Researcher Cannabinoids effective in epilepsy therapy

Successful cannabinoids in epilepsy therapy

The use of the cannabis ingredient cannabidiol (CBD) seems to reduce the frequency of seizures in children and adolescents with refractory epilepsy. However, it remains to await the evaluation of further studies.

Epilepsy is usually treated with antiepileptic medicines containing valproate or carbamazepine as the active ingredient. 20 to 30% of those affected are deemed to be resistant to treatment after failing to respond to at least two therapy attempts with antiepileptic drugs. The cannabis ingredient cannabidiol (CBD) could bring hope for these patients. Naturally occurring cannabinoids have shown in preclinical studies anticonvulsant effects that are mediated in the body via the endogenous cannabinoid system.

The safety and efficacy of cannabinoids as adjunctive therapy for refractory epilepsy have now been reviewed in a review. Included were studies published between 1980 and 2017, in which herbal and pharmaceutical cannabinoids were given for the treatment or prophylaxis of epilepsy or epileptic seizures. The subjects included all ages and all types of epilepsy. 36 studies were evaluated. In addition, ten ongoing studies were found, but their results have not yet been published.

The participants were on average 16 years old and had rare and severe epilepsy forms that could not be treated with the conventional drugs. In many cases, cannabinoids significantly reduced seizure frequency, in some patients by about 50%, in 10% of those affected, the seizures were even completely out. In addition, the quality of life improved in 50% of the patients. Compatibility with mild to moderate antiepileptic drugs was generally good. The risk of side effects such as dizziness, dizziness and diarrhea was slightly elevated compared to placebo. Serious side effects were rare with CBD (2.2%), but twice as often as placebo.

The studies used cannabinoids as a supplemental medication. The study authors therefore do not recommend at this time to use cannabinoids as a replacement for common antiepileptic drugs. For this, it would be necessary to wait until the results of the currently ongoing studies are available. (sb, pm)