CBD oil has been applied for varying conditions, from insomnia to anxiety and pain, both traditionally for ages and in recent times, sparingly in modern medicine.
An example of its use in modern medicine is for the treatment of epilepsy. More specifically, for the treatment of some specific rare cases.
With the sufferers of seizures constantly looking for better ways to work around and control their attacks, the possibility of CBD oil helping is a welcome idea.
Especially for those who are plagued with the type, you cannot control it with conventional prescriptions.
However, it isn’t a powerful all-in-one miracle cure as many like to suggest subtly. Still, it has very promising potential and may just be the perfect option for you.
What is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD and THC are sister components. Its popularity, use, and ease of access have risen recently. Aside from its semi-legalization in many states and areas, its potential health benefits are increasingly getting new areas of application.
In Gallups 2019 poll, the results indicate that about 64% of Americans are familiar with or have heard of CBD. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is characteristically calming and free from the high THC gives.
There are many unverified statements on what this compound can do. However, in relieving anxiety and pain, there is some verifiable support.
CBD, in its oil form, is taken sublingually and is one of the fastest-acting modes of intake. It is second only to vaping, which we do not recommend.
About Seizures
Seizures occur when sudden electrical signals in the brain affect the brain signals, interrupting them. Several situations can lead to a seizure.
Some of these medical conditions are epilepsy at the forefront, meningitis where the membranes surrounding the brain get infected, and encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain.
Diabetes, cerebral edema, dementia, stroke, and brain tumors, in some cases, also work as triggers for seizures.
Sometimes seizures can come from withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, result from genetics, etc. As a relatively common condition, many treatment options are available depending on its cause.
You can eliminate the root cause, if possible, control via medications, surgery, weaning from drugs or alcohol, implanted devices, emergency stop-seizure drugs, etc.
Is CBD Good For Seizures?
The short answer is yes, it is. The CBD’s exact mode of operation on how it does this is not very clear.
However, it is sure that the body contains its neurotransmitter and receptors influencing many body systems and functions.
This is the endocannabinoid system with which the CBD compound interacts. Furthermore, some clinical studies have indicated that CBD can help decrease the excitability of our brain neurons.
However, this does not imply it’s for everyone. It does not work for every type of epilepsy, and it’s to different degrees when it does.
We can sum these degrees in three. It either brings complete control, reduction in frequency, or no effect.
Also, some users enthuse it was an excellent way to wean themselves off anti-seizure drugs with high side effects.
Further, its medication focuses on seizure symptoms only and does not treat its root cause.
While not everyone may or should consider using it, below are some verified positives.
- Epidiolex
The FDA, in 2018, approved a CBD oil brand for use as treatment. You can see from the approval of a CBD oil brand that it has great potential.
The prescription is for Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet Syndrome (DS), and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
These three are rare cases, and Epidiolex, in addition to standard anti-epileptic drugs as treatment, showed excellent results. – Both from the trials leading to its approval in 2018 and people’s use.
Although expensive, epidiolex gives potential users of CBD treatment a safe and quality option.
- Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy
These are types of epilepsy that do not respond positively to standard medications. Traditional drugs cannot control these seizures.
However, current CBD for seizure treatment like epidiolex targets and may help control these drug-resistant epilepsy seizures.
- Alternative Medicine
Traditionally its use dates back way back in past ages. Epilepsy stands as one of the most common neurological disorders.
Thus, before modern science introduced these present antiepileptics, there were ways to overcome this condition.
Records have shown that cannabis has been a treatment method long before the current, dating way back to 1800 B.C.E.
We can roughly summarize its potential benefits for adults suffering from seizures in three points;
- Reduce its frequency
- Decrease its severity
- Improve overall quality of life
Should You Give It a Try?
Users who have tried it have reported positive effects and lower seizure activity as a treatment option.
Thus, it is a great option, especially if your doctor recommends it. It may also be the top alternative for treatment-resistant epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures.
If you consider using this method, you can present it to your doctor to determine what is best for you and your condition.
Still, good results can only be possible when you have the proper access to good quality and trustable CBD.
Treat Seizures vs. Control Seizures
CBD oil does not precisely “treat” seizures; it only has the potential to put them under control or help you better control them.
It may help tame the attacks but does nothing to its core cause. Thus, if it works for your condition well, it does not imply you can abruptly stop its use.
Downsides To Be Mindful Of If Using CBD Oil For Seizures
All treatment types have their downsides. However, based on the intensity of the side effects, it can either be deemed suitable for use without a doctor’s prescription (on a broad scale), strictly for use under prescription, or unsafe. CBD oil falls into the first as prime quality CBD oils are generally safe.
