Cannabidiol: metabolism and clinical efficacy in epileptic patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The landscape of epilepsy treatment has undergone a significant transformation with the emergence of cannabidiol as a potential therapeutic agent. Epidiolex, a pharmaceutical formulation of highly purified CBD, garnered significant attention not just for its therapeutic potential but also for being the first cannabis-derived medication to obtain approval from regulatory bodies.

Area covered

In this narrative review the authors explore the intricate landscape of CBD as an antiseizure medication, deepening into its pharmacological mechanisms and clinical trials involving various epileptic encephalopathies. This exploration serves as a comprehensive guide, shedding light on a compound that holds promise for individuals contending with the significant challenges of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Expert opinion

Rigorous studies highlight cannabidiol’s efficacy, safety profile, and potential cognitive benefits, warranting further exploration for its approval in various drug-resistant epilepsy forms. As a promising therapeutic option, cannabidiol not only demonstrates efficacy in seizure control but also holds the potential for broader enhancements in the quality of life, especially for patients with epileptic encephalopathies.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabidiol
• epileptic encephalopathies
• drug-resistant epilepsy
• pharmacological interactions
• cognitive benefits

Article highlights

• CBD is transforming the landscape of epilepsy management, providing hope for drug-resistant cases.

• Rigorous studies reveal CBD’s robust efficacy in diverse epileptic encephalopathies, with real-world data supporting significant seizure reductions.

• The therapeutic potential of CBD in epileptic encephalopathy may stem from its multifaceted mechanisms of action.

• The effectiveness of CBD in polypharmacotherapy raises questions, prompting the need for investigation through rigorous, randomized trials.

• Beyond seizure control, promising results emerge on the cognitive benefits of CBD, opening new avenues for its role in enhancing the overall quality of life in epileptic encephalopathies.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.