Prescription CBD Helped About 1 in 4 Adults with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy, Regardless of Epilepsy Type
In a French retrospective study, pharmaceutical-grade CBD (Epidiolex) produced meaningful seizure reduction in about 25-29% of adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, with no significant difference between epileptic encephalopathies and focal epilepsies.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 73 patients (51 with epileptic encephalopathies, 22 with focal/multifocal epilepsy), 29.4% and 22.7% respectively were responders during follow-up, with no significant difference between groups (P=0.552). Clobazam co-administration was associated with better response (80% of responders vs 20% of non-responders). Somnolence was the most common side effect. About 30-40% discontinued treatment.
Key Numbers
73 patients; Group A (encephalopathies): 51 patients, 29.4% responders; Group B (focal): 22 patients, 22.7% responders; P=0.552; clobazam associated with better response; 29-40% discontinued treatment; somnolence most common side effect
How They Did This
Retrospective analysis of 73 patients from two French epilepsy reference centers who received high-purified CBD (Epidiolex) as add-on therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Why This Research Matters
CBD is currently approved only for specific rare epilepsies (LGS, Dravet, TSC). This study suggests it may also benefit adults with other forms of drug-resistant epilepsy, including common focal epilepsies, potentially broadening its therapeutic application.
The Bigger Picture
If CBD's efficacy extends beyond the three currently approved conditions to other drug-resistant epilepsies, it could benefit a much larger patient population. The clobazam interaction (known to boost CBD levels) may be key to optimizing response.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Retrospective design without control group. Small sample, especially for focal epilepsy group. Variable follow-up periods. Responder definition and assessment may differ between centers. Cannot determine optimal dosing.
Questions This Raises
- ?Should clinical trials of CBD be expanded to include more common forms of drug-resistant epilepsy?
- ?Is clobazam co-administration necessary for CBD efficacy, or does it work through other mechanisms?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- ~25-29% of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy responded to pharmaceutical CBD
- Evidence Grade:
- Retrospective study from two reference centers. No control group but provides real-world efficacy data across epilepsy types.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2024.
- Original Title:
- High-purified cannabidiol efficacy and safety in a cohort of adult patients with various types of drug-resistant epilepsies.
- Published In:
- Revue neurologique, 180(3), 147-153 (2024)
- Authors:
- Perriguey, M, Succar, M El, Clément, A, Lagarde, S, Ribes, O, Dode, X, Rheims, S, Bartolomei, F
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05620
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD only work for rare epilepsy syndromes?
This study suggests it may also help adults with more common forms of drug-resistant epilepsy, including focal epilepsies, though it is currently only approved for specific rare conditions.
How many patients benefited?
About 1 in 4 patients had meaningful seizure reduction, which is notable given that these patients had already failed multiple other treatments.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05620APA
Perriguey, M; Succar, M El; Clément, A; Lagarde, S; Ribes, O; Dode, X; Rheims, S; Bartolomei, F. (2024). High-purified cannabidiol efficacy and safety in a cohort of adult patients with various types of drug-resistant epilepsies.. Revue neurologique, 180(3), 147-153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2023.07.012
MLA
Perriguey, M, et al. "High-purified cannabidiol efficacy and safety in a cohort of adult patients with various types of drug-resistant epilepsies.." Revue neurologique, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2023.07.012
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "High-purified cannabidiol efficacy and safety in a cohort of..." RTHC-05620. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/perriguey-2024-highpurified-cannabidiol-efficacy-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.