USE OF THE PHYTOCANNABINOID CANNABIDIOL (CBD) IN COMBINATION WITH A STANDARD ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUG (SAED) IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY
The invention relates to the use of cannabidiol (CBD), at a dose of greater than 300 mg/day, in combination with a standard anti-epileptic drug (SAED) which acts via sodium or calcium channels, for use in the treatment of epilepsy. The SAED is preferably one which•modifies low-threshold or transient neuronal calcium currents,or•reduces high-frequency neuronal firing and sodium-dependent action potentials and enhances GABA effects. Preferred SAEDs are ethosuximide and valproate.
1 . A method for treating epilepsy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof cannabidiol (CBD), at a dose of greater than 300 mg/day, in combination with a standard anti-epileptic drug (SAED) which acts via sodium or calcium channels, for use in the treatment of epilepsy.
2 . (canceled)
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the SAED is a drug which:
modifies low-threshold or transient neuronal calcium currents, or
reduces high-frequency neuronal firing and sodium-dependent action potentials and enhances GABA effects.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the SAED is selected from the group consisting of: ethosuximide and valproate.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the type of epilepsy to be treated is generalised seizure or temporal lobe seizure.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the type of epilepsy to be treated is refractory to existing medication.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the CBD is used with one or more other therapeutically effective phytocannabinoids.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the one or more other therapeutically effective phytocannabinoid is THCV and/or CBDV.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the CBD is an isolated phytocannabinoid.
10 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the CBD is in the form of a botanical drug substance.
11 . (canceled)
12 . A combination product comprising cannabidiol (CBD), at a dose of greater than 300 mg/day, and a standard anti-epileptic drug (SAED) which acts via sodium or calcium channels.