[HappaGuy]

I have collected a bit of clinical research and references to such concerning epilepsy and cannabinoids.

I'll be happy to work on posting some if there is any interest. Any takers? Anyone else got info to post?

After years of explaining to my primary care physician (who signs my mmj approval) that I had clinical research showing that pot was good for what ails me, I (found out I had epilepsy and) gave her copies of a couple of these articles. She said, to my great delight, "thanks, this helps". Now there is no more fuss about her helping me get this herb that helps me so much.

Doctors, social workers, government bureaucrats, business suits, they all thrive on paper. If they have paper to justify the decisions you ask them to make, they are put at their ease and become much more cooperative. I was an international corporate suit for years, and that much I learned.

So I suggest that this thread could be very helpful to epileptics who use pot.

Please leave a post if you are interested.

[awmellott]

my son has epilepsy,while he is still young it's nice to know that when he reaches adulthood,should he want too ,there is a help that doesn't come in pill form

[ladyknight]

I am interested!

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by awmellott

my son has epilepsy,while he is still young it's nice to know that when he reaches adulthood,should he want too ,there is a help that doesn't come in pill form

May I ask what sort of epilepsy? Is he grand mal (falling down and flopping around unconscious)? How did you learn he was epileptic? How does he feel about it?

There is help that doesn't come in pill form. I find pot necessary, but not sufficient for managing my symptoms. Don't disparage pills too much. The anti-seizure meds they gave me have made a huge diff for the better.

In any case, good luck with/to your son, and my best wishes for your family.

So, do you have a doctor that needs persuadiing, such that an index to clinical research on cannabis and epilepsy would really fire your engine? Or are you just being friendly, (thank you)?

[cali-misty]

I would like to read the information; thanks for sharing!

[ladyknight]

Originally Posted by HappaGuy

May I ask what sort of epilepsy? Is he grand mal (falling down and flopping around unconscious)? How did you learn he was epileptic? How does he feel about it?

There is help that doesn't come in pill form. I find pot necessary, but not sufficient for managing my symptoms. Don't disparage pills too much. The anti-seizure meds they gave me have made a huge diff for the better.

In any case, good luck with/to your son, and my best wishes for your family.

So, do you have a doctor that needs persuadiing, such that an index to clinical research on cannabis and epilepsy would really fire your engine? Or are you just being friendly, (thank you)?

I have 2 types of Epilepsy. Grand Mal amd MyClonic. I am trying to find the best strains for me to use. I have found 1 that works very well for daytime.
Sometimes a strain will have the opposite effect on me, so I am trying to be careful. I am on 3 types of meds.

I have learn that CBN is good but that is as far as I have gotten. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,
ladyknight

[TopangaCaregivers]

This sounds very interesting.. It is in my opinion that our US government should take the time to do a little more research on the positive effects of using med. marijuana, For there are many! It is nice to see a patient taking it upon themselves to look into the healing natures of MM. I think most people here would love to read more on the studies you have done.

~TCG

[HappaGuy]

Many thanks for all your interest.

I am going to try to put some of this stuff together in a couple of posts this weekend, but their may be an unannounced delay. My PC system drive is saying it is getting ready to crash and burn. Have a backup prepared, but I may have to do some PC heart surgery before I can finish this clinical research posting project.

Peace, all. More soon.

In the meantime, may your stash overflow with dank killer buds.

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by ladyknight

I have 2 types of Epilepsy. Grand Mal amd MyClonic. I am trying to find the best strains for me to use. I have found 1 that works very well for daytime.
Sometimes a strain will have the opposite effect on me, so I am trying to be careful. I am on 3 types of meds.

I have learn that CBN is good but that is as far as I have gotten. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,
ladyknight

I believe smoked cannabis may have a paradoxical effect, first stimulating a brief seizure (the "rush") which then reduces seizure activity thereafter, much like one clears a tablecloth of wrinkles by giving it one big shake.

