Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the cannabis sativa plant that has been approved by the FDA to treat certain types of seizures. Research has found evidence that CBD may improve the effect of the drug clobazam (Onfi), which is often used to treat epilepsy. In addition, some studies have shown that CBD could reduce symptoms of epilepsy in people with certain syndromes. However, it is important to note that while generally safe to use, there is always a risk of potential drug interactions.
In addition, some people experience increased seizures when they consume CBD. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before taking CBD as an anti-epileptic medication. Marijuana products alone have not been linked to seizures. However, marijuana bought on the street may be mixed with other substances with unknown seized potential.
In addition, marijuana use with other psychoactive drugs can increase the risk of seizures, such as K2, Spice, or PCP. The UPCC has received 19 reports of patients who fell ill after using CBD oil. Patients reported altered mental status, seizures, confusion, loss of consciousness, and difficulty speaking after ingesting what looked like CBD oil. 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 trials of complementary therapy of a purified CBD product in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
A reduction in seizure frequency of 50% or more was reported in 44% of patients in the CBD group and 24% of patients in the placebo group. In addition, an online survey targeted parents who used CBD-enriched cannabis products to treat their children's epilepsy. Clearance of CBD has been reported to increase after co-administration with the enzyme inducer rifampicin. In conclusion, research has found that CBD may be effective in reducing seizures in certain cases. However, it is important to consult with a professional before taking CBD as an anti-epileptic medication and monitor the frequency of seizures to determine if it is right for you.
