CBD Oil For Epilepsy

Epilepsy can affect people of all ages unexpectedly. Having seizures and epilepsy can affect someone’s safety, relationships, work, performing everyday activities. Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. So, will CBD help people who struggle with epilepsy? Find out in my exploration below!

What is CBD?

CBD (also known cannabidiol) is a chemical compound found in cannabis plant and does not contain mind-altering properties, so you will not get that ‘euphoric’ or ‘high’ effect. Many researches proved that CBD has some medical benefits for the human body. CBD influences receptors in our body and brain, which are responsible for our pain, emotions and mood. That’s why after taking CBD, people usually feel a relief and calmness. Moreover, it has shown some positive effects on certain body systems and may potentially help control seizures. Mostly, people use CBD in order to relieve pain and get relaxed. CBD has shown to be better than some antidepressants, as it has less harmful side effects in comparison to other prescription medications.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy (or seizure disorder) is a chronic disorder, the hallmark of which is recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. The seizures in epilepsy may be related to a brain injury or a family tendency, but often the cause is completely unknown. Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function. Furthermore, temporary epilepsy symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions. People who struggle with epilepsy have more physical problems, such as fractures and bruising from seizures. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is three times higher than in general population. Seizures are main symptoms of epilepsy, but they differ from person to person according to the type of seizure.

CBD and seizures: What does the evidence say?

There is evidence that cannabis can be helpful in controlling seizures in some cases, especially for difficult to control syndromes like Dravet Syndrome in children and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). In the “Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome” published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2017, CBD was taken by 120 children and adults. The results were good, as the 40% of patients had the frequency of seizures reduced by a half. 5% of patients became seizure free. Although, 93% of the treatment group suffered side effects such as vomiting, fatigue and fever, compared with 74% in the placebo arm, these side effects were not considered serious. Moreover, Epilepsy Action Australia conducted a survey, where 86% of people reported that cannabis used for medicinal purposes was helpful in dealing with their seizures. But, unfortunately, there is only limited scientific research available to completely prove that CBD helps with seizures. That is why further research is required.

Could CBD help with epilepsy?

In 2018 the US Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex (a CBD-based drug) oral solution for treatment of two types of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome – for patients aged 2 years and above. However, during the course of its clinical trials, researchers found certain adverse effects of the drug, such as liver problems, symptoms related to the central nervous system (like irritability, reduced appetite, gastrointestinal problems, infections, rashes and other sensitivity reactions), reduced urination and breathing problems. FDA approved CBD for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy, but little is known about the potential anti-seizure and behavioural effects of CBD on Angelman symptom.

Early evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures. Research on CBD has been hard to do and taken time due to federal regulations and limited access to cannabidiol. However, in recent years, a number of studies have shown the benefit of specific plant-based CBD product in treating specific groups of people with epilepsy who have not responded to traditional therapies. The researchers found also that a single injection of CBD substantially lessened seizure severity in mice when the seizures were experimentally triggered by elevated body temperature or loud sounds. Moreover, UNC School of Medicine researchers show CBD may alleviate seizures and normalize brain rhythms in Angelman syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental condition.

CBD oil for non-epileptic seizures

There are many testimonies from people, who struggle with seizures, saying that CBD oil has definitely helped them to feel better. Some people even stated that after some time of taking CBD the seizure activity stopped. CBD has also helped with anxiety and dealing with pain. However, the research to prove these benefits of CBD is very limited, so it is very hard to tell if it really works or not. But the happy stories of people from internet give a hope that CBD also a good supplement, which helps with fighting the terrible seizures.

The best CBD oils for 2020

If you are looking for the best CBD oils of 2020, this list of top CBD oil brands will definitely help you out!

Joy Organics
THC-free. CBD is made from hemp oil and is extracted with organic extra-virgin olive oil, providing a base for a smooth intake.

Elixinol
Well-established company that uses CO2 extraction process, which is clean, solvent-free method. They perform extensive lab testing for microbiological contamination, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.

Endoca
Tested in lab. Certified organic cannabis plants. Use CO2 extraction process. Wide variety of CBD products.

Vape Bright
High-quality organic CBD vape with terpenes. Extra strength formula. No chemical fillers.

Select CBD
Select CBD is extracted from industrial hemp, with products designed to benefit people, it comes in Select CBD Drops, which is a tincture form, or in disposable vape.

Does CBD have side effects?

CBD has some minor side effects, as many different people react differently to it. CBD’s side effect include: drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, drop in blood pressure, diarrhea, change in appetite and weight. It is also good to know that CBD can interact with prescription medication, so I definitely recommend you to consult with your doctor before starting taking CBD. You have to do this to be sure CBD will not worsen your conditions. Generally, CBD is considered safe and non-toxic, as it is not psychoactive. Also, CBD can increase the level of blood thinner coumadin in your blood. Another common side effect is that CBD causes dry mouth, which usually occurs when you’re using oil drops. There is a suggestion that it might be caused by CBD’s interaction with receptors in human brain, which are responsible for the production of saliva. This mild inconvenience can be easily fixed by drinking a glass of water right after taking CBD oil, so I would not consider it as a side effect.

CBD oil and epilepsy: final verdict

Although, there is a treatment called Epidiolex, which is approved by FDA, it is still very debatable if this medication with CBD helps or not, as there were many side effects noted from people who used this treatment. But based on anecdotal testimonies, people’s reviews CBD has shown to be a great supplement and helping people to fight some symptoms of epilepsy, such as anxiety, depression and pain. Some people even claimed that after some time of taking CBD their seizure activity has stopped. There are specific treatment of epilepsy, such as anti-epileptic drugs, special diet that can help control seizures. Epilepsy treatment depends on the type of seizures and how severe they are. Some people are able to stop seizures by avoiding seizure triggers. CBD itself will not help you with treating of epilepsy. And even when you want to add this dietary supplement to your medications, you should discuss everything with your doctor to be sure it will not interact with your medicine. I think, CBD can be a good supplement and pain reliever, which is quite good when you are struggling with epilepsy, but again everything depends on the type of epilepsy and the possibility of CBD’s interaction with the actual treatment.

Now it’s your turn

Reviews and testimonies from different people are always something that people are looking for when they want to try something new. The same is with CBD – people want to see real stories, real experiences to be sure in their decision. So, if you think you have any relevant experience or story about using CBD and treatment of epilepsy, please feel free to share it in our comment section. It will be very appreciated, as I want this website to be platform for free exchanging of knowledge and experiences! Or maybe if you have any more questions about this topic, please leave a comment. It will be good to hear your thoughts, options and questions.