Epidiolex is a brand-name oral solution prescribed to treat seizures caused by certain conditions. Epidiolex contains the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD) and belongs to the cannabinoids drug class.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Epidiolex (CBD) to help treat seizures in adults and children ages 1 year and older with one of the following conditions:

For details about the conditions Epidiolex is approved to treat, see the “Epidiolex uses” section.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Epidiolex here.

  • Drug class: "V体育安卓版" cannabinoids, which can be used as antiseizure drugs
  • Drug form: strawberry-flavored oral solution
  • Generic available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2018

Epidiolex generic

Epidiolex contains the active ingredient cannabidiol. It’s available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication V体育安卓版.

Epidiolex side effects (V体育官网)

Epidiolex can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Epidiolex V体育ios版. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Epidiolex, or tips on how to manage a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: The FDA tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Epidiolex and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088 V体育平台登录.

»Learn more about Epidiolex's side effects and ways to manage them.

More common side effects (V体育2025版)

The more common side effects of Epidiolex can include:

If these side effects become severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects (VSports手机版)

Serious side effects from Epidiolex aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency VSports在线直播.

Serious side effects can include:

"VSports app下载" Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with Epidiolex V体育2025版. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Epidiolex can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: VSports.

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include: VSports app下载.

Call your doctor right away if you or your child has a severe allergic reaction to Epidiolex. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency V体育官网.

Sleep problems

Some people reported difficulty sleeping in clinical studies of Epidiolex VSports手机版. The sleep problems reported included:.

  • insomnia
  • low quality sleep
  • sleep disruption

Sleep problems were more common in people taking lower doses of Epidiolex than in people taking higher doses of the drug.

If you or your child has difficulty sleeping while taking Epidiolex, talk with your doctor about ways to improve your sleep.

Diarrhea

In clinical studies, diarrhea was one of the most common side effects reported by people who took Epidiolex VSports最新版本. Diarrhea was more common in people taking higher than lower doses of the drug.

If you or your child has diarrhea while using Epidiolex, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help relieve this side effect. Steps you can take to help relieve this side effect include:

  • avoiding foods that may irritate your stomach
  • drinking water and other fluids
  • eating or drinking probiotic foods or supplements
»Diarrhea: 5 home remedies and when to see a doctor.

Weight loss

Weight loss was reported during clinical studies of Epidiolex. People taking higher doses of Epidiolex noticed more weight loss than people taking lower doses.

After almost 4 months of treatment, 16% of study participants with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome taking Epidiolex lost weight compared with 8% taking a placebo (treatment with no active drug). In studies for tuberous sclerosis, 31% of participants taking Epidiolex lost weight compared with 8% taking a placebo.

Weight loss in people taking Epidiolex could result from lack of appetite, which is another reported side effect of Epidiolex.

If you’re concerned about weight loss while taking Epidiolex, talk with your doctor about ways to help you or your child increase or maintain weight.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior

Epidiolex can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Other medications used to treat epilepsy (antiepileptic drugs) also increase this risk.

An analysis of several studies found that people taking antiepileptic medications for epilepsy had an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, compared with people who weren’t taking these medications. The risk increased after just 1 week of taking the medications.

These studies were done before Epidiolex became available. It’s not known how often people taking Epidiolex have suicidal thoughts or behavior.

During treatment with Epidiolex, your doctor will monitor you or your child closely for signs of new or worsening depression or unusual mood changes. Talk with your doctor right away if you notice these signs in yourself or your child or if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

"VSports在线直播" Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide (VSports).
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Epidiolex cost and savings

As with all medications, the cost of Epidiolex can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use.

You may need to get Epidiolex from a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty medications. These are drugs that may be expensive or may require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.

Before approving coverage for Epidiolex, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether it will cover the drug.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Epidiolex, contact your insurance company.

V体育2025版 - Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Epidiolex or help to understand your insurance coverage, help is available.