I find baked goods, esp with a strong indica, is really best all round. I smoke because it works and I can control my intake more precisely, but a good brownie really clears me out, especially for sleep. I can't keep them around though because I eat them up. Oy!

May I ask, how long have you known you have epilepsy? How did you find out? How long have you had it?

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by HappaGuy

I have collected a bit of clinical research and references to such concerning epilepsy and cannabinoids.

I'll be happy to work on posting some if there is any interest. Any takers? Anyone else got info to post?
...

OK, first post:

SOURCE: Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics Fast Forward
First published on September 3, 2003; DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.051920
NOTE: I cannot seem to find the original URL or article, but I downloaded the following to my HDD:

The Endogenous Cannabinoid System Regulates Seizure Frequency and Duration in a Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Melisa J. Wallace, Robert E. Blair, Katherine W. Falenski, Billy R. Martin, and Robert J. DeLorenzo

Departments of Neurology (R.E.B., R.J.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (M.J.W., K.W.F., B.R.M., R.J.D.), and Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (R.J.D.), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

Several lines of evidence suggest that cannabinoid compounds are anticonvulsant. However, the anticonvulsant potential of cannabinoids and, moreover, the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in regulating seizure activity has not been tested in an in vivo model of epilepsy that is characterized by spontaneous, recurrent seizures. Here, using the rat pilocarpine model of epilepsy, we show that the marijuana extract {Delta}9-tetrahydrocannabinol (10 mg/kg) as well as the cannabimimetic, 4,5-dihydro-2-methyl-4(4-morpholinylmethyl)-1-(1-naphthalenyl-carbonyl)-6H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-i,j]quinolin-6-one [R(+)WIN55,212 (5 mg/kg)], completely abolished spontaneous epileptic seizures. Conversely, application of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1) antagonist, N-(piperidin-1-yl-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamidehydrochloride (SR141716A), significantly increased both seizure duration and frequency. In some animals, CB1 receptor antagonism resulted in seizure durations that were protracted to a level consistent with the clinical condition status epilepticus. Furthermore, we determined that during an short-term pilocarpine-induced seizure, levels of the endogenous CB1 ligand 2-arachidonylglycerol increased significantly within the hippocampal brain region. These data indicate not only anticonvulsant activity of exogenously applied cannabinoids but also suggest that endogenous cannabinoid tone modulates seizure termination and duration through activation of the CB1 receptor. Furthermore, Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that CB1 receptor protein expression was significantly increased throughout the CA regions of epileptic hippocampi. By demonstrating a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in regulating seizure activity, these studies define a role for the endogenous cannabinoid system in modulating neuroexcitation and suggest that plasticity of the CB1 receptor occurs with epilepsy.

Received March 26, 2003; accepted June 16, 2003.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Robert J. DeLorenzo, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, P.O. Box 980599, Richmond, VA. E-mail: rdeloren@hsc.vcu.edu




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P. L. Pearl, E. L. Robbins, H. D. Bennett, and J. A. Conry
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[HappaGuy]

Second Post:

SOURCE: The cannabinoids as potential antiepileptics. [J Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Aug-Sep] - PubMed Result

1: J Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Aug-Sep;21(8-9 Suppl):437S-448S.Click here to read Links
The cannabinoids as potential antiepileptics.
Karler R, Turkanis SA.

Comparative studies of the anticonvulsant properties of the cannabinoids and prototype antiepileptic drugs in numerous animal seizure models demonstrate that (1) as an anticonvulsant, cannabidiol (CBD), in contrast to delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is relatively selective in terms of both central nervous system (CNS), depressant and excitatory properties; (2) the potency of cannabidiol, unlike that of phenytoin and phenobarbital, varies greatly with the species; (3) the large potency difference between the cannabinoids and the antiepileptics in the mouse appears to be due to dispositional differences, because brain concentrations of all the drugs are very similar; (4) tolerance to the anticonvulsant properties of cannabidiol is not a prominent feature; in three seizure models, tolerance developed in one, but "reverse tolerance" developed in the other two; and (5) the results of a study of the electrophysiologic mechanisms of action indicate that cannabidiol produces some unique effects and that its spectrum of antiepileptic activity may be different from that of the prototype drugs. The anticonvulsant nature of cannabidiol suggests that it has a therapeutic potential in at least three of the four major types of epilepsy: grand mal, cortical focal, and complex partial seizures.

