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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Cannabinoids for epilepsy: What do we know and where do we go?
Martin J Brodie1, Elinor Ben-Menachem2
1Epilepsy Unit, West Glasgow ACH-Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK.
Epilepsia
|December 8, 2017
Summary
Cannabinoids show promise for treating epilepsy, with cannabidiol proving effective for specific syndromes. Further research is ongoing for other cannabinoids like cannabidivarin in adult focal epilepsy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Epileptology
Background:
- Increasing interest in cannabinoids for epilepsy treatment based on anecdotal evidence.
- Cannabinoids may not act via endogenous cannabinoid receptors.
- Complex pharmacokinetics and variable bioavailability pose formulation challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and evidence for cannabinoid use in treating epilepsy.
- To highlight challenges and unanswered questions regarding cannabinoid-based epilepsy therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
- Summary of pharmacokinetic and drug interaction considerations.
- Discussion of ongoing clinical studies.
Main Results:
- Cannabidiol demonstrates efficacy in placebo-controlled trials for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes.
- Cannabidivarin is under investigation for adult focal epilepsy in ongoing trials.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol, show efficacy for certain severe epilepsy syndromes.
- Further research is needed to address complex pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and optimal formulations.
- Unanswered questions remain regarding the broader application of cannabinoids in epilepsy treatment.
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