How to Use CBD Oil for Seizures

One of the most controversial topics is using CBD oil for seizures. This article discusses CBD, how to use CBD oil for seizures, what dosage of CBD oil you should use for seizures, risks, side effects, and the legality of CBD.

CBD can be used for many health benefits, including helping those with seizures. Although much research is still being done to know how exactly CBD works on seizures, several people are convinced CBD might be used to reduce the frequency of seizures. The interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system might play a part in helping reduce seizures. Prescription drugs such as Epidiolex have been approved to help with seizures; however, they usually work for certain types of seizures. Take a look at how CBD can work for seizures.

Introduction to CBD

Cannabidiol, or as it is shortly known, CBD, is a chemical compound that is found in the cannabis plant;this particular compound is claimed to have several therapeutic benefits, such as managing chronic pain and reducing anxiety. Although there are several compounds in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD are the most popular. THC has psychoactive properties. In contrast, CBD is known for having properties that people can use for several health conditions, such as helping those with chronic pain.

According to Spinella et al. (2021), CBD has properties that health practitioners might use to help those with acute stress and anxiety. CBD's wide range of benefits has allowed several companies to develop products to fit the rising demands; you can easily find gummies, topicals, and oil in the market that offer various benefits. However, one benefit of CBD that is still controversial is the possibility of CBD helping those with seizures.

How to Use CBD for Seizures

There are several types of seizures; however, the potential causes usually include epilepsy, brain infections, electrolyte imbalances, traumatic brain injury, and drug overdose. CBD can affect the appearance of seizures because of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is usually responsible for many of the body's functions, such as mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and the immune system's response. Morano et al. (2020) suggested that CBD is not a cure for any underlying conditions; however, its properties can help reduce the frequency of your seizures.

According to Reddy (2023), CBD might help reduce some resistant seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. CBD is much more effective in treating seizures, are Lennox-Gastaut, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis, and the drug Epidiolexcan treat these types of seizures. Epidiolex contains about 98% purified CBD and is a prescription-only drug.Samanta (2019) showed anecdotal evidence from people who have used CBD products before to try out several CBD products to help reduce their seizures. However, much more research is being done on how CBD might be effective with other seizures.

What Dosage Of CBD Oil Should You Use for Seizures?

Every person might react to medication differently, so the amount of CBD dosage that you can use might differ from person to person. There is no universal dosing of CBD oil for seizures, and there is only one drug that the NHS mainly accepts for seizures, and more research is being done on how other CBD products might be helpful. However, some find the available research and anecdotal evidence enough to try CBD oil for seizures.

Several factors might affect how much dosage is right for you; these include your weight, concentration of CBD, and tolerance. When taking CBD oil for seizures, you can start with low doses and go up the ladder to know how much CBD oil works to reduce its frequency. You can start with a dose of about 2.5 mg/kg taken twice a day and increase the dosage every one or two weeks if you feel there is no change in the frequency of epilepsy.

It would be best to remember that CBD oil sold online or in shops doesn't cure the underlying conditions for your seizures, and it doesn't mean you have to stop taking medications prescribed to you by the doctor. However, if you take CBD oil for seizures, always contact your doctor before trying them out.

Risks and side effects of using CBD for seizures

Although CBD is considered safe for consumption, there is the possibility of CBD interacting with some of your prescribed medicine. CBD is broken down in the liver when taken orally; however, the same enzymes that break down CBD break down some of the medications you might be taking. Kocis&Vrana (2020) suggested that CBD might interact with these enzymes, causing an increased or decreased breakdown of your drugs and interfering with how the drugs are supposed to function.

According to Patel et al. (2022), some users of CBD usually report feeling some side effects that might be caused by talking too much CBD. These side effects might include diarrhea, sleepiness or fatigue, dry mouth, and a change in appetite. Most of the side effects reported are usually tolerable, and not every user of CBD might experience them. Learn more about what is nano cbd oil?

Is CBD Oil Legal?

The Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 has THC as a controlled substance, although CBD products are legal as long as they come from industrial hemp strains approved by the UK. CBD is legal as long it has less than 0.2% THC.

Conclusion

CBD has been known to offer various benefits, including relief from pain, anxiety, and depression. However, one of the most controversial topics is using CBD for patients with seizures. Although several types of research are being done to know just how CBD reduces the frequency of seizures, there are increasing amounts of people who find the existing evidence and research enough for them to try CBD products. Epidiolex is a prescription-only drug in the NHS and is approved to help treat some types of seizures, such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome. Talk to your doctor before using CBD products for seizures.

References

Patel, M., Middleton, J. P., Goodkin, H. P., Barnes, B., Mcgowan, E., & Eid, R. (2022). Persistent DiarrheaAnd Eosinophilic Esophagitis Resulting From Chronic Cannabidiol Usage For Refractory Epilepsy. JPGN Reports, 3(4), E253.

Kocis, P. T., &Vrana, K. E. (2020). Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol And Cannabidiol Drug-Drug Interactions. Medical Cannabis And Cannabinoids, 3(1), 61-73.

Reddy, D. S. (2023). Therapeutic And Clinical Foundations Of Cannabidiol Therapy For Difficult-To-Treat Seizures In Children And Adults With Refractory Epilepsies. Experimental Neurology, 359, 114237.

Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating Cannabidiol (CBD) Expectancy Effects On Acute Stress And Anxiety In Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study. Psychopharmacology, 238(7), 1965-1977.