What is Cannabidiol?
Cannabidiol can be used to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastraut syndrome or Dravet syndrome. Cannabidiol can be used by adults and children older than 1 year. Cannabidiol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cannabidiol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including changes in mood or behaviour, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping. Also, you may feel impulsive or hyperactive, agitated or hostile, aggressive, or restless.
If you experience any of the following liver symptoms:
- Vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Tiredness and feeling unwell
- Right-sided upper abdominal pain
- Itching;
- Dark urine
- Jaundice
Cannabidiol can have a variety of side effects.
- Drowsiness;
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Feeling tired or weak
- Infections (fever or flu symptoms, cough): swelling, redness, and itching.
- Diarrhoea;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Is a rash
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Cannabidiol may harm your liver. You may need to check your liver function before and after treatment. If you experience symptoms like nausea or vomiting, fatigue, itchiness, dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right side of your stomach, call your doctor immediately.
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how cannabidiol affects you. While taking cannabidiol, some people experience suicidal thoughts. Be alert if you notice any changes in your mood or symptoms. Inform your doctor if you experience any new symptoms or if they worsen.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to sesame oil or cannabidiol. Cannabidiol cannot be used by children under the age of 2 years.
Tell your physician immediately of any of the following symptoms:
- Liver disease
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Depression is a mental disorder.
- Suicidal thoughts and actions.
Cannabidiol can cause suicidal thoughts in some people. Regular visits to your doctor are required to monitor your progress. Your family or you should remain mindful of any shift in mood or symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or nursing. You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to track cannabidiol's effects on the baby.
How to take Cannabidiol?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Please be mindful to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Cannabidiol should be taken twice a day. Take your medication at approximately the same time each day. Doing this ensures adherence and helps ensure an even distribution. Cannabidiol can be taken with or without food. However, it must always be taken the same way.
Cannabidiol should be measured carefully. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Be sure to dry the dosing needle completely before you measure your dose. Cannabidiol can be administered through a tube made from polyvinylchloride (PVC).
This medication can damage your liver. You may need to check your liver function before and during treatment. Depending on the results, you may have to stop taking cannabidiol. Store away from moisture, heat, and moisture. Avoid freezing or refrigeration. When not in use, keep the bottle in an upright position and tightly closed.
Do not discard any liquids that you haven't used within 12 weeks of opening the bottle. Cannabidiol may affect a drug test, and you could test positive for marijuana (cannabis). Inform the lab staff that you are using cannabidiol. Even if you are feeling fine, do not suddenly stop taking cannabidiol. If you stop abruptly, seizures may increase. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dosage.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol with cannabidiol may increase drowsiness. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have experienced the effects of this medication. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Cannabidiol can make you more drowsy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- Other seizure medications, such as Clobazam and Valproate
- Cannabis-based products.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, can also affect cannabidiol. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking, as well as any new ones.
