CBD oil could be an effective treatment option for epilepsy; however, before taking any CBD products it is wise to consult a physician first.
CBD oil offers many health and medical advantages beyond being safe and well tolerated, including helping manage epileptic seizures and related conditions. We’ll explore its role here in more detail.
1. Cannabidiol Relieves Anxiety
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract found in cannabis that doesn’t cause intoxication but offers multiple medical applications, including treating anxiety and depression as well as epilepsy without any side effects. It is safe, reliable and has no known interactions.
CBD relieves anxiety by activating certain receptors in the brain that regulate responses to stress. Furthermore, CBD can also reduce activity from cells responsible for epilepsy-related seizures.
CBD works to decrease activity of serotonin receptor 5-HT1A and GPR55 receptors to decrease cell activity within the brain – making CBD an effective anti-anxiety treatment option.
CBD was shown to reduce both acute and delayed increases in heart rate and blood pressure caused by restraint stress, as well as its anxiogenic effects in an animal model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD shows great promise as a treatment for anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, using it comes with some potential risks: firstly it could increase levels of an enzyme which could potentially lead to side effects for some users; secondly it may increase blood pressure levels which could cause further adverse side effects; finally it may increase metabolism which in turn might increase stress hormones leading to possible side effects from increased production in your body.
Second, CBD may interact with various drugs used to treat epilepsy. It’s possible that CBD could increase the effects of other medicines used for epilepsy treatment and cause side effects in those living with epilepsy.
Current clinical trials are being conducted on children diagnosed with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome – two rare forms of epilepsy which don’t respond well to traditional anti-seizure medication – to assess its potential benefits as an anti-seizure treatment. It is expected that results of these trials will soon be available for public view.
At present, most doctors recommend cautious optimism when considering CBD as a potential treatment for epilepsy. Before making their decision about CBD usage, patients should undergo evaluation at an epilepsy center by a neurologist and be closely monitored by them both afterwards.
2. Cannabidiol Reduces Seizures
Cannabidiol (CBD), an extract found in cannabis plants, has been shown to reduce seizures and enhance epilepsy treatment, without producing the same feelings of euphoria and impairment that come with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component found in marijuana.
CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which plays a variety of vital roles within your body. This system comprises neurotransmitters and receptors which communicate directly with the brain – and its presence is essential for immune regulation, appetite regulation, pain relief, sleep issues and much more.
Studies have demonstrated that CBD can significantly decrease both frequency and severity of seizures for people suffering from refractory ones – those which don’t respond well to traditional anti-seizure medicines.
One study with 214 individuals suffering from severe epilepsy demonstrated that CBD could reduce seizures by an average of 36.5% and postictal state by up to 60%, as measured in postictal state analysis. Another similar group, such as those suffering from Dravet syndrome – an extreme form of childhood epilepsy – found CBD to lower their seizure frequency by approximately 25%.
Researchers also determined that CBD could enhance the effectiveness of medications used to treat epilepsy. This effect is partially attributable to its interaction with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, which enhances anti-epileptic drugs’ effectiveness.
CBD also plays an integral part in helping reduce inflammation in your body that can contribute to seizures. It does this by engaging the Transient Potential Vanilloid Receptor Type 1 (TRPV1) receptor, which releases calcium (Ca2+) into your system through its cation channel function. Stress, anxiety and other factors often activate TRPV1 activating this cation channel causing further inflammation within the body.
CBD may help reduce seizures, but before considering this as a possible option for yourself or your child it is wise to discuss this matter with their physician first. They can assist in selecting an ideal CBD oil and answer any queries about its usage as well as recommend an optimal dose and ensure it remains safe.
3. Cannabidiol Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Recently, cannabis has earned considerable attention for its medical uses, particularly reducing seizures in epilepsy patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CBD as a prescription medication under Epidiolex’s brand name.
Research also shows that CBD can reduce inflammation in some people. Inflammation can lead to allergies and arthritis symptoms; but can also be caused by environmental factors like stress and lack of sleep.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects can be traced to its ability to inhibit nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme which produces pro-inflammatory molecules like nitric oxide. Furthermore, CBD also blocks LPS-induced activation of macrophages, which release pro-inflammatory chemicals like tumor necrosis factor and interleukins 1 and 6.
CBD may help to regulate erratic electrical activity in your brain and thus stop seizures from spreading to other areas. This could help stop seizure attacks from taking hold and potentially spreading further throughout your body.
CBD helps reduce seizures in another way by inhibiting activity of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPR55). This can prevent seizure onset.
These receptors regulate the release of excitatory neurotransmitter in your brain and also control information flow between neurons, providing essential control over memories, emotions and behaviors. They’re especially crucial in shaping memories.
Researchers found that CBD had an affinity with these receptors, suggesting it can have a beneficial impact on brain function. One study demonstrated this effect: those taking CBD for 12 weeks experienced less seizures.
CBD could be an invaluable solution for people living with epilepsy that has not responded well to traditional drugs. If you are considering CBD as a potential treatment for seizures, speak to your physician to determine which dosage would work best for you.
As it takes some time for CBD to take effect, it’s also essential that you take note that its results may take time. Furthermore, discuss any interactions it could have with any medications such as antidepressants or those that cause anxiety before starting the regimen.
4. Cannabidiol Relieves Pain
CBD oil, an extract found in cannabis that does not cause the same high associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has shown to possess anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and should therefore be seen as an alternative treatment option.
Studies have also demonstrated how CBD can assist those living with epilepsy manage seizures more effectively, especially those suffering from refractory seizures – which are difficult to control with anti-seizure medications – through its proven ability to reduce seizures in these individuals and increase quality of life.
CBD’s antiepileptic activity appears to be related to its interaction with T-type Ca2+ channels that regulate membrane permeability and increase excitability of neurons, known as TPRV1. CBD’s action on TPRV1 reduces their excitability, which normalizes intracellular Ca2+ levels and may provide relief against epileptic seizures. Furthermore, its effectiveness likely lies within other neuronal targets like receptors; although their specific impacts are less clear.
Studies have shown that CBD activates the 5-HT(1A) receptor to produce analgesia and prevent hyperalgesia in mice and rats given Paclitaxel injections, while another revealed that CBD prevents inflammation processes that contribute to painful nerves in a mouse model of diabetic neuropathy.
Chronic pain is an everyday struggle that affects many, particularly those living with cancer and other serious medical conditions. While CBD may offer relief in these situations, more research must be completed in order to ascertain its effectiveness.
Epidiolex (the brand name for CBD) was shown to significantly reduce seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gestaut syndrome and other treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy, while also decreasing major motor seizures among these patients.
CBD can be an effective pain killer, as well as being useful for depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Before beginning any new medication it is wise to consult with your physician as they will advise the appropriate dose and any potential interactions which must be considered.