Drug & supplement interaction

Cannabidiol (cbd) + Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine brand names: Prozac, Sarafem.

Moderate Interaction
The bottom line Moderate

Fluoxetine falls into 5 drug categories that Cannabidiol (cbd) can interact with; the most serious is rated moderate. Theoretically, cannabidiol might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Read the full interaction report
SeverityModerate
LikelihoodPossible
Interactions5
EvidenceD
What do Severity, Likelihood & Evidence mean?
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Interaction report

Cannabidiol (cbd) and Fluoxetine

These two interact in 5 distinct ways. Each one is explained separately below.

Why Are There 5 Interactions?

Cannabidiol (cbd) interacts with whole categories of medication. Fluoxetine falls into 5 of those categories, so it can interact with Cannabidiol (cbd) in 5 different ways. We’ve listed each one below — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them (Moderate).

Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES

1 of 5

Why this applies to Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) SUBSTRATES — the group Cannabidiol (cbd) interacts with.

Theoretically, cannabidiol might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that cannabidiol inhibits CYP2D6. Theoretically, concomitant use of cannabidiol with CYP2D6 substrates might increase the risk for adverse effects from these substrates. However, a clinical crossover trial in healthy adults shows that cannabidiol does not inhibit dextromethorphan, a substrate of CYP2D6.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the short version: your body uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to help clear fluoxetine (Prozac). In lab dish studies, CBD can slow that enzyme down a bit. The theory is that if CBD blocks CYP2D6, fluoxetine could build up slightly, which might mean more of its usual side effects, like nausea, jitteriness, trouble sleeping, headache, or a dry mouth.

I want to keep this in perspective, though. This is theoretical, coming from test-tube work, and a real human study using another CYP2D6 drug showed CBD did not actually slow it down. So the real-world risk looks low. Still, since fluoxetine is a mood medication, it's worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before adding CBD, especially concentrated supplement doses.

References
  1. Yamaori S, Okamoto Y, Yamamoto I, Watanabe K. Cannabidiol, a major phytocannabinoid, as a potent atypical inhibitor for CYP2D6. Drug Metab Dispos 2011;39(11):2049-56. PubMed
  2. Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. Cannabinoid Metabolites as Inhibitors of Major Hepatic CYP450 Enzymes, with Implications for Cannabis-Drug Interactions. Drug Metab Dispos 2021;49(12):1070-1080. PubMed
  3. Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) INHIBITORS

2 of 5

Fluoxetine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) INHIBITORS.

Theoretically, CYP2C19 inhibitors might increase cannabidiol levels.
Cannabidiol is a substrate of CYP2C19 enzymes. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes might increase levels of cannabidiol, increasing its effects and adverse effects.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist for this pairing: it's actually the CBD that may build up, not your fluoxetine. Fluoxetine (Prozac) blocks an enzyme called CYP2C19, and your body uses that same enzyme to help clear CBD. When fluoxetine slows that pathway down, CBD can hang around longer and its effects, both good and bad, may get stronger.

In practice that might mean more drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, or changes in appetite from the CBD side. I'll be honest though: this is a theoretical concern based on how these compounds are processed, not something proven in studies, so don't panic. It's still worth a quick chat with your pharmacist or doctor before adding a CBD product, especially a concentrated one, so they can keep an eye on how you feel.

References
  1. Epidiolex (cannabidiol) prescribing information. Greenwich Biosciences, Inc., Carlsbad, CA, 2019. Available at: https://www.epidiolex.com/sites/default/files/EPIDIOLEX_Full_Prescribing_Information.pdf (accessed 5/9/2019)
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS

3 of 5

Fluoxetine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) INHIBITORS.

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase cannabidiol levels.
Cannabidiol is a substrate of CYP3A4 enzymes. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of cannabidiol, increasing its effects and adverse effects.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the interesting twist with this pair: in this case it's actually the CBD that may build up, not the fluoxetine. Your liver uses an enzyme called CYP3A4 to help break down CBD, and fluoxetine (Prozac) can slow that enzyme down. So if you take both, your body may clear CBD a little more slowly, which could leave more of it floating around and make its effects, and side effects like drowsiness, lightheadedness, or stomach upset, feel stronger.

I want to be honest that this is a theoretical concern, based on how these compounds work rather than solid real-world studies, so it's not a reason to panic. Still, CBD product strengths vary a lot. Before combining them, check in with your pharmacist or doctor so they can look at your full picture.

References
  1. Product information for Marinol. AbbVie. North Chicago, IL 60064. August 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf.
Moderate

CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES

4 of 5

Fluoxetine also falls under CYTOCHROME P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) SUBSTRATES.

