Cannabidiol, widely known as CBD, is gaining a lot of popularity these days. This cannabinoid derived from cannabis plant has shown amazing results in treating several health conditions, including seizures and epilepsy.
If you are tempted to buy CBD after reading those CBD oil for sale advertisements every day, it is ideal if you know a few things beforehand. Here we have covered all the vital information about how CBD can be a blessing for patients suffering from seizures. So, keep on reading to make a more informed and educated decision about using CBD.
How does CBD help in treating seizures?
Seizures are a result of irregular brain activity. This activity can cause uncontrollable movements and different states of consciousness. Now, any antiepileptic drug works by slowing down this irregular brain activity, and thereby prevents seizures.
Exactly how CBD works is not clear till date, but it is observed that CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system throughout the body. This gives CBD complete control over nerve cells in the brain, and thereby controls the impact of seizures. The two major types of seizures – Dravet syndrome and LGS, which are difficult to treat with other medications, are treated using CBD. To understand how CBD works, researchers are undertaking various studies.
Many studies have concluded that CBD has the potential to reduce the frequency as well as the severity of seizures. A 2019 studies suggest that Epidiolex reduced the frequency of seizures from 30 to 60 percent. Also, the patients using Epidiolex confirmed that the severity of their seizures was reduced by almost 50 percent. Furthermore, even the post seizure period was less complicated.
All in all, it can be concluded that CBD shows positive results in treating epilepsy, especially when combined with other anti-seizure meds.
FDA approval and CBD
Epidiolex is the first FDA approved prescription CBD available in pharmacies. It received its approval in June 2018, and since then is prescribed to patients suffering from epilepsy. Adults as well as children over the age of two years can be prescribed Epidiolex as a treatment for rare and severe forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and LGS.
Taking CBD wisely
Before you start, it is crucial to understand that less is more when it comes to CBD. Patients who take 10ml CBD report better results, compared to the ones taking 20ml. Besides, they experienced fewer side effects.
Also, Epidiolex is pure CBD, and thus it is crucial that you talk to your physician before adding it to your routine. After all, just like any other medication, Epidiolex comes with its own set of side effect. Some of the common side effects associated with Epidiolex include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Sleeping issues
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
- Respiratory tract infection
To summarize we can say that no matter what CBD product you use, involve your doctor and check whether it is legal in your state or not. After all, acquiring Epidiolex will need a prescription, but there are many other CBD products available over the counter.