The benefits of CBD for epilepsy are now being widely recognized in the medical sector. This compound is even used for treating epilepsy in children. Unlike other drugs derived from marijuana, CBD products do not result in intoxicating effects, which made them an ideal option for treating epileptic seizures. Hence, this cannabinoid is now used for treating various forms of epileptic seizures in both children and adults.
CBD For Epilepsy
The benefits of CBD for treating epilepsy are even approved by the FDA. A medication called Epidiolex is now widely being used for the treatment of some rare forms of epileptic seizures that are generally difficult to control with other anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Epidiolex is a prescription medication that is specifically designed for treating epileptic seizures. This medication can be administered to children too, as it can be beneficial for treating some forms of epilepsy that commonly develop in childhood.
A Note On Epidiolex
To date, Epidiolex is the first and only cannabis-derived drug that has been approved by the FDA. Furthermore, it is the first drug that has been approved for treating Dravet syndrome – a rare and serious type of epileptic seizure. This medication can also be used for treating another form of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Both of them can appear in childhood.
As it comes in a liquid solution form, Epidiolex is easily ingestible through the mouth. It is suitable for adults and children above the age of 2. It was in the year 2018 that this medication received FDA approval. Upon its first approval, Epidiolex was treated as a controlled substance. A drug is considered a controlled substance if it is found to create dependence or if people can misuse it. Now Epidiolex is removed from the list of controlled substances, as it does not create any such adverse effects. Therefore, it became easy for people to get access to this drug.
Epidiolex can be used for treating various forms of epilepsy. Clinical trials suggest that this medication helped to control the intensity and frequency of seizures up to 20-25% in people who are suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Also, it is found to reduce the seizures by 26% in people experiencing Dravet syndrome. Therefore, Epidiolex can effectively control these epileptic seizures.
Epidiolex is a medication that is created for treating epilepsy. It has a large number of other compounds in addition to CBD. Like many other drugs, Epidiolex might also result in some side effects which vary in their intensity from mild to severe. Therefore, you have to be aware of them when using this drug for treating epilepsy, especially when giving it to children.
Some of the common side effects are fatigue, skin rash, diarrhea, malaise, feeling weak, infections, insomnia, loss of appetite, and drowsiness, etc. Apart from these common side effects, Epidiolex might result in some severe side effects. They include liver problems, severe allergic reactions, sedation, suicidal behavior or thoughts, etc. Some of the allergic reactions that can result from this drug include skin rash, flushing (redness and warmth in the skin), itchiness, angioedema (swelling under your skin, usually in the eyelids, lips, feet, or hands), trouble breathing, etc.
Sleepiness, loss of coordination, and facing trouble in thinking clearly, etc are also observed in certain patients. A majority of the aforementioned side effects will subside within a few weeks. However, some serious side effects may last longer. Therefore, you will have to seek the help of a doctor in such circumstances.
How CBD Can Help With Epileptic Seizures?
CBD can be beneficial for controlling epileptic seizures effectively. The ability of CBD to regulate the working of your brain can be responsible for controlling epileptic seizures. Seizures are formed as a result of the uncontrolled activity of the brain. CBD can regulate the behavior of your brain thereby controlling its abnormal activity. This property can help to easily control seizures.
When using CBD for seizures, you have to be aware of the fact that Epidiolex is a medication that is designed for treating epileptic seizures. No other CBD products are approved to treat epilepsy. You may not be able to derive the same benefits of Epidiolex from other CBD products. Therefore, consulting a doctor before using CBD for epilepsy and seizures is advised.
Epidiolex alone may not be able to cure epileptic seizures. It has been observed that the drug works best when consumed alongside other anti-seizure drugs. Therefore, you have to consult a doctor for finding the other anti-epileptic drugs that can be suitable for your situation. This can also help to know the dosage of Epidiolex you have to take.
Therefore, this drug derived from CBD – Epidiolex can help to control epileptic seizures. It can even control various forms of epilepsy that cannot be controlled by other anti-epileptic drugs. Hence, this compound is now creating a revolution in the treatment of epilepsy.