CBD Oil is a product that is gaining more and more attention as a potential treatment for a number of disorders, including epilepsy.

However, if for the treatment of certain conditions such as chronic pain or insomnia the opinion of experts is fairly homogeneous, in the area of epilepsy the use of CBD oil is still controversial.

Some scientific evidence claims that CBD oil for epilepsy has proven effective in reducing the number and intensity of seizures and thus improving the lives of affected patients. Others, however, argue that certain CBD products are still risky and that more tests are needed. 

That is why we have decided to consider all points of view to understand how to use CBD oil for epilepsy.

We have discussed the therapeutic properties of CBD, or cannabidiol, over and over again in our blog articles. A plant already used by humans in the past for the treatment of a wide range of ailments and now back in vogue by those seeking effective alternative remedies to drugs.

What is certain is that when it comes to CBD, it must be treated with the attention it deserves because we are talking about a very powerful active ingredient. So let’s find out what the opinions are about CBD oil for epilepsy and whether it can really be a viable alternative for those seeking relief.

Can CBD be used for epilepsy?

As mentioned, the international community of experts has split into two camps. This makes it difficult for epilepsy sufferers to understand whether CBD oil is indeed a revolutionary solution or whether it risks compromising their health even more.

It is now necessary to make a premise about the management of CBD products in the world. 

You have to be aware that not all products are considered legal and each state has specific regulations to control their production and marketing. 

For instance, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has given approval for the use of a drug called Epidiolex in the United States. Its effects have been studied with multiple scientific tests that proved its effectiveness in treating different types of disorders.

From a legal point of view, Epidiolex has been considered safe. Experts warn patients against all types of products which are not legal.

Legal products have a controlled THC component, the hemp psychoactive active ingredient. Those that are not officially approved may contain a percentage that is harmful to the body and in any case not tested on humans. The same principle also applies in Europe. 

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause seizures or convulsions. These episodes can vary in severity, duration and symptoms, depending on the area of the brain involved and the severity of the condition.

The causes of epilepsy can be diverse, including brain injury, infection, genetic abnormalities, head trauma and metabolic disorders. However, in many cases, the cause of epilepsy is unknown.

There are many types of epileptic seizures that can manifest themselves in different ways. Some epileptic seizures can only cause a brief loss of consciousness or moments of suspension of activities, while others may cause violent muscle spasms, convulsions and even loss of control of bodily functions.

Treating epilepsy depends on the type and severity of the epileptic seizures. In some cases, anti-epileptic drugs can help control the epileptic seizures. In some other cases, surgery or deep brain stimulation therapies may be necessary.

Epilepsy may have a significant impact on quality of life, but with the right diagnosis and a correct treatment, many people can control their condition effectively and lead a satisfactory life. That is why it is very important to find an effective treatment.

The dangers of CBD for epilepsy sufferer

You will have already guessed that CBD products are not all the same, hence the problem. Although scientists and the WHO have stated that it is a fairly safe substance, it is only safe if it is used in the right way.

The main problem with CBD products is that they very often contain even a small amount of THC. Whenever this component is high, the health risks are greater because THC is psychoactive, so it causes a high. Choosing a product with a low percentage of THC reduces risks. 

From this point of view, CBD oil is an extremely versatile product, since you can find it in different compositions, with or without THC. The Full Spectrum version also has traces of THC, but always within the legal limits. On the other hand, the Broad Spectrum or isolated versions contain no THC.

Another great risk that many people naively underestimate is the interaction with other drugs. This is the main cause of side effects. CBD can interact with some anti-epileptic drugs, altering or reducing the effect. More on this in a moment. 
Finally, a further danger arises from the incorrect use of CBD oil. It is important to take it in the manner and especially in the dosage recommended according to one’s experience with the product and the severity of the disorder to be treated. Abusing CBD without ever having tried it before could induce, for instance, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.

CBD oil and epileptic seizures

Scientists have already conducted several research studies on whether CBD oil for epilepsy can really be a cure. A study that appeared in 2017 tested cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in Dravet syndrome. This is a childhood epilepsy disorder associated with drug-resistant seizures that also has a high mortality rate. 120 children and young people who received 20mg CBD per kg body weight per day participated in the study. Already after the first month there was a decrease in median seizure frequency from 12.4 to 5.9 compared to placebo where the decrease was only from 14.9 to 14.1. The conclusion was that cannabidiol resulted in a greater reduction in seizure frequency. 

We can also mention a cross-sectional evaluation of cannabidiol use among people with epilepsy. The evaluation was carried out after the approval of the Epidiolex mentioned earlier for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and Lennox Gastaut syndrome. It turned out that the benefits of CBD treatment go far beyond seizure control. Psychiatrist Ryan Vandrey also reported an improvement in depression, anxiety and sleep, conditions related to the disease.

CBD and epilepsy drugs

We mentioned that the WHO classified CBD as a fairly safe active ingredient. This is because the side effects that emerged during tests were rare and never serious. But what you need to know is that these contraindications, in most cases, occurred due to interaction with other drugs. 

In fact, CBD can interact with common anti-epileptic drugs such as clobazam, valproate and carbamazepine, increasing or decreasing their effect. 

For example, adding CBD oil to clobazam may increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects associated with the drug. It can also reduce the effect, It may also diminish its effect, making the treatment less effective. 

Undesirable side effects that have emerged include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and diarrhoea. When they occur, they can impair a person’s ability to perform activities that require concentration, such as driving or working. 

For all these reasons, if you are taking anti-epileptic drugs, it is very important for you to seek advice from your doctor or an experienced neurologist. A professional will be able to assess the medication you are already using and advise you on the use of CBD and the correct dosage. 

The future of CBD and epilepsy

So, how should we consider CBD oil for epilepsy? Clearly a resource, but one that should be used in the proper manner and dosage after seeking medical advice. 

In order to avoid unpleasant side effects, it is also important to only buy products that are legal and safe for health.

In our Maria CBD Oil online shop, you may find high quality CBD oil, with a low THC content, that you can verify by checking the product’s laboratory analysis. 

Our products, tested and certified, offer the highest safety and effectiveness of treatment.

Before we say goodbye, we would like to remind you again to seek the advice of a doctor or neurologist before replacing or accompanying any treatment with traditional medicines. If, after doing so, you are convinced of your purchase, you can return to our store and choose the product best suited to your needs from a wide range.