Anticonvulsant
A drug that reduces the frequency or severity of seizures. CBD (Epidiolex) is an FDA-approved anticonvulsant for Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.
In Depth
CBD's anticonvulsant mechanisms are multifactorial: GPR55 antagonism (reduces neuronal excitability), sodium channel modulation, TRPV1 desensitization, and adenosine reuptake inhibition. Unlike traditional anticonvulsants, CBD does not appear to act primarily through GABA-A receptor modulation. The clinical evidence base for CBD in epilepsy is the strongest of any cannabinoid indication, with multiple Phase 3 RCTs and FDA approval.
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Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.