CBD can improve cognition, behavior, communication, sleep and other nonseizure outcomes in people with severe forms of treatment-resistant epilepsy, according to a systematic review published in the journal Epilepsy Research.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Federico II University examined studies involving patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and other complex treatment-resistant epilepsies. These conditions often involve seizures that are difficult to control, along with developmental, cognitive and behavioral challenges.
The review focused on a highly purified, plant-derived CBD oral solution sold as Epidiolex in the United States and Epidyolex in Europe. The medication is approved to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex, although the new review examined other forms of severe epilepsy.
Researchers analyzed 32 studies involving a combined 1,343 patients. Of those, 31 reported improvements in at least one nonseizure outcome among some patients after CBD treatment began.
All nine studies that evaluated neuropsychiatric function reported some improvement, as did all nine studies examining cognitive function. Improvements were also reported in communication, behavior, motor function, healthcare use, quality of life, sleep and development.
Seven of eight studies examining the use of other antiseizure medications reported reductions after patients began CBD treatment.
The most commonly reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal. Diarrhea was reported in 17% to 34% of patients, vomiting in 5% to 50%, and decreased appetite in 7% to 20%.
Researchers cautioned that most of the included studies were observational and carried a moderate to high risk of bias. They said the available evidence suggests CBD may improve a range of outcomes beyond seizure control, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the findings.
