CBD oil cut seizures in half for kids with Dravet syndrome

ABSTRACT

The study included 199 patients, average age 9, who were divided into three groups. One group received 20 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) dose per day of a liquid form of Epidiolex, while the second group received 10 mg/kg per day, and the third group received a placebo. CBD products are derived from marijuana, but do not include THC, the active agent in pot that causes a “high.” After 14 weeks of treatment, seizures with convulsions fell 46 percent in the high-dose group, 49 percent in the low-dose group, and 27 percent in the placebo group. Total seizures fell 47 percent in the high-dose group, 56 percent in the low-dose group, and 30 percent in the placebo group. Seizures were reduced by half or more in 49 percent of the high-dose group, 44 percent of the low-dose group, and 26 percent of the placebo group. The most common side effects were decreased appetite, diarrhea, sleepiness, fever and fatigue. Serious side effects occurred in 25 percent of the high-dose group, 20 percent of the low-dose group, and 15 percent of the placebo group. Only patients in the high-dose group stopped taking the drug due to side effects, a rate of 7 percent.

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