Cannabis for epilepsy and seizures

Seizures are sudden changes in brain activity that can cause symptoms like confusion, staring, or shaking. The most common cause for seizures is epilepsy, a chronic brain disorder that causes seizures. But seizures can also be caused by brain injuries or infections.

Certain compounds in cannabis, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may help treat seizures. Some research suggests that CBD can help calm brain activity so that seizures are less frequent and severe.

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Research on cannabis for epilepsy and seizures

Only recently have researchers explored cannabis as a treatment for seizures. One major development is Epidiolex, a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that contains a purified form of CBD. It treats seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two severe forms of epilepsy. Several clinical trials show that Epidiolex can help reduce seizures in people with these conditions.

Most studies around cannabis for seizures focus on CBD. Researchers are still exploring how other cannabis compounds may affect seizures. Cannabis’s long-term effects on seizures and whether it interacts with certain seizure medications are also unclear.

Using cannabis for epilepsy/seizures

Certain cannabis products may help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. However, cannabis also has some risks and side effects. Speak with your doctor before using cannabis as a form of treatment.

Benefits

CBD in cannabis may offer some benefits to people who have epilepsy or seizures, including:

• Fewer seizures:Studies show that CBD can help reduce the frequency of seizures, especially in cases where other treatments fail.
• Better quality of life: Some people who have seizures report general improvements in well-being after using cannabis. They also report fewer side effects compared to common seizure medications.
• Lower intake of medications: Common seizure medications like benzodiazepines can potentially cause serious side effects, including sedation and slow or shallow breathing. They can also lead to dependence. CBD may help reduce or replace the need for these medications. However, it’s essential to speak with your doctor before attempting to reduce or stop your medication.

Risks and side effects

As with any medication, medical cannabis and CBD have potential risks, such as:

• Side effects: Common cannabis side effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, and appetite changes.
• Drug interactions: Cannabis can affect how your body processes other medications, including seizure medications.
• Potential pro-seizure effects: Some evidence suggests that high doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, may trigger seizures. Consider using high-CBD, low-THC products to help lower this risk.

Is it legal?

Cannabis laws differ depending on where you live. Some states allow full access to medical and recreational cannabis, while others impose strict regulations.

However, every state with a medical marijuana program lists epilepsy or seizures as a qualifying condition for a medical cannabis card.

Epidiolex is an FDA-approved prescription seizure medication that’s available in all 50 states.

More about epilepsy and seizures

A doctor will diagnose seizures using imaging tests and tests that measure brain activity. Many treatments can manage seizures, but refractory (drug-resistant) epilepsy is challenging to control with traditional methods.

Other treatments for epilepsy and seizures

Your doctor will help you decide which of the following treatments are right for you.

Traditional therapies

Different types of seizures require different treatments, or a mixture of several types of treatment. The most common treatments for seizures are:

• Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs): These are the first choice for most people with seizures. Common AEDs include carbamazepine (Tegretol) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
• Surgery: Surgery may be recommended to patients with focal seizures (seizures that occur in one part of the brain, and usually affect one side of the body).
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): This device sends electrical pulses to the brain to reduce seizures.

Natural and alternative therapies

Diet and lifestyle changes may help reduce the frequency of seizures and improve your overall quality of life.

• Ketogenic diet: A high-fat, low-carb diet that has been shown to reduce seizures.
• Herbal supplements: Some people use valerian or passionflower to control seizures due to their sedative effects, though evidence is limited.
• Mind-body therapies: Techniques like yoga or meditation can help manage anxiety in those with epilepsy.

Cannabis as part of your treatment plan for epilepsy or seizures

Medical cannabis could be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. CBD, in particular, may help reduce seizures, especially if other treatments haven’t worked.

Before trying cannabis, talk to your doctor, and consider applying for a medical cannabis card through Leafwell to access high-quality products at a licensed dispensary. Cannabis might improve your quality of life and work well with other treatments.

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