CBD For Epilepsy
Usually, when it comes to any article about the possible health benefits of CBD, we have to put a disclaimer (understandably) at the top of the page to state that research is still being carried out, and nothing is yet known for sure. However, when it comes to CBD for epilepsy, the situation is different.
That is because research into CBD and epilepsy has been considerably more thorough, and has seen very positive outcomes, to the extent that there exists a CBD based epilepsy medication that has FDA approval, the first (and so far, only) time that has happened.
The Research
Research into the relationship of CBD and epilepsy, specifically when it comes to seizures, has been going on for a long time now, but the first real step forward came back in 2012, when a study showed anti-convulsant effects in animals.
Following on from this study, there have been many in the last few years that have continued this into human trials.
This 2017 multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial (in simple terms, it was a properly thorough trial) showed a significant drop in seizures amongst those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
A similarly thorough trial in 2018 saw similar effects on Dravet syndrome and a 2019 animal study showed evidence of CBD helping with a wider array of epileptic conditions.
Epidiolex CBD For Epilepsy
The first FDA approved medication for epilepsy, Epidiolex, has been making waves across the world as of late, with many studies also being carried out into the effects of the medication, which is mainly prescribed for children who suffer from epileptic seizures.
Following on from the USA’s lead, the UK also legalised the use of medical cannabis, specifically CBD and THC, for the treatment of seizures in late 2018.
While legal, obtaining CBD on prescription is still far from easy.
Why Use CBD For Epilepsy?
Full disclosure, you will get a more detailed account of how CBD helps with seizures and other symptoms of epilepsy from the studies linked to above.
However, if you want a simpler approach (which is lucky for us, because that’s what you’re going to get!) then we shall have a go.
CBD is a phytocannabinoid, meaning that it is a cannabinoid that is derived from plants. There are also endocannabinoids, which occur naturally in the human body.
The fact that the human body contains cannabinoids is something many don’t realise, but the endocannabinoid system is one of the most important we have.
Occurring in animals as well as humans, the endocannabinoid system is partially responsible for the control of numerous functions including fertility, mood, and pain.
Imbalances in the system can lead to various issues, and seizures are also caused in part by the CB receptors in the brain.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and this is how it can help with seizures.
Okay, so this is a very, very simple way to explain it, but this is one of the very rare times that science states, in no uncertain terms, that CBD definitely helps a medical condition, so we’re going to let science handle the science bit here!
Is it Only Epidiolex that Helps Epilepsy?
While Epidiolex is the only officially prescribed CBD based medication that helps with seizures, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence from epilepsy sufferers that states that CBD oils and other products have helped to reduce seizures.
If this is something you want to try, it is vital that you speak to your medical practitioner first, especially if you are on any other medication.
CBD has been shown to react with some forms of medication, increasing or decreasing the effects of the medications (neither of which is good!).
So, before you test out the effects of CBD on seizures in yourself, be sure to talk to a medical professional and get their advice on it.
If you get the green light, then come back and speak to us, and we’ll be happy to advise you on the best products to try out.
The base advice we always have is this if you are starting to use CBD, start slow. Begin with a low strength product and see how you get on with it.
If you then decide that you could do with higher strength, then step up very slowly, and when you reach the right level for you, stop.
CBD tolerance has not been shown to build up over time, so when you find the right product for you, you should be able to stick with it going forward.
The research into CBD and epilepsy is intriguing and is ongoing, but it’s impossible to know if we will see more approved medications using CBD in the future. Obviously as soon as there’s any news, we’ll let you know!
Do you treat seizures with CBD? Please share your story with us in the comment section below for the chance at a 10% lifetime discount on all our products.
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Disclaimer:
The products we sell do not have proven health benefits. While research is being carried out, these products are not, and should not, be considered to be medical products.
Any information we give in these articles is taken from scientific research, but should not be considered as a statement of fact. Links and information included in these articles do not reflect the opinion of Plant & Hemp. Any link to scientific studies is for information only, and not intended as a proof of any specific fact, or to validate any specific opinion.
We are simply bringing you the information needed to make an informed decision on what you want to use CBD for, and what you are comfortable using our products for.
CBD products should not be used as a replacement for any prescribed medication, under UK and International Law.