Greenwich Biosciences, the manufacturer of Epidiolex, offers the Epidiolex Copay Savings Program. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 833-426-4243 or visit the program website

»Read more about the cost of Epidiolex.

Epidiolex dosage

The Epidiolex dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your or your child’s weight
  • the condition related to the "VSports app下载" seizures
  • the severity of the condition that Epidiolex is being used to treat
  • your or your child’s liver function
  • other medications you or your child is taking

Typically, your doctor will start you or your child on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that works best. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your or your child’s needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

»Read more in this Epidiolex dosage guide.

"V体育ios版" Drug forms and strengths

Epidiolex comes as a strawberry-flavored liquid solution that’s taken by mouth. It’s available in 60-milliliter (mL) and 100-mL bottles. Each mL of solution contains 100 milligrams (mg) of active ingredient.

You or your child should take Epidiolex according to your doctor’s instructions. For details, see the “How to take” section.

Note: Epidiolex dosages are calculated in mg of medication per kilogram (kg) of body weight (mg/kg). (One kg is equal to 2.2 pounds.) Your doctor or pharmacist will calculate your dosage.

Dosage for seizures due to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome (VSports最新版本)

Recommended dosages for people with seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome are as follows:

  • Starting dosage: 2.5 mg/kg twice daily
  • Maintenance dosage: 5 mg/kg twice daily
  • Maximum dosage: 10 mg/kg twice daily

Your doctor may increase Epidiolex dosages after taking the starting dose for 1 week. Dosages are increased depending on how well the drug is tolerated and how your body responds.

If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor.

Dosage for seizures due to tuberous sclerosis complex

Recommended dosages for people with seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex are listed here:

  • Starting dosage: 2.5 mg/kg twice daily
  • Maintenance dosage: 12.5 mg/kg twice daily

Your doctor may increase the Epidiolex dosage based on how well the drug is tolerated and how your body responds. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Children’s dosage

The dosage of Epidiolex for children is the same as for adults. See the previous sections for details.

How to take

You or your child will take the liquid solution using a plastic oral syringe. You use this device to measure the amount of medication and to release the solution into your or your child’s mouth. This drug can be taken using a 1-mL or a 5-mL syringe. Your pharmacist will give you the right-sized syringe for your prescribed dose of Epidiolex.

Do not use a household measuring device (such as a teaspoon) to measure the Epidiolex dose. These devices don’t always measure the exact amount you need. If you lose the syringes that come with Epidiolex, ask your pharmacist for new ones.

In some cases, Epidiolex may be given through a V体育平台登录 - feeding tube. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this method for receiving doses.

To find detailed information on how to take Epidiolex, visit the manufacturer’s website for written instructions and helpful videos.

Do not stop taking Epidiolex without talking with your doctor. Stopping it suddenly can cause increased seizures and a serious condition called status epilepticus. If you and your doctor decide that you or your child should stop taking Epidiolex, your doctor will slowly reduce the dosage to help prevent these effects.

About taking Epidiolex

You’ll find information about key dosage issues here:

  • When to take: Epidiolex is taken twice daily. It’s best to take the doses about 12 hours apart.
  • If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose. Then take your next dose at the regular time. If you aren’t sure about whether you should take a missed dose, call your doctor’s office. Do not take more than one dose of Epidiolex at the same time. Doing this can increase your risk of serious side effects.
  • Taking Epidiolex with food: Epidiolex can be taken with or without food. Keep in mind that eating foods high in calories or fat can increase the amount of Epidiolex the body absorbs. This can increase the risk of side effects. Try to eat similar amounts of fat and calories at each meal. This will help keep the level of Epidiolex consistent.
  • Length of use: Epidiolex is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Epidiolex seems to be safe and effective, you or your child will likely take it long term.
  • Length of time to work: Epidiolex typically starts working within days to weeks. In clinical studies, many people had fewer seizures within 4 weeks of starting treatment with Epidiolex.