Cannabidiol may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.
In vitro and animal research shows that cannabidiol inhibits CYP2C9. In human studies, cannabidiol has been associated with an increase in plasma levels of topiramate and losartan, CYP2C9 substrates. Concomitant use of cannabidiol with CYP2C9 substrates may increase the risk for adverse effects from these substrates.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Probable Evidence A

Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the situation with CBD and your fluoxetine (Prozac). Your liver uses several enzymes to break this antidepressant down, and one of them is called CYP2C9. CBD can slow that enzyme down, so in theory more fluoxetine stays in your system for longer. Fluoxetine is not a prodrug, so more of it in your blood usually means a stronger effect, not a weaker one.

What might that look like? Possibly more of the side effects you'd already associate with this medicine: jitteriness, trouble sleeping, nausea, headache, or feeling restless. To be fair, most of the strong human evidence here involves other CYP2C9 drugs, not fluoxetine specifically, so this is more of a caution than a sure thing. Please loop in your pharmacist or doctor before combining them.

References
  1. Harvey DJ. Absorption, distribution, and biotransformation of the cannabinoids. Marijuana and Medicine. 1999;91-103. DOI
  2. Bornheim LM, Everhart ET, Li J, Correia MA. Characterization of cannabidiol-mediated cytochrome P450 inactivation. Biochem Pharmacol 1993;45(6):1323-31. PubMed
  3. Gaston TE, Bebin EM, Cutter GR, Liu Y, Szaflarski JP; UAB CBD Program. Interactions between cannabidiol and commonly used antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsia. 2017 Sep;58(9):1586-92. PubMed
  4. Nasrin S, Watson CJW, Perez-Paramo YX, Lazarus P. Cannabinoid Metabolites as Inhibitors of Major Hepatic CYP450 Enzymes, with Implications for Cannabis-Drug Interactions. Drug Metab Dispos 2021;49(12):1070-1080. PubMed
  5. Treyer A, Reinhardt JK, Eigenmann DE, Oufir M, Hamburger M. Phytochemical comparison of medicinal cannabis extracts and study of their CYP-mediated interactions with coumarinic oral anticoagulants. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2023;6(1):21-31. PubMed
  6. Bansal S, Zamarripa CA, Spindle TR, et al. Evaluation of Cytochrome P450-Mediated Cannabinoid-Drug Interactions in Healthy Adult Participants. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023.
Moderate

FLUOXETINE (Prozac)

5 of 5
Cannabidiol might increase fluoxetine levels in certain patients.
In one case report, a 17-year-old male with autism previously stabilized on fluoxetine 20 mg daily developed insomnia, agitation, hyperactivity, yelling, and worsening symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder after taking cannabidiol 18 mg twice daily for 2 weeks. The patient was found to be a poor cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) metabolizer (CYP2D6*4/*4). Fluoxetine is primarily metabolized by CYP2D6, and to a lesser extent, by CYP2C9. Although fluoxetine levels weren't measured, it was hypothesized that the lack of CYP2D6 activity resulted in fluoxetine being metabolized solely by CYP2C9, which was subsequently inhibited by cannabidiol. This would have increased levels of fluoxetine, resulting in adverse effects. Further research is needed to confirm this complex gene-drug interaction cascade.
Severity Moderate Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports..

Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Dr. Brian Staiger explains PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist

Here's the gist: CBD can slow down some of the liver enzymes that break fluoxetine down, mainly an enzyme called CYP2C9. When that clearance slows, fluoxetine can build up a bit in your system, which may nudge its effects and side effects upward. With fluoxetine that could look like trouble sleeping, jitteriness or agitation, restlessness, nausea, or feeling more keyed up than usual.

I want to keep this in perspective, though. This is mostly theory plus one case report in a teen who had a genetic quirk that made him especially sensitive. For most people the effect is probably small. Still, CBD products vary a lot in strength. If you're thinking about combining them, loop in your pharmacist or doctor first and don't change your fluoxetine on your own.

References
  1. Anderson LL, Arnold JC, McGregor IS, Nation TR. A potential drug-gene-drug interaction between cannabidiol, CYP2D6*4, and fluoxetine: A case report. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022;42(4):422-424. PubMed

What These Ratings Mean

Every interaction above is graded three ways — here’s the key to each label.

Severity how clinically significant the interaction is
Major

Clinically significant. Avoid the combination, or use only under close professional supervision.

Moderate

Usually worth avoiding or managing — may need monitoring, a dose change, or timing apart.

Minor

Generally not serious. Be aware of it and mention it to your pharmacist.

Likelihood how strong the evidence is that the interaction actually happens in people
  • LikelyWell-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction.
  • ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists.
  • UnlikelyInteraction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Evidence the quality of the studies behind the rating (graded A–D)
  • AHigh-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review).
  • BCase-control study.
  • CConsensus.
  • DAnecdotal evidence.

