What you need to know about Cannabidiol for epilepsy

If someone in your family, perhaps your child, has epilepsy, you probably know how frightening the experience of seizures can be. You can't even imagine what to do or how to take care of them at that time. Doctors prescribe various medications to control such epileptic conditions. Today we are going to talk about a liquid medicine called Cannabidiol, which is used to control and prevent such seizures. This is probably something your doctor has recommended to you or your child, or is likely to recommend.

Simply put, what is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol is a special medicine that is given to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It comes in the form of a liquid. Think of the nervous system in our brain and body as a system of electrical wiring. Sometimes, this wiring system transmits too many electrical messages unnecessarily. That's when seizures occur.

So, what this Cannabidiol medicine does is calm down those overactive nerves. When the nervous system is calmed down in this way, the chances of seizures are greatly reduced. It can also be used for some other medical conditions. Your doctor will tell you more about it. In Sri Lanka, this medicine can be found under the brand name `Epidiolex Solution`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you about your health. It is important for your safety to be honest and tell you everything clearly at this time. In particular, you should tell them about the following:

• Liver disease: If you have a pre-existing liver disease, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
• Mental health issues: If you have a mental health condition like depression, tell us about it.
• Suicidal thoughts: If you have ever had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempted suicide, don't hesitate to tell us. This is very important.
• Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to cannabidiol, especially sesame seed oil , other medications, foods, or dyes.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future, inform your doctor.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely mention that as well.

How should I use the medicine exactly?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.

1. You should take it by mouth: This is a liquid medicine that you take by mouth.

2. Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right dose, at the right time every day. Read the instructions on the medicine label carefully.

3. Use a special syringe: You need to use a specially designed oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure this medicine. Never use kitchen teaspoons or rice spoons for this. They are not accurate and may cause the dose to vary. If you do not have access to such a special device, ask your doctor about it.

4. Keep the same dosage: You can take this with or without food. But the most important thing is to take it every day the same way you started. For example, if you took it after a meal on the first day, take it after a meal every day. If you took it before a meal, take it before a meal every day.

5. Don't stop: Keep taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to "stop it now."

When you are given this medicine, you will receive a special instruction leaflet (`MedGuide`) with it. Read it carefully every time. There is also an instruction leaflet (`INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE`) on how to use this medicine. Read and understand it carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

Should this medicine be given to small children?

This medicine can be prescribed to children as young as one year old for certain selected conditions. However, there are special precautions involved. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to your child, it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you take too much medicine or miss a dose?

Overdose

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

If you miss a dose of medication (Missed Dose)

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

When taking this medicine, it may interact or conflict with other medications and supplements you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications and vitamins you are taking.

The table below lists some of the things that may interact with this medicine. This is not a complete list, but it includes some of the main ones.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

You should take special care of your health while taking this medicine.

• Regular medical checkups: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse, getting worse, or if there are any new symptoms.
• Wear a medical ID: Carrying a medical ID bracelet or chain or card with details about your condition and the medications you take can be very important in an emergency.
• Drowsiness and alertness: This medicine may make you feel a little sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded . It may also affect your coordination and reaction time. Therefore, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you, do not do anything that requires a lot of attention, such as driving a car, working at heights, or operating machinery.
• Get up slowly: When you get up from a sitting or lying position, get up slowly. If you get up suddenly, you are more likely to feel dizzy and fall.
• Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can increase the side effects mentioned above, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely.

Special attention to mental health

This is very important. Some people may experience changes in their mental health while taking this medication. In particular, suicidal thoughts or depression may become more severe if they are new or have been present.

These changes can happen at any time, but the risk is higher when you first start taking the medication and after changing the dosage. If you notice these sudden changes in your mood or behavior, talk to your doctor right away.

• If you feel sad and disappointed.
• Sudden changes in mood.
• Sudden changes in behavior or thoughts.
• Thoughts of harming yourself.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The table below will give you a clear idea of ​​them.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, tell your doctor.

How should I store the medicine? How should I remove it?

• Storage: Keep out of reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep the bottle cap tightly closed. Most important: Throw away any remaining medicine 12 weeks after opening the bottle.
• Disposal: Unused or expired medications should be disposed of safely. The best way to dispose of medication is to empty the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and then place the mixture in a sealed bag or container and throw it in the trash. If you are unsure, ask your doctor for advice.

Cannabidiol, Cannabidiol, Epilepsy, Epilepsy, Seizures, Epidiolex, Side Effects, Medication