This is a white paper that will discuss CBD and epilepsy, and some of the current studies.
CBD Becoming Mainstream
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures that vary in intensity. Such episodes may cause your arms and legs to twitch violently in some cases. Epileptic seizures can interfere with your routine activities and can make life challenging in many ways. Moreover, these episodes can endanger your life when they occur while you are driving, swimming, cycling, or operating other machines.
There isn’t an established factor that causes Epilepsy but rather multiple conditions that affect the brain. Moreover, Epilepsy can come about from certain genes that change the brain structure and activate seizures. The condition is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, affecting at least 50 million individuals.
Can you treat Epilepsy?
Fortunately, Epilepsy is not a death sentence. You can control the condition and lead your life without the fear of disruptive seizures. Doctors frequently prescribe over-the-counter drugs and diet changes to help you manage seizures. In recent times, CBD-based drugs have proven to be beneficial interventions against Epilepsy.
The Role of CBD in Healthcare
There has been recent emerging evidence pointing to the medical potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in treating multiple conditions. Traditional cannabis has, for a long time, been associated with degeneracy, especially during the hippy movement in the 60s and early 70s. At the time, very few people considered the plant to bear any medicinal properties.
Nevertheless, the federal government relaxed anti-cannabis laws via the 2018 Farm Bill. This move allowed people to exploit the medical properties of hemp-derived CBD. Some common conditions that CBD can help with include nausea, migraines, sleep disorders, anxiety, and chronic pain.
CBD and Epilepsy
Ancient Chinese civilizations had discovered the medicinal properties of CBD long before it became mainstream. The healers exploited the herb’s anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and analgesic properties. Today, scientists can better understand the properties of cannabis and exploit its compounds to treat neurological conditions like Epilepsy.
Current Studies
In a recent John Hopkins study, researchers sought to investigate the impact of artisanal CBD products on people with Epilepsy. The study considered how it affected the quality of life of epileptic patients, including their states of anxiety, depression, and sleep.
The results of the John Hopkins study indicated a positive impact of CBD on people with Epilepsy. The patients who used CBD experienced better sleep and had reduced bouts of anxiety and depression. Moreover, these patients could better tolerate the side effects of anti-seizure medicines, such as nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
The use of CBD against Epilepsy is not a recent phenomenon, as the FDA-approved Epidiolex® is currently employed to treat unique seizure disorders. The drug is currently used against Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Generally, the use of Epidiolex resulted in reduced seizure frequency among patients.
CBD also has a positive impact on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). One study indicates a positive interaction between CBD and the AED, clobazam. The respondents being treated for refractory Epilepsy reported a reduced seizure frequency when clobazam was used alongside CBD.
Other roles of CBD with respect to Epilepsy are tied to its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors. In one instance, CBD reduces the excitability of neurons in the endocannabinoid system. The regulation of neurotransmitter release appears to control neuronal excitability. Additionally, it regulates adenosine which has a role in seizure termination.
How to Use CBD
You should consult a qualified neurologist if you have Epilepsy and suffer frequent seizures. Generally, CBD oil is safe for use against most ailments since it has low THC levels. However, it has been shown to interact positively with clobazam and other epilepsy medicines. You should be wary of drug-drug interactions that might result in negative side effects and hamper your recovery. Because of this risk, you are better off having a medical professional guide your use of CBD oil.
Epidiolex® is one of the most common CBD-based AEDs available stateside. The drug is normally used against seizures tied to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Naturally, you shouldn’t use the medicine if you are allergic to CBD or any ingredients used.
Side Effects
Some of the frequent side effects associated with using CBD for seizures stem from its interaction with other epilepsy drugs. The most common effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. In extreme cases, you run the risk of liver damage.
With the widespread legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, there is an increase in the supply of CBD-based products. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to buy a product that’s been incorrectly tested or has toxic impurities. To avoid toxic products, you must carefully select CBD products and only consider CBD oil that has undergone third-party testing.
Since CBD interacts with various epilepsy drugs, you must seek a medical professional’s advice before employing CBD oil for your seizures. Additionally, a qualified medic will give a correct dose and adjust the same depending on your recovery.
Final Thoughts
One factor that affects the medical use of cannabis is that federal law still considers it a Schedule 1 drug. This issue restricts additional research into the properties of the plant, the associated risks, and the benefits when used to treat various chronic conditions. Additional research into the beneficial compounds found in cannabis will hopefully change the tide in favor of CBD legislation and result in increased industry growth. The Cannabidiol market is projected to grow by 16.8% per annum through 2030 according to Grandview research.
Notable drugs like Epidiolex® are currently setting the standard for epilepsy medication. This drug undergoes third-party testing, has a consistent dose and is FDA-approved. Therefore, anyone looking for a similar product must watch out for similar products. Commercially available CBD products have varying levels of CBD and THC, the psychoactive substance. These products can readily cause negative side effects and even increase the frequency and intensity of seizures, as evidenced by a recent study.
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