While not everyone with epilepsy should or would consider medical cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) as a treatment option, some people living with uncontrolled seizures have reported beneficial effects and reduced seizure activity when using medical cannabis, especially rich strains in CBD. There is evidence that Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD oil, could reduce symptoms of epilepsy in people with certain syndromes. Among the many active ingredients found in the cannabis plant, THC is the most researched for its many actions, including its psychoactive effects and the risks associated with overdose and abuse. THC shows some anticonvulsant effects in certain models of seizures, but studies have also been conducted that suggest a proconvulsive effect, 14,37 Although it is plausible that THC may contribute to the anticonvulsant activity reported by medical marijuana and other cannabis preparations, it is psychotropic adverse properties37 and The inconsistent activity in seizure models makes it not developmentally desirable for the treatment of epilepsy, 38 Therefore, most research efforts on cannabinoids in epilepsy have focused on the characterization of non-psychoactive agents, particularly CBD and cannabidivarin ( CBDV), and the present review will focus especially on these compounds.
Compared to THC, CBD shows a better defined anticonvulsant profile in animal models considered predictive of efficacy against focal and generalized seizures. While Epidiolex (and other CBD oils) may relieve seizures to some extent, it should always be taken with caution and under the guidance of a medical professional. This makes it impossible to know what dose you would take, if the product is contaminated with impurities, or if it is even CBD. A list of reported objectives and actions for CBD based on the results of studies in different models and experimental systems24—36.If you want to explore the use of CBD to treat seizures, talk to your doctor about adding Epidolex, an FDA-regulated product that eliminates the specific risks posed by an over-the-counter product, to your treatment plan.
Evidence on the potential anticonvulsant efficacy of cannabinoids reached a tipping point in the past 12 months, with the completion of three high-quality, placebo-controlled complementary therapy trials of a purified CBD product in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. A study published in CNS Drugs points out that, for 4 years, CBD was effective in approximately 27% of children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. So, as with any antiepileptic medication, you'll want your CBD intake monitored by a professional. Accredited manufacturers will offer third-party laboratory tests that detail the quantities of compounds, such as CBD, in each bottle.
Compared to placebo, CBD treatment was associated with a higher average percentage reduction in seizures per monthly gout (44% compared to. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidolex, a Schedule V drug containing CBD. Nabiximoles, an oromucosal aerosol formulation containing approximately equal amounts of THC and CBD, have been commercially available in several countries for several years and have a relatively extensive safety record. Different varieties of cannabis have been created to maximize the THC content or, conversely, to reduce the THC content and increase the concentration of CBD and other non-psychoactive ingredients.
The FDA has approved a brand of CBD oil, Epidiolex, for the treatment of people with Lennox Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. .
