From the Research
CBD dosing for epilepsy should start at 2-10 mg/kg/day, increasing to a maximum dose of 25-50 mg/kg/day, as evidenced by the most recent study 1. The dosing regimen for cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of epilepsy is crucial for maximizing its efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.
- The initial dose should be low, typically in the range of 2-10 mg/kg/day, as reported in the study 1.
- This dose can be gradually increased every 1-2 weeks to a target dose, with the maximum recommended dose being 25-50 mg/kg/day, as seen in the study 1.
- It is essential to monitor patients closely for side effects, such as diarrhea, somnolence, and elevated liver enzymes, especially when CBD is used alongside other anti-seizure medications like valproate or clobazam, due to potential drug interactions 2.
- The FDA-approved medication Epidiolex (pharmaceutical-grade CBD) is commonly used for this purpose, with specific dosing recommendations for different types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome 1.
- Treatment should always be supervised by a neurologist or epileptologist who can adjust dosing based on seizure control and side effects, and medication should never be stopped abruptly as this could trigger seizures 1.
- Regular monitoring of liver function is also crucial, especially when CBD is used in combination with other medications that may affect liver function, such as valproate 2.
- The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides the best evidence for the dosing regimen of CBD in epilepsy, showing sustained seizure reduction up to 192 weeks with an acceptable safety profile.