending on individual metabolism and dosage, anxiety relief from CBD capsules or edibles can last 8-10 hours.
• While the onset of effects is slower than other methods, capsules and edibles provide long-lasting relief for those with persistent anxiety symptoms.

CBD Vapes

The most efficient approach to dosing CBD is to utilize a vape pen filled with CBD juice. The user can vaporize CBD vape oil by heating it to the point where it generates CBD-rich vapor. This vapor is inhaled into the lungs, where it enters into the bloodstream via lung tissue. The fastest results are obtained by vaping CBD oil for anxiety. Effects typically appear 5–10 minutes after inhalation. CBD vapes also deliver the largest levels of CBD to your system, with 56 percent of the inhaled substance making its way into your bloodstream. The major drawback to CBD vape pens is their brief duration. Anxiety and stress reduction usually lasts 3–4 hours with this method.

• Vaping CBD is the most efficient method of dosing, using a vape pen filled with CBD juice.
• CBD vape oil is heated to the point of vaporization, creating a CBD-rich vapor that is inhaled into the lungs and enters the bloodstream through lung tissue.
• Vaping CBD oil for anxiety provides the fastest results, with effects typically appearing within 5-10 minutes of inhalation.
• CBD vapes also deliver the highest levels of CBD to the system, with 56% of the inhaled substance reaching the bloodstream.
• The main drawback of CBD vape pens is their short duration, with anxiety and stress reduction lasting only 3-4 hours on average.

Nano CBD Beverages

Relatively new to the CBD and anxiety world is nano emulsified CBD. When consuming a nano-infused beverage, users begin to experience the benefits of CBD almost instantaneously. Due to the incredibly small size, CBD is immediately absorbed into the mouth and stomach, bypassing any need for digestion time. Not only are effects felt faster, most of the CBD is absorbed rather than wasted. Nano CBD for anxiety is the most bioavailable form of CBD known to date! If you’re not familiar with nano CBD yet, check out this wonderful article.

• Nano emulsified CBD is a relatively new addition to the CBD and anxiety world.
• When consuming a nano-infused CBD beverage, users begin to experience the benefits almost instantly.
• The incredibly small size of nano CBD particles allows for immediate absorption in the mouth and stomach, eliminating the need for digestion time.
• Not only are the effects of nano CBD felt faster, but most of the CBD is absorbed rather than wasted.
• Nano CBD is currently the most bioavailable form of CBD for anxiety relief, making it an attractive option for those seeking rapid relief.

What is the Best CBD for Anxiety Overall?

When you’re experiencing a panic attack, relief can’t come fast enough. The recommended form of CBD for anxiety and panic attacks is either a nano CBD-infused beverage or a CBD vape product. This is due to their ability to provide all the calming effects of CBD almost immediately. For the highest quality CBD oil on the market today, you’ll need to check out BIRCH+FOG’s online store. With third-party verifications on each and every product, you can feel confident that you’re receiving effective products that are pure and potent.

• When experiencing a panic attack, fast relief is essential, making nano CBD-infused beverages or CBD vape products the recommended forms of CBD for anxiety and panic attacks.
• Both nano CBD beverages and CBD vapes provide the calming effects of CBD almost immediately, making them ideal for acute anxiety symptoms.
• BIRCH+FOG’s online store offers the highest quality CBD oil on the market, with third-party verifications for each product.
• Customers can feel confident in the purity and potency of BIRCH+FOG’s CBD products, ensuring they receive effective relief for their anxiety symptoms.
• By choosing the right form of CBD and sourcing products from reputable retailers like BIRCH+FOG, individuals can find the best CBD for anxiety and panic attacks tailored to their needs.

The Potential of CBD as a Natural Alternative for Anxiety Management

As more research is conducted on the relationship between CBD and anxiety, the potential for CBD to serve as a natural alternative for anxiety management continues to grow. With fewer side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications, CBD offers a promising option for those seeking relief without the risk of dependence or adverse reactions.

• Ongoing research on the relationship between CBD and anxiety highlights the potential for CBD to serve as a natural alternative for anxiety management.
• CBD has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to traditional anti-anxiety medications, making it an appealing option for those seeking relief.
• The natural properties of CBD may help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or adverse reactions associated with some pharmaceutical treatments.
• As more evidence emerges supporting the anxiolytic effects of CBD, it may become a more widely accepted and accessible option for anxiety management.
• The potential of CBD as a natural alternative for anxiety relief underscores the importance of continued research and the development of high-quality, regulated CBD products.

Considerations and Precautions When Using CBD for Anxiety

While CBD shows promise as a natural remedy for anxiety and panic attacks, it’s essential to consider potential precautions and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your anxiety management plan. Some key considerations include:

• Drug interactions: CBD may interact with certain medications, including those processed by the liver, so it’s crucial to discuss potential interactions with your doctor.
• Dosage: Finding the right CBD dosage for your specific needs may require some trial and error, and it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.
• Product quality: Ensure you purchase CBD products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing results to verify purity and potency.
• Legal status: While CBD is legal in many regions, it’s essential to check your local laws and regulations regarding CBD possession and use.
• Individual response: Keep in mind that everyone’s response to CBD may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to monitor your own reactions and adjust accordingly.

By taking these precautions and working closely with a healthcare professional, you can safely explore the potential benefits of CBD for managing anxiety and panic attacks.

The Future of CBD Research and Its Implications for Anxiety Treatment

As the interest in CBD as a natural remedy for anxiety grows, so does the need for continued research to better understand its mechanisms of action, optimal dosing, and long-term effects. Future studies may focus on:

• Clinical trials: More human clinical trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of CBD for various anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Comparative studies: Researchers may investigate how CBD compares to traditional anti-anxiety medications in terms of effectiveness, side effects, and patient preference.
• Long-term effects: Studies examining the long-term use of CBD for anxiety management can provide valuable insights into its sustainability as a treatment option.
• Personalized medicine: As our understanding of the endocannabinoid system and individual responses to CBD grows, researchers may explore ways to tailor CBD treatments to specific anxiety subtypes or patient profiles.
• Combination therapies: Investigations into the potential synergistic effects of CBD with other natural remedies or therapeutic approaches may lead to the development of more comprehensive anxiety management strategies.

By advancing our knowledge of CBD’s anxiolytic properties through rigorous scientific inquiry, we can unlock its full potential as a natural, effective, and accessible option for those struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.