Regardless, there are plenty of side effects that can result from indiscriminate use. Even with proper use, the below precautions are things to be mindful of;
- Safety
Some common side effects of its use, regardless of type, are dizziness and fatigue. It may also cause dry mouth, recurring diarrhea, a constant feeling of hunger, and irritated eyes.
Also, the kind of CBD you pick can increase the possibility of increased liver enzymes, and it is seen more in Isolate CBD use than others.
- Quality
A further downside to CBD oil treatment is the availability of standard quality CBD. The production of CBD oil is mainly legal but unregulated. Thus, brands place the “Non- FDA Approved” notice on their sites.
The market is saturated with many CBD oil products having poor ingredients. Therefore, there are concerns about the purity and potency of the products.
Using poor CBD oil will not only render your efforts null, but it might also affect you adversely and leave you vulnerable.
In this regard, many may find it more reasonable to choose controlled and approved prescription drugs.
- Costs
Another downside of CBD oil used for adult seizures is its high cost. Good CBD oils, due to their manufacturing processes and requirements, are not cheap, and you may also need to use them for an extended time.
Except for epidiolex, it is not presently under any health insurance. Therefore, the financial burden can quickly rack up.
Moreover, this commitment is further pronounced in cases where you may need to take it alongside regular medications.
Before you decide on this treatment, whether exclusively or in conjunction with other drugs, be sure to be prepared.
- Medical Interactions
Perhaps the most alarming downside is that CBD oils have a high risk of interacting with other anti-seizure drugs you are on.
Thus, talking with your neurologist about its use is crucial. There are many cases where its use has worsened the seizures of users rather than reduced them.
Thus, only use it under the monitoring of a specialist, especially if you want to add it to other current medications.
- Intake Restriction
While okay for adults; however, any pregnant or nursing mother must use CBD oils with caution and only use them with close monitoring.
A pregnant and nursing mother may pass it on to the babies via blood or breastmilk, requiring caution with use.
- Liver Damage
All medications are broken down in the liver, including CBD oils. A downside is that CBD can potentially increase liver enzymes in some types more than others. Thus, with everyday use, the risk of liver damage also increases.
Precautions For Using CBD Oil For Seizures In Adults
Very few directives have been available for people considering using CBD oils to treat their recurring seizures for a long time.
The patient usually expresses interest and checks on the possibility of use with their healthcare provider. Then, the neurologist decides if it is an okay course of action for that particular seizure type. This process is because, in using CBD, there is no standard one-for-all treatment.
Presently, there has been increasing focus and research on this topic. These recommendations list some points that will be helpful if you opt for CBD oil treatment for seizures.
Recommendations To Note
- Before purchasing any CBD oil, don’t forget to check for third-party laboratory tests. These tests give values for purity, potency, and other quality and safety parameters. These ensure that your CBD oil is safe. Check customer and media reviews and overall site inspection for any CBD oil. Look through the ingredients and note if it’s GMP certified.
- CBD oils are likely not the sole or singular treatment option for many seizure types. Instead, it is likely to function as a part of a treatment plan that includes other medications at the judgment of your doctor or not.
- When using CBD oil, it is ideal to watch your body’s reactions.
This action allows for your doctor to be able to make adjustments where necessary easily.
- Regardless of intake, the general dose guideline states: start small and make increments with time.
- It is essential to always keep in touch with your neurologist before and after you start the CBD oil treatment. Do not take advice from online spaces or work with the CBD oil seller’s opinion.
- The sellers are most likely non-medical professionals and will reasonably always want to make a good sale. They cannot replace your medical personnel. Before using the recommendations of any non-healthcare provider, always run it through your physician. They are better aware of your condition and thus will manage it best.
- Review what works and what doesn’t. Keeping a seizure frequency, intensity, and CBD oil dose log can be helpful.
- It is okay to try another CBD option if one doesn’t provide the desired results.
- Many seizure prescriptions work for multiple effects alongside seizure control. Before stopping any medication in favor of CBD, always consult your neurologist. This will help deter your condition from further worsening. Never stop any medicines for seizures abruptly.
Where To Buy The Best CBD Oil To Treat Epilepsy?
One reason many doctors refrain from advising patients to use CBD is the lack of regulation in the market. The only approved one (epidiolex) might not be accessible to everyone.
Locally, CBD is legal to use in many states, but it remains unapproved by the FDA. Thus, there is no regulation or control on the many online and over-the-counter products. For example, in a recent evaluation, more than half of the products tested contain less than or more than the amount of CBD indicated on the label. You can also take CBD oil for pain relief.
Therefore, making the best of this option requires discretion and vigilance to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
Here are a few things to consider that will place you in a better position when buying.
- Purchase from a Reputed Source
In this case, reputed sources are companies that are not newbies; they should have been at it for a while and ideally be for the long haul.
