Drug interactions
Cannabidiol + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Cannabidiol and Olanzapine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Olanzapine is metabolized partly by CYP1A2 and cannabidiol may modulate this enzyme, with both inhibition and induction described. Olanzapine levels could therefore change unpredictably. Both drugs also cause sedation, so additive drowsiness is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cannabidiol and Olanzapine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Cannabidiol belongs to Central Nervous System; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Cannabidiol may inhibit or induce CYP1A2, altering olanzapine clearance, plus additive CNS depression.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, and for changes in olanzapine effect or tolerability after starting or stopping cannabidiol. Adjust the olanzapine dose according to clinical response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Olanzapine
Other interactions of Cannabidiol
- Cannabidiol + Phenytoin Major
- Cannabidiol + Sodium valproate Major
- Cannabidiol + Tacrolimus Major
- Abiraterone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Cannabidiol Moderate
- Amiodarone + Cannabidiol Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cannabidiol with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cannabidiol and Olanzapine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Olanzapine is metabolized partly by CYP1A2 and cannabidiol may modulate this enzyme, with both inhibition and induction described. Olanzapine levels could therefore change unpredictably. Both drugs also cause sedation, so additive drowsiness is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Cannabidiol and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation, and for changes in olanzapine effect or tolerability after starting or stopping cannabidiol. Adjust the olanzapine dose according to clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Olanzapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Olanzapine with, for example, Amisulpride, Amoxapine, Apomorphine. The full list is on the Olanzapine page.
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