These ratings are for information only. Never start, stop, or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.

Keep it in perspective

Cannabidiol (cbd) Also Interacts With Other Medications

Cannabidiol (cbd) has 1,050 moderate known drug interactions in our database — the Fluoxetine one above is among them. If you take anything else, check it against the full list below.

Taking anything else?

Check Another of Your Medications Against Cannabidiol (cbd)

Covers the 2,830 medications we’ve checked against Cannabidiol (cbd). Pick one to open its full report.

From our Q&A

Questions About Cannabidiol (cbd) or Fluoxetine

These are real questions from readers, answered by the pharmacists at HelloPharmacist — written by a person, not generated from a database. Each one covers Cannabidiol (cbd) or Fluoxetine, not necessarily both, but if one is close to what you were about to ask it will usually go further than a database entry can:

Not quite your question? Ask our pharmacists directly — it is free, there is no account required, and answers usually come back within 24 hours.

Everything else you take

See Every Supplement That Interacts With Fluoxetine

This page covers Cannabidiol (cbd) only. If you take other supplements — a multivitamin, a sleep aid, something for joints — the Fluoxetine page lists 163 supplements it has a documented interaction with, worst first, each one explained.

The most serious there right now: Activated Charcoal (major), American Hellebore (major), Arsenic (major), Cesium (major) and Ephedra (major).

By severity: 8 major · 127 moderate · 28 minor.

From our pharmacist’s overview on the Fluoxetine page

“Grapefruit is the surprise at the top of fluoxetine's (Prozac) supplement list. In large amounts it can stretch the QT interval, the electrical pause between heartbeats, and fluoxetine, a widely prescribed antidepressant, can do the same, raising the odds of a dangerous rhythm.”

Reviewed by 2 · Jul 18, 2026

Open the Fluoxetine interaction page

How much people look this up

Where Cannabidiol (cbd) and Fluoxetine Sit Against Everything Else

Out of every supplement and medication people look up on HelloPharmacist, here is where these two land this week — and which way each has been moving.

Supplement Cannabidiol (cbd)
Top half

#557 of 1,452 supplements looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today
Medication Fluoxetine
Top 5%

#45 of 2,830 medications looked up here in the last 7 days

29 days ago today

Position among everything looked up on this site, not a measure of how commonly either one is used or how important it is. A supplement can climb this list because of a news story. It counts every request to the page, automated ones included, and nothing here identifies anyone.

Supplement

About Cannabidiol (cbd)

What is Cannabidiol (cbd)?

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Sleep problems
  • Chronic pain
  • Certain seizure disorders
  • Inflammation

CBD is a compound from the cannabis (hemp) plant that does not cause a 'high.' It has strong evidence only for certain rare seizure disorders (as a prescription drug), while most other popular uses are still backed by limited or early research. Product quality varies a lot, so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using it, especially if you take other medicines.

Read the full Cannabidiol (cbd) monograph & all interactions
Medication

About Fluoxetine

What Is Fluoxetine Used For?

Brand names: Prozac, Sarafem

Fluoxetine is approved to treat four conditions: major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa (a binge-eating and purging disorder), and panic disorder — with or without agoraphobia (fear of situations that feel hard to escape).

It works for adults across all four conditions, and for children and teens with depression (ages 8–18) and OCD (ages 7–17).

See full Fluoxetine drug information
Keep checking

Other Drugs & Cannabidiol (cbd)

Browse every other medication we’ve checked against Cannabidiol (cbd) — both the ones with a known interaction and the ones without. Select any drug for the full detail.

0Major
1,050Moderate
0Minor
1,779No known interaction
Moderate

1,050 interactions

Showing 60 of 1,050 moderate interactions — see all 1,050 on the Cannabidiol (cbd) page.

No interaction 1,779 drugs checked — show the list
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Interaction details are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database. The medication overview comes from MedlinePlus.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Keep exploring
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Taking Cannabidiol (cbd) and Fluoxetine Together: Common Questions

Can you take Cannabidiol (cbd) with Fluoxetine?
There is a moderate interaction, so it may be acceptable with monitoring or timing changes — but check with your pharmacist first. Read the full details on this page and confirm with your pharmacist before combining them.
Why are there 5 interactions listed for Cannabidiol (cbd) and Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine belongs to more than one drug category, and Cannabidiol (cbd) interacts with each of those categories a little differently. We list every one so nothing is missed — your overall risk is driven by the most serious of them.
How serious is the Cannabidiol (cbd) and Fluoxetine interaction?
We rate it Moderate. This combination may require monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one. Consult your pharmacist before using them together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Still Have a Question About Fluoxetine and Cannabidiol (cbd)?

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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.