PMID: 6975285 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[HappaGuy]

Post 3. Last post for now. Anyone else?

SOURCE: http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/co...urcetype=HWCIT

Cannabidiol--antiepileptic drug comparisons and interactions in experimentally induced seizures in rats

P Consroe and A Wolkin

A comparison of the anticonvulsant and neurotoxic effects of cannabidiol (CBD), delta 9tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, ethosuximide and trimethadione) was made in rats. Median effective potencies (ED 50 values) for maximal electroshock, audiogenic seizures and TD50 values for a rotor rod neurotoxicity test were calculated. Additionally, the interactive effects of CBD and the antiepileptic drugs against maximal electroshock and audiogenic seizures were studied. Each drug was given orally at peak effect time. CBD was an effective and relatively potent anticonvulsant in both maximal electroshock and audiogenic seizure tests. The anticonvulsant potency of phenytoin was significantly increased when combined with phenobarbital, CBD and phenobarbital plus CBD. Additionally, CBD reliably reduced the anticonvulsant potencies of chlordiazepoxide, clonazepam, trimethadione and ethosuximide. These data indicate that CBD is an effective anticonvulsant with a specificity more comparable to drugs clinically effective in major than minor seizures. Furthermore, it appears that CBD enhances the anticonvulsant effects of the former and reduces the effects of the latter types of antiepileptic drugs.
Volume 201, Issue 1, pp. 26-32, 04/01/1977
Copyright © 1977 by American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

[ladyknight]

Originally Posted by HappaGuy

I believe smoked cannabis may have a paradoxical effect, first stimulating a brief seizure (the "rush") which then reduces seizure activity thereafter, much like one clears a tablecloth of wrinkles by giving it one big shake.

I find baked goods, esp with a strong indica, is really best all round. I smoke because it works and I can control my intake more precisely, but a good brownie really clears me out, especially for sleep. I can't keep them around though because I eat them up. Oy!

May I ask, how long have you known you have epilepsy? How did you find out? How long have you had it?

My mother had it, as did one of her Aunt's and a 2nd cousin. Only passed on to some of the females. I had my 1st one when I was 13. Didn't have another till I was 18. I have been on medication for over 20 years. Seizures were under control until I started going through the menopause. Hormones play alot with Epilepsy. Now everything is a mess. Too much to go into detail.

The meds I take, make you tired, and yet menopause gives me insomnia. So I smoke an Indica/Afganica to get the sleep I need. During the day, I need something because of all the meds. I have found 1 strain so far for the day, that is awesome. It is not a racey high. It gives me some energy, clarity of the mind, motivation. It is called "Almost Heaven" Great Strain!

How about you?

[HappaGuy]

OK, one more post. This isn't a clinical research abstract but it is an awful good article on epilepsy.

SOURCE: Somewhere on this site: Medical Marijuana Information Resource Centre - Overview

Therapeutic Uses of Marijuana

.....

Epilepsy

* Background |
* Evidence |
* Testimonials |
* References


Background

Epilepsy is a condition in which certain brain cells (the epileptic focus) become abnormally excitable and spontaneously discharge in an uncontrolled way, causing a seizure. In grand mal or generalized epilepsy, the abnormal cells are on both sides of the brain, and the discharge produces convulsions (violent muscle spasms) throughout the body.

Epilepsy is treated mainly with anticonvulsant drugs including carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, phenobarbital, primidone, ethosuximide, and clonazepam. About 70 per cent of patients get relief from one of these drugs, and another 10 per cent are helped by some combination of them. Focal seizures and temporal lobe epilepsy, however, often respond poorly to these drugs. Furthermore, anticonvulsants have many potentially serious side-effects, including bone softening, anemia, swelling of the gums, double vision, hair loss, headaches, nausea, decreased libido, impotence, depression, and psychosis. Overdose or idiosyncratic reactions may lead to loss of motor coordination, coma, and even death.

