CBD may help with epilepsy as new studies have shown its compounds may help reduce the adverse side effects that many patients taking anti-seizure medication report. 

This article will go into what CBD is, different ways we can consume it, and the positive health and lifestyle benefits studies have shown for those suffering with seizures and various other health ailments. 

What is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is a chemical produced naturally in cannabis plants, as well in hemp plants. Marijuana (the main drug CBD is derived from) is comprised of three main chemical compounds:

• THC is the psycho-active ingredient in marijuana which is responsible for the "high" feeling you get when consuming it. It is also an appetite stimulant which is helpful for people recovering from eating disorders or going through treatments which may stunt appetite, such as chemo. 
• CBN is a compound that slows the body down and can aid with sleep problems and pain management.
• CBD is legal for consumption almost anywhere. It has been shown to help people manage a variety of ailments, from anxiety, insomnia, and pain relief to name just a few benefits.

CBD has been gaining a lot of traction in the medical world in recent years due to the many positive health benefits it has. While more research is required to understand the larger picture of everything that CBD can treat, what is most impressive is its effectiveness in regard to a number of seizure-related illnesses and epilepsy. 

CBD has been shown in numerous studies to be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of epilepsy, as well as Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Tuberous sclerosis complex.

How does CBD help with epilepsy?

Before the discovery of CBD, treatments for epilepsy patients included a mix of anti-seizure medication, diet changes (such as the Keto diet), and, in more severe cases, surgery. Unfortunately, many of the anti-seizure drugs currently on the market come with a string of negative side effects, such as dizziness and vertigo, nausea, blurred vision and fatigue. 

Interested in understanding the further accolades of CBD usage and its benefits for patients, John Hopkins University conducted a study looking further into the association between CBD products and seizure-related illness. They found that not only did CBD reduce the negative side-effects that came along with anti-seizure medication, but many reported an overall improvement in life with regard to their anxiety, depression, and sleep quality.

In 2018, the FDA approved its first drug comprised of CBD called Epidiolex. This state-of-the-art drug gives newfound hope to not only those suffering the effects of anti-seizure medications but also to the caregivers who reported less burden and stress in their day-to-day lives.

Side effects of taking CBD were far more manageable as well, with many reporting no side effects. The most common physical side effect was drowsiness. Other concerns mentioned by those participating in the trial were over cost and legality, as well as the worry of adverse effects with other prescription medications. 

How can you take CBD?

There are a number of ways you can consume CBD.

• Orally - you can consume CBD via gummies, edibles, pills, and oil tinctures
• Topically - you can find on the market today a number of patches and creams infused with CBD
• Smoking - you can also smoke the oil of CBD via vape pens

In Summary

While more studies are needed to fully understand its therapeutic benefits, the research looks very promising in the use of naturally derived CBD for many conditions, as well as improving the overall quality of life for those who consume it.