How Safe Are Cannabis Drugs for Seizures?
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the first cannabis-based medication for the treatment of seizures in the form of Epidiolex. This medication contains the compound cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While CBD does not possess the euphoric and mind-altering effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another active ingredient in cannabis, CBD, does offer pain-relief and has anti-seizure capabilities, making it an effective treatment for the symptoms of childhood epilepsy.
Unfortunately, Epidiolex is not available to the public yet, due to the policies of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and CBD’s classification as a Schedule I controlled substance. Several industry analysts expect the DEA to reclassify CBD in the coming months due to mounting evidence contradicting the compound’s Schedule I status. However, the DEA has made it abundantly clear that a reclassification of CBD would not include a reclassification of cannabis, and marijuana would remain a Schedule I controlled substance.
How Does CBD Work for Seizures?
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions on the planet, with more than 50 million people worldwide experiencing epileptic symptoms. An epileptic seizure is essentially a misfire in the brain’s electrical system, causing excessive activity in some parts of the brain and decreased activity in others. Seizures can cause developmental delays in children and potentially lead to long-term neurological disorders. An epileptic seizure may cause sensory confusion, loss of consciousness, and intense convulsions.
Most people with epilepsy take anticonvulsant medications to limit the occurrence of seizures, but these medications are largely ineffective for serious epilepsy, and come with a host of negative side effects. CBD, on the other hand, rarely causes any adverse reactions and is safe for child consumption. Treating childhood epilepsy early and effectively can help prevent the appearance of long-term medical issues resulting from repeat seizures at a young age.
Concerns About Treating Seizures With CBD
Patients considering switching to Epidiolex from their current anti-seizure medication will need to wait for the legal red tape to clear, but in the meantime, it’s wise to understand the potential risks of CBD medications. Luckily, the only adverse side effects observed from CBD medications include excess sleepiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. These symptoms may vary from person to person but are all generally manageable without professional medical assistance.
Some individuals must be wary of possibly dangerous interactions with other anti-seizure medications, however. CBD may interfere with valproic acid (VPA) metabolism, potentially causing liver problems. People who take VPA-based anti-seizure medications will have higher levels of liver enzymes than usual, and CBD can prevent them from dropping back to normal levels. People who take Onfi (clobazam) may experience excess tiredness when taking CBD.
Best Practices for Cannabis-Based Medications
Many Americans have benefitted from cannabis-based medications, but it’s important to do research before switching to any CBD medication or medical marijuana product. First, you will need to research whether medical marijuana products are legal in your state. More than half the states in the country have legalized medical marijuana in some form, and a few states like Colorado have legalized recreational marijuana purchases for adults. Most states that have allowed medical marijuana require patients to have one of several qualifying medical conditions and carry a medical marijuana card to purchase and use medical marijuana products.
If your state only allows cannabis-based medications, it’s important to find out what conditions are eligible under your state’s laws. Then, you will need to find out which medical products are available for people with your condition and find a qualified doctor to write the prescription. In some states, cannabis-based medical products are heavily regulated and only available in a few locations. Ask your prescribing doctor about any potential for negative interactions with current medical conditions or medications, and only take cannabis-based medications as prescribed.