This way, you can check on the brand’s reputation, read up on reviews and evaluate their genuineness. The brand should also be transparent with good customer service responses.
Reputed sources, in this case, do not refer to third-party sale sites like Amazon, Etsy, etc. You are more likely to get fake or hemp seed versions this way.
Always purchase directly from chosen brand sale sites.
- Potency and Price
Your chosen strength may vary depending on your doctor’s recommendation. However, the better option is a high potency oil for better effectiveness.
- Quality
Pay attention to the ingredient lists and manufacturing processes to check on the quality. A good quality CBD oil is best natural, organic, and free of additives or preservatives.
The production method should favor those that use CO2 extraction. To further cement your quality check, good products should have a certificate of analysis.
This certificate shows the many parameters from tests a third-party lab carried out on the product. It indicates its potency, purity levels, etc.
A quick check will ensure you are not deceived by over-the-top claims or advertising.
What Type Of CBD Is Preferred For Seizures?
The kind of CBD oil that works best for seizures is a common question, and the one you choose should be of quality and matching to your needs. CBD usually comes in three types, isolated, full-, and broad-spectrum.
Experts recommend using oils with the least amount of THC for seizure treatment. For example, the approved high-quality CBD oil, Epidiolex, is a CBD oil with very high purity and contains little to no THC.
- Isolate CBD Oil
This CBD oil solely has the CBD compound as the main ingredient and is the closest to pure CBD. The other sister compounds in cannabis, like CBG, THC, etc., are removed through various methods.
It is excellent if you want a product with no possibility of giving a high. It has zero THC content. Quality isolate cbd oils do not require additives; the CBD in its pure form is tasteless and antibacterial.
However, there are suggestions that its singular content of just CBD may be challenging for the liver to absorb, especially with long and high doses.
- Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD oils have THC, but in tiny amounts, usually less than 0.3%, and the THC content is generally not enough to cause a high with regulated intake.
However, THC has been suggested to be a trigger for some seizures. Along with CBD as the main compound, it also contains all the other compounds of the source cannabis, like CBN, CBDV, etc.
Many users report that this CBD oil type gives them a great “entourage effect”.. Experts in the niche also note it is the better form for the body to process.
- Broad Spectrum CBD
This CBD oil does not have any THC, but other cannabis compounds can be present with CBD. A popular form in target CBD products.
These can have other ingredients that promote specific potential effects of the CBD, and it places between the full spectrum and Isolate CBD.
Thus, it is excellent if you want the littlest possibility of a high but like the effect of the other helpful components.
Can I Only Use CBD Oils? What About The Other Forms?
There is, of course, more than one way to administer CBD, for example, via chewables like gummies, topicals like patches, vaping, etc. However, CBD oils are the fastest way to take it alongside vaping.
But, we do not recommend vaping for its enormous side effects. The chews and topicals are good, but they are way slower, and drug metabolization might take a cut.
CBD oil that is taken sublingually gives the best result for epilepsy. Further, it is widely available. Besides, most clinical tests to date have used this form.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Use For Seizures?
There is no one set of guidelines or specific amounts for the quantity of CBD to dose clinically. Your neurologist should supervise your CBD oil dosage, as too much or too little may be injurious.
Before you start taking CBD oil for seizures, ensure your physician gives the go-ahead both with use and dose. This also ensures they are aware and have accurate information in emergencies.
In addition to dosage guidelines from your neurologist, below are a few pointers to help you use it properly.
- Easing in and out (when required) is essential when using CBD for seizures.
- Epidolex has an advised beginner dose of 2.5mg/kg twice daily to ease you into it gently. You can double up on this dose after a week, and the most after this is a double up once again but no more.
The doubled-up 10mg/kg twice daily will be applicable depending on your body’s response to the drug intake and its tolerance.
- Everyone’s dosage differs depending on seizure severity, cause, etc. Stick to the dosage prescribed to you
- Sometimes, CBD oil alone may not work best for you. In this case, be prepared for the additional traditional drugs that the doctor will specify.
- If you have been at it for a long time with no substantial result, then CBD oil for seizure control might not be for you.
Discuss with your doctor tweaking the dose (if it is the cause) or the possibility of other treatments.
- Lastly, if there are unwanted side effects, promptly stop using.
Conclusion: Is CBD Oil Good For Seizures?
There presently isn’t one cure for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. However, many medications can help you hold the rails of its symptoms and, in effect, your life.
For the millions who suffer from it, these medications, including CBD oils, are welcomed, depending on the diagnosis. You can also look for best CBD oil, if you are looking to buy one.
CBD oils may reduce the frequency of your seizures and their intensity and improve the overall quality of your life.
However, before choosing to use CBD, whether standalone or with other medications, ensure to talk to your neurologist. CBD oil has great potential benefits for adult seizures and some risks.