Many patients report that inhaling a small amount of cannabis daily will reduce and, in some cases, eliminate their seizures. Using cannabis when a prodrome (i.e., pre-seizure aura) occurs has been shown to be effective in aborting the seizure. Extracts of Cannabis sativa have a long history in the treatment of various neurological diseases, including epilepsy. However, cannabinoids have been reported to exert both pro- and anti-convulsive activities (1).

^Back To Top
Evidence

An animal study suggests that CBD may have therapeutic potential as an anticonvulsant for three types of epilepsy: grand mal, cortical focal, and complex seizures (2).

In a double-blind, placebo controlled study (3), fifteen patients suffering from secondary generalized seizures were given 1.5 mg/kg of CBD or placebo twice a day over 4 ½ months. Patients continued their previous anticonvulsant therapy regardless of whether or not seizures were controlled on those medications. Four of the eight patients receiving CBD remained almost free of convulsive episodes throughout the experiment; three other patients demonstrated partial improvements in their condition. In the placebo group, 7 of 8 patients remained unchanged from their baseline status. All of the patients tolerated the CBD very well, and no signs of toxicity or serious effects were detected.

It must be noted that most cannabis strains available today do not contain large concentrations of CBD as they contain mainly THC. CBD has no appreciable psychoative properties.

^Back To Top
Testimonials

Excerpts below taken from: Grinspoon, Lester. Bakalar, James. B. Marihuana, The Forbidden Medicine. (Yale University press, 1997) Chapter 2, “Common Medical Uses: Epilepsy,” pages 66-79.

Epilepsy – The Story of Carl Oglesby

Carl Oglesby has a complex partial seizure disorder: the seizure arises in the temporal lobe and spreads, but remains relatively focal.

“In 1972, at the age of thirty-seven, I discovered that marihuana medicated a seizure that had plagued me since my teenage years and for which no legal medications seemed available. Shortly after that I became a daily user.

My seizures first appeared when I was fifteen or sixteen and have persisted to my current age of fifty-four at a rate varying from a half dozen to two dozen episodes a day. Episodes vary in duration (from half a minute to a minute) and in intensity, but never in form.

Like many others in the 1960s, I repeatedly came into contact with marihuana, but for several years I resisted the temptation to smoke it. I was highly visible as an SDS (Students for a Democratic Society in opposing the Vietnam War) national officer and felt obliged to avoid bringing the organization into disrepute.

I was a family man and the father of three children toward whom I felt a parent’s normal responsibilities as those were understood in the American 1950s. I began to experiment with marihuana in social situations. I soon discovered that my seizures vanished when I was high. After a few puffs, the aura and its ascent to the dreaded rictus simply did not occur for two to three hours.

Marihuana’s power to eliminate my seizures led me to adopt it as a regular medication. Several months ago I resolved to abandon this form of self-medication and simply suffer the consequences – more tolerable to me now than in 1970 because I am much less often called upon to speak in public (I still give perhaps a dozen public lectures a year). Nevertheless, the return of the seizures is saddening and to a certain extent dispiriting, so I have sought professional medical help in the hope of finding a workable, safe, and legal alternative.”

Epilepsy – The Story of Valerie Coral

Valerie Coral is a forty-three-year-old horticulturist who has organized a medical marihuana cooperative, the Wo-Men’s Alliance for Medical Marihuana (WAMM). Her interest in the issue comes from personal experience.

“Becoming an epileptic changed my dreams and my destiny. I would never again function as I had before. Frightened and overwhelmed by the illness, I became a stranger to myself. I was taking an array of anti-epilepsy drugs that included Mysoline (primidone), Dilantin (phenytoind), and phenobarbital. For pain, I was taking Percodan (oxycodone and aspirin combination) and aspirin and Valium® (diazepam). I became an emotional cripple, physically dependent and under the influence twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty five days a year. I stumbled through an ever-present drug haze in a futile attempt to control the spasms. I took more and more drugs, but only had more and more seizures.

