Analysis of the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol in refractory epilepsy: A systematic review

Micaela Curti

SCT Proceedings in Interdisciplinary Insights and Innovations, 2025, vol. 3, 10.56294/piii2025559

Abstract: Introduction: Refractory epilepsy, also known as drug-resistant epilepsy, refers to those cases in which conventional treatments fail to adequately control epileptic seizures. This condition represents a significant challenge for patients and physicians, as it can have a profound impact on quality of life and increase the risk of serious medical complications. In the absence of effective options, there has been growing interest in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, as a possible alternative therapy. CBD has shown potential in numerous studies to reduce the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures in some types of refractory epilepsy. A systematic review of the literature was carried out, which included controlled clinical trials, observational studies, meta-analyses and relevant systematic reviews. The articles will be extracted from databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scielo in English and Spanish in the last four years (2020-2024)Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures in patients with refractory epilepsy. Its efficacy is particularly notable in severe syndromes such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. CBD has a generally favorable safety profile. Common adverse effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, which are usually mild and manageable. However, CBD may interact with other antiepileptic medications, requiring careful monitoring. CBD is presented as a promising therapeutic option for refractory epilepsy, especially in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. Additional studies are required to address current limitations, such as small sample size and variability in studies. Further, long-term research is crucial to confirm efficacy and thoroughly assess safety. Keywords: "Cannabidiol";"Cannabinoids";"Epilepsy Refractory";"Drug Resistant Epilepsy" “Dravet syndrome”; Lennox-Gastaut syndrome”.

Date: 2025
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