Epilepsy affects approximately 1 in 100 people in New Zealand. Anti-seizure medication is effective for most patients with epilepsy but approximately one third continue to have seizures despite medication.
Recently there has been renewed interest in medicinal cannabis particularly cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has been used by patients with epilepsy for centuries but most information regarding its effectiveness has been anecdotal.
Results of recent trials suggest that CBD probably reduces seizure frequency in children, including treatment-resistant childhood epilepsy, and severe epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. CBD may also be effective in adults, but more data is needed.
CBD is generally safe and well tolerated but like any medication, side effects can occur. The most common side effects include excessive sleepiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and gastrointestinal problems (diarrhoea or constipation). Uncommon side effects include restlessness, insomnia, vomiting, dizziness, and poor balance. In some patients, CBD actually increased the number of seizures they suffered.
CBD can also interact with other medications you might be taking. Patients prescribed clobazam should be observed carefully for excessive sleepiness and patients prescribed sodium valproate should have regular liver function testing.
CBD and other cannabis based products are available but are not funded in New Zealand. More information on medicinal cannabis in New Zealand and products that meet the minimum quality standards can be found here.
