Feeling your heart “flutter”, “skip”, or beat faster after taking CBD can be scary — especially if you were taking it to feel calmer. The good news is that in many cases, palpitations after CBD are explainable and fixable.
This guide covers the most common reasons CBD may seem to trigger palpitations, what to do in the moment, and how to avoid it in future. (This is educational info — not medical advice.)
Why heart palpitations can happen after CBD
Palpitations are a symptom, not a diagnosis. They can be caused by stress, caffeine, sleep loss, dehydration, hormones, medications — and sometimes supplements. Here are the most common CBD-related reasons:
1) Your dose was too high (especially if you’re new)
CBD isn’t a “more is better” ingredient. If you jump straight into a big dose, your body can feel “off” and you may become more aware of your heartbeat. For many people, starting low reduces the chance of palpitations dramatically.
2) You were already anxious — and you started scanning your body
This is incredibly common: you take CBD, then wait to “feel something”. If you’re already anxious, you can accidentally trigger a loop: sensation → worry → adrenaline → faster heart → more worry.
3) Caffeine + CBD (or caffeine withdrawal) is a classic trigger
If you’re using CBD to smooth out an anxious day but you’re also running on coffee, palpitations may be from caffeine, not CBD. CBD may simply make you notice it more.
4) You took it on an empty stomach (or with alcohol)
Some people feel jittery taking oils on an empty stomach. Others feel odd mixing CBD with alcohol because both can affect alertness and blood pressure. If you’ve just published your CBD + alcohol blog, you’re already building topical authority here — keep linking it internally.
5) Your product contained more THC than expected
In the UK, reputable brands aim to stay compliant and transparent, but the wider market can be messy. THC is far more likely than CBD to cause racing heart in sensitive people. If you’ve ever had a “too high” feeling, you might be reacting to THC (or a mislabelled product), not CBD itself.
Is it dangerous? When you should take palpitations seriously
Many palpitations are harmless, short-lived and linked to stress, caffeine, poor sleep or high doses. But you should treat this seriously if you have risk factors or red-flag symptoms.
Call urgent medical help if you have palpitations plus:
- Chest pain, pressure, or pain spreading to jaw/arm
- Fainting, severe dizziness, or shortness of breath
- A known heart condition or history of arrhythmia
- New palpitations that are persistent, worsening, or happening at rest
Extra caution if you:
- Take prescription medications (especially those with a grapefruit warning)
- Have high blood pressure, thyroid issues, panic disorder, or POTS
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you’re in the “medications” group, link this post to your interaction content: Grapefruit warning explained.
How to stop CBD palpitations (fast)
If you’ve taken CBD and your heart feels like it’s racing, try this simple reset protocol:
1) Stop dosing and sit down
Don’t take more. Sit somewhere comfortable and remind yourself: palpitations often pass.
2) Hydrate and eat something small
A glass of water and a small snack (especially if you haven’t eaten) can help settle the nervous system and reduce “empty stomach” effects.
3) Slow breathing (2 minutes)
Try inhale 4 seconds → exhale 6 seconds, repeat for 2 minutes. Longer exhales help shift you out of “fight or flight”.
4) Remove stimulants
Avoid caffeine, nicotine and intense exercise until you feel normal again.
5) Track the context
- How much CBD did you take?
- Did it include THC?
- Did you have caffeine/alcohol?
- Did you sleep poorly?
- Were you already anxious?
How to prevent palpitations next time (if you still want to use CBD)
Most people who fix palpitations do the following:
Start lower than you think
- New to CBD: start with a very small dose for 3–5 days
- Increase slowly: only step up if you feel stable and calm
- Avoid “mega doses”: more is not automatically better
Take it with food (especially if you’re sensitive)
Many people tolerate CBD better after a meal.
Don’t stack stimulants
If you’re using CBD for anxiety, it helps to reduce caffeine first — otherwise you’re pressing the gas and the brake at the same time.
Choose a transparent, lab-tested product
Palpitations are far more likely with products that are inconsistent or contain unexpected THC. Stick to brands that disclose ingredients clearly and publish lab results.
THC, spectrum type & mislabelled products (important)
If your palpitations felt like a “rush”, “panic spike”, or a sudden racing heart, consider the THC angle. THC is a common trigger for tachycardia in sensitive users.
That’s also why driving + workplace testing questions matter. If you haven’t already, keep building this cluster: CBD & driving in the UK (2026).
Which Evopure products make sense if you’re prone to palpitations?
If you’re sensitive, your goal is: calm support, minimal “jolt”, and consistent dosing. Here are sensible options to explore:
1) Organic CBD Oil (Broad Spectrum) – best “simple” option
If palpitations were triggered by too many variables (herbs, strong blends, big doses), a simpler formula can make it easier to find your sweet spot.
Shop Organic CBD Oil
2) CBD Capsules – best for consistent daily dosing
Capsules remove the “did I take too much?” guesswork and suit people who prefer routine. They’re slower onset than oils, but very consistent.
Shop CBD Capsules
3) Sleep CBD Oil – best if palpitations are linked to night anxiety
If your palpitations show up at night with racing thoughts, a calmer evening routine can help.
Shop Sleep CBD Oil
4) Flow CBD Oil – best for daytime stress management
If palpitations are stress-driven (busy days, caffeine, overwhelm), supporting daytime calm can reduce the “wired” baseline.
Shop Flow CBD Oil
5) Magnesium Sleep Blend – best non-CBD nervous system support
Magnesium can help many people feel less tense in the evening without the “supplement hit” some get from oils.
Shop Magnesium Sleep Blend
6) Relief CBD Oil + Relief Balm – best if tension/pain is part of the picture
If pain, inflammation, or muscle tightness is driving stress responses, a recovery-focused approach can help.
Shop Relief CBD Oil
Shop Relief Balm
Browse all CBD options: Evopure CBD oils
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD increase heart rate?
CBD is not commonly associated with a significant rise in heart rate, but some people may experience palpitations due to high doses, anxiety, stimulants (like caffeine), or products that contain THC. If it happens, reduce the dose and review your product quality.
Is it normal to feel palpitations the first time you try CBD?
It can happen, especially if you started with a high dose, took it on an empty stomach, had caffeine, or were already anxious. Starting with a smaller amount and increasing slowly often prevents this.
Can CBD cause palpitations at night?
Yes — night-time palpitations are often linked to stress, overthinking, stimulants earlier in the day, or sleep disruption. A calmer routine (and avoiding late caffeine) matters as much as the CBD you choose.
Should I stop CBD if I get heart palpitations?
If palpitations are intense, persistent, or come with chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek medical advice. If it was mild and clearly linked to dose/stimulants, you can consider trying again later with a much lower dose and a trusted product.
Can CBD interact with heart medication?
CBD may interact with some medications, especially those that carry a grapefruit warning. If you take prescription medicines, speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD.
Final thoughts: the simplest way to avoid CBD palpitations
- Start low and increase slowly
- Avoid caffeine/alcohol stacking when testing CBD
- Take with food if you’re sensitive
- Choose transparent products with consistent dosing
- If you get red-flag symptoms, get medical help
If you want the most “controlled” starting point, many sensitive people prefer a simple broad-spectrum oil or capsules, then build from there.
Explore Evopure: Organic CBD Oil · CBD Capsules · Sleep CBD Oil · Flow CBD Oil