I had exhausted the pharmacopoeia of standard anti-epileptic drugs and was willing to try anything that might offer hope. I wanted what I thought to be a miracle. I wanted a normal life. In the spring of 1975, **** and I moved to an isolated Santa Cruz mountaintop and opted to try marihuana in place of the anti-epilepsy medicines.

For the next two and a half years, as I cut my medication with premeditated caution, I never traveled anywhere without a rolled joint. I smoked every day and took a puff whenever I felt an aura. I told my physician what I was doing, and he gave his tacit approval. Eventually, I found that I could control the seizures completely with marihuana alone.

I still have some neurological problems, but marihuana continues to alleviate the worse effects of my epilepsy with none of the side effects of the drugs I used to take.

When my grandmother contracted leukemia, she encountered the usual barrage of chemotherapies, and we stood by impotently watching while this powerful woman faded before our eyes. Then I suggested that she try marihuana, explaining it might help with nausea. When I told her I had been using it for seizure control, she was impressed, for my family had lived with my illness, too. She tried the marihuana and soon felt hungry; the next morning she said it was the best night’s sleep she had ever had. She used marihuana until her life ended in 1976.

Members of our co-op receive medical marihuana free of charge or for a nominal donation. We educate patients regarding the medical use of marihuana, including cultivation methods. We have recorded the effectiveness of different varieties of marihuana, and we find that different strains affect the symptoms of different ailments. Our goal is to offer a community model that empowers patients and caregivers to provide for themselves and for one another.”

^Back To Top
References


1. On-demand activation of the endocannabinoid system in the control of neuronal excitability and epilepiform seizures.
Lutz B; Biochem Pharmacol. 2004 Nov 1; 68(9):1691-8.
Click for abstract

2. The cannabinoids as potential antiepileptics.
Karler R, Turkanis SA; Clin Pharmacol. 1981 Aug-Sep; 21(8-9 Suppl):437S-448S.
Click for abstract

3. Chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers and epileptic patients.
Cunha JM, Carlini EA, Pereira AE, Ramos OL, et al; Pharmacology. 1980; 21(3):175-85.
Click for abstract
^Back To Top

The Medical Marijuana Information Resource Centre is supported by Button

Copyright © 2006 Medical Marijuana Information Resource Centre. All Rights Reserved -

[cali-misty]

Great! Thanks for posting this!

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by cali-misty

Great! Thanks for posting this!

De nada.

Hope you and my fellow epileptic mmj patients find this helpful.

Very useful for discussions with your PCP about your mmj.

[ladyknight]

My confusion is what strains are good for Epilepsy?

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by ladyknight

My confusion is what strains are good for Epilepsy?

Just did some reading on this in a Mikuriya-Rosenthal book. Based on that and the above clinical research...

I believe we epileptics are looking for strains high in "CBD" which I think is short for Cannabidiol.

Probably indicas are best, with the strong body-high,e.g. purple urkle, sour diesel, (lavender I think), any kush.

I don't know but if I was in a hurry to find out, I'd start there, searching "Cannabidiol, CBD".

I am actually. I'll keep you posted.

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by ladyknight

I have 2 types of Epilepsy. Grand Mal amd MyClonic. I am trying to find the best strains for me to use. I have found 1 that works very well for daytime.
Sometimes a strain will have the opposite effect on me, so I am trying to be careful. I am on 3 types of meds.

I have learn that CBN is good but that is as far as I have gotten. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,
ladyknight

CBN?

I'll look that one up too, ladyknight, if I might be of service to you.

There are at least 60 different molecules all with different effects in what is popularly known as THC.

I'll betcha there's a tremendously valuable treatment at the end of these questions.

