Does CBD Help Epilepsy?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

CBD has demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizure frequency in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, particularly in those with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. While CBD-rich extracts may offer additional benefits over purified CBD, both forms are generally well-tolerated but can cause adverse effects, especially at higher doses. The exact mechanisms by which CBD exerts its anti-seizure effects remain unclear, necessitating further research. Overall, CBD represents a promising adjunctive treatment for epilepsy, warranting continued investigation and clinical trials.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, and approximately one-third of patients do not respond to conventional treatments. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has gained attention for its potential anti-seizure properties. This synthesis examines the efficacy and safety of CBD in treating epilepsy based on multiple research studies.

Key Insights

• Efficacy in Reducing Seizure Frequency
  • CBD significantly reduces seizure frequency in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, including those with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome1 5 7 8 10.
  • A 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency was observed in a substantial proportion of patients treated with CBD1 2 7 10.
• Comparison Between CBD-Rich Extracts and Purified CBD
  • CBD-rich extracts may offer better therapeutic outcomes compared to purified CBD, potentially due to the synergistic effects of other phytocompounds (Entourage effect)2.
  • Patients using CBD-rich extracts reported lower doses and fewer adverse effects compared to those using purified CBD2.
• Safety and Adverse Effects
  • Common adverse effects associated with CBD include somnolence, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and increased liver enzymes1 3 5 7 10.
  • Higher doses of CBD are associated with a greater incidence of adverse effects and treatment discontinuation1 5 7.
• Mechanisms of Action
  • The anti-seizure effects of CBD are not fully understood but may involve multiple pathways, including modulation of GPR55, TRPV1 channels, and adenosine reuptake4 5 6 9.
  • CBD does not act directly on cannabinoid receptors, differentiating it from other cannabinoids like THC1 6 9.
• Broader Applicability
  • CBD shows promise in treating a variety of epilepsy syndromes beyond Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut, including tuberous sclerosis complex and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies3 5.

Does CBD help Epilepsy?

Richard McLachlan has answered Likely

An expert from Western University in Neurology

Marijuana has been used to treat epilepsy and many other conditions since ancient times. It was commonly prescribed by doctors for treatment of seizures before the development of modern anti-seizure drugs until it was banned for political and business reasons in the early 20th century. Because it has been an illegal drug since then, scientific studies of the effect on seizures in humans have been limited until recently. These are now starting to appear as cannabis becomes legalised in more and more jurisdictions.

A small number of clinical trials have shown the beneficial effect of cannabis on reducing seizures particularly in children with rare types of epilepsy such as Dravet Syndrome. However there is mounting anecdotal evidence suggesting that cannabis, mainly CBD, not only helps decrease seizures through a direct influence on the brain but is also generally safe from serious side effects. Since stress is one of the main factors that aggravate seizures, another possibility is that THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, reduces stress which in turn decreases seizures.

As with the use of any drug there can be problems. Caution is suggested in children and adolescents as there is suggestive evidence that excessive use of cannabis in this age group can lead to cognitive and behavioural changes. Rarely cannabis can actually cause seizures particularly with very potent forms of the drug.

Cannabis does not replace standard drugs for the management of epilepsy but may be a beneficial adjunct to their use. However there are still many unanswered questions about efficacy, safety, dosage and formulation (smoke, vapour, oil, edibles). Ongoing studies will clarify what role this drug will play in the treatment of seizures that do not respond to other types of therapies.

Does CBD help Epilepsy?

Eugenio Cavalli has answered Likely

An expert from IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo in Cell Biology

Please see our recent published paper on this for more details.

Does CBD help Epilepsy?

Robert Carson has answered Near Certain

An expert from Vanderbilt University in Epileptology, Neuroscience, Neurology

There have been multiple reports supporting the benefits of CBD in the treatment of epilepsy. Many of these early studies, including our own, were retrospective reviews or were based on survey data. The best evidence is from the clinical trials of Epidiolex, a highly purified cannabidiol (CBD) extract. Efficacy was demonstrated for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two severe epilepsy syndromes. Given FDA approval of Epidolex, it is being increasingly used in the treatment of the above mentioned syndromes and has continued to demonstrate efficacy.

Does CBD help Epilepsy?

Ethan Russo has answered Near Certain

An expert from International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute in Cannabis

Epidiolex, a purified CBD preparation is FDA approved for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. Various other cannabis components are also anticonvulsant.