What Is Epidiolex?

06 LAW Image

View the original article about What Epidiolex Is at CBD vs FDA.

Epidiolex is a prescription medication that is made from CBD and approved by the FDA to treat seizures from conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The active ingredient of this medicine is CBD oil. Epidiolex is approved by the FDA for use in adults and children of age 1 year and above.

FDA Approval Of Epidiolex

FD approved Epidiolex in June 2018. It was the first CBD based medicine approved by the Food And Drug Administration to treat seizures. In 2020, the medicine was also approved to treat seizures in people suffering from tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). When it was approved, Epidiolex was classified as a Schedule V prescription drug, but later it was removed from the list of controlled substances. This has made it easy for doctors to prescribe Epidiolex.

Many people wonder if Epidiolex will make their children high. If you are one among them, you need to understand that it is the THC present in the cannabis plant that makes the users high or euphoric. CBD use cannot make you feel high. Epidiolex contains only CBD and therefore it cannot make you high.

Common Side Effects Of Epidiolex

The use of Epidiolex can lead to side effects in some users. Shared below are some of the most common side effects that can happen when taking Epidiolex to control seizures.

  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Malaise
  • Diarrhea
  • Infections
  • Loss of appetite
  • Skin rash
  • Trouble sleeping

If you experience severe side effects after using Epidiolex, or if the side effects do not go away, you need to discuss it with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects Of Epidiolex

Serious side effects from the use of Epidiolex are rare, but they can happen. If you experience any serious side effects after using Epidiolex, you need to get in touch with your doctor right away. If you think that you are having a medical emergency or if the symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911. Some of the serious side effects of Epidiolex use are:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Sedation
  • Liver problems
  • Severe allergic reactions

Generally, people taking higher doses of the medication felt fatigued, sedated or drowsy more often than people having lower doses. If you or your child experience any of the above side effects after having Epidiolex, talk with your healthcare provider right away. It is also important not to use any machinery while taking the medication until you know the effect of the medication on your body.

Learn more about CBD Medications at CBD vs FDA.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.