[ladyknight]

I have heard of indica's being the best. The meds we take slow down the brainwaves, so the 2 work together. Indica's make me tired, my meds make me tired, so energy is needed for daytime use. This is where we have to be careful.

I have read that CBD and CBN were good. Some studies done in 2000, I will see if I can locate.

Happy searching.....LK

[TimeIsTheMastah420]

My friend has had Grandmal epilepsy for the last eight years. He was taken off his pills about six months ago. He has been using medicinal cannabis for about 4 months. Two weeks ago he had another bad seizure and it was while smoking. I am convinced that it was the black acid he was tricked into taking at a party a few days prior that caused the seizure however. Right before he flopped on the ground he looked over his shoulder and saw something that totally freaked him out. He tried to run from whatever it was, slipped and face planted on the concrete and then had a seizure.

My question is, had he been smoking something like romulan, would he still have had the seizure? Btw the strain he was smoking at the time was super silver haze.

[TimeIsTheMastah420]

Seriously if anyone knows of a strain that has stopped their seizures please post. I do not want to have to hold his bloody head again.

[ladyknight]

Super SilverHaze is not good for people with Epilepsy. Seizures will take place with that kind of sativa. Stay away from other drugs.

I am surprised he is off all meds, did the doctor recommend this? I will look up some of my stuff and let you know.


ladyknight

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by TimeIsTheMastah420

My friend has had Grandmal epilepsy for the last eight years. He was taken off his pills about six months ago. ...

Two weeks ago he had another bad seizure and it was while smoking. I am convinced that it was the black acid he was tricked into taking at a party a few days prior that caused the seizure however. Right before he flopped on the ground he looked over his shoulder and saw something that totally freaked him out. He tried to run from whatever it was, slipped and face planted on the concrete and then had a seizure.

My question is, had he been smoking something like romulan, would he still have had the seizure? Btw the strain he was smoking at the time was super silver haze.

(i am not a doctor please discuss this with a qualified medical doctor, but IMHO:)

Your friend should stay away from parties like that.

Seriously, I doubt it had anything to do with marijuana. Acid sounds like a pretty good candidate.

Or alcohol.

Alcohol is a sure-fire trigger for seizures, evidently. I avoid it like poison, even the smell, since I was diagnosed in 2006. (Now I avoid all mind-altering substances except MMJ and caffeine. *sigh*)

I drank an O'douls early this year thinking it was alcohol-free when in fact it has one-half of one percent, and had a week of insomnia. (Insomnia is the primary problematic manifestation of my seizures. Besides that, I'm just spaced out and short-tempered -and get migraine.)

I saw a friend go down grand mal a couple years ago. We did the 911 thing and the first question the paramedics asked was "has he been drinking?" He most certainly had, heavily, the previous night.

Please go check out my thread on Biofeedback and Epilepsy. (MMJ and all my meds are necessary but not sufficient. Not an uncommon circumstance I suspect. ) None of my doctors have discussed biofeedback as a therapy modality, and one pooh-poohed it, but there is promising clinical research spanning 35 years now.

I've found it necessary take the lead in fixing myself. No doctor can match my personal interest in my own well being. Perhaps you'll see wisdom in that.

I wish your friend luck, and note that he has considerable luck in having you as a friend.

EDIT: Look, it's a crime under law and morality to dose someone without their knowledge. The watchword is "informed consent". Your friend is the victim of a crime. (Just getting kind of worked up over this today.)

[oRANGEgumby]

Ive had epilepsy my whole life. MMJ isnt a cure but i feel it is affective, and more so than a good amount of meds prescribed to me. I feel that the O.G kush are the best and thats what i medicate most of the time. Well cured and the buds full and dense. I have yet to have a bad reaction to any certain strain. My doctor suggested that a routine or that i medicate at roughly the same number of times and time of day everyday. I medicate once when i wake up and again closer to night time, and i found it easier to get sleep and the number of siezures had reduced a good amount. Best wishes to my fellow epileptics.