Overdose

Taking too much Epidiolex can increase your risk of serious side effects. Do not take more Epidiolex than your doctor recommends.

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • extreme drowsiness
  • sleepiness or difficulty staying awake
  • difficulty thinking
  • difficulty speaking
  • diarrhea
  • skin rash
  • loss of appetite
  • insomnia

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

"VSports手机版" Epidiolex uses

The FDA approves prescription drugs such as Epidiolex to treat certain conditions. Epidiolex may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s FDA approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Epidiolex is FDA approved to treat seizures caused by three rare conditions. These conditions can be very difficult to treat. People with seizures related to these conditions often need more than one medication to reduce the number of seizures they have.

If you have questions about how effective Epidiolex is for seizures, talk with your doctor.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a type of epilepsy that causes seizures that usually begin in early childhood or infancy.

In clinical trials, people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome who took Epidiolex for 14 weeks had fewer seizures than people who didn’t take the drug.

Dravet syndrome

Dravet syndrome is also a type of epilepsy. It causes seizures that usually begin in infancy.

A clinical trial lasting 14 weeks looked at people with Dravet syndrome. This trial included children and teenagers. People who took Epidiolex had fewer seizures than people who didn’t take the drug.

All participants in clinical trials for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome were taking Epidiolex in combination with other epilepsy drugs. Examples of epilepsy medications given include:

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) (V体育官网入口)

TSC is a type of benign (noncancerous) tumor. It causes a variety of symptoms, which may include seizures. These seizures typically develop during childhood.

In clinical trials, people with TSC who took Epidiolex for 16 weeks had fewer seizures than people who didn’t take the drug. In these trials, almost all participants took other seizure medications with either Epidiolex or the placebo (treatment with no active ingredient).

Epidiolex is approved for use in adults and some children with these conditions.

Epidiolex and children

Epidiolex is FDA approved for use in children to treat seizures caused by three rare conditions. For more information on these conditions, see the beginning of this “Epidiolex uses” section.

Epidiolex can be given to children ages 1 year and older.

»Read more at our epilepsy and seizures hub.

Epidiolex for pain and other conditions

Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved drug that’s made with CBD. It’s only approved to treat seizures caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or TSC.

Many studies are looking at other ways CBD could be used for medical treatment. The following information describes some of these possible uses.

Note: Epidiolex hasn’t been proven safe or effective for treating any of the following conditions. Only use Epidiolex as directed by your doctor.

Epidiolex for pain

Epidiolex isn’t approved to treat pain. Animal studies have shown that CBD may help relieve pain. However, fewer studies have looked at the safety and effectiveness of CBD for treating pain in humans.

A 2022 review of studies concluded CBD was an excellent alternative to an opioid in treating chronic (long-lasting) pain in people. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), evidence is limited and more research is needed to know whether cannabis is a better alternative to existing pain treatments.

»CBD oil for pain management: Effects, benefits, and uses.

Epidiolex for anxiety

Epidiolex isn’t approved to treat anxiety. However, some studies have shown that CBD may ease anxiety by reducing anxious feelings during stressful times.

Epidiolex hasn’t been proven safe or effective for treating anxiety. Only use Epidiolex as directed by your doctor.

"VSports注册入口" Epidiolex for autism

Epidiolex isn’t approved to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Only a few studies have looked at using CBD to treat autism.

In one study with 53 participants, symptoms of autism, including hyperactivity and aggression, decreased in 67.6% and worsened in 8% of participants.

Epidiolex hasn’t been proven safe or effective for treating autism. Only use Epidiolex as directed by your doctor.

Clinical trials of Epidiolex

CBD (the active ingredient in Epidiolex) has been tested in clinical trials as a treatment option for the following conditions:

If you’d like to participate in a study, look for clinical trials in your area at clinicaltrials.gov.

Common questions about Epidiolex

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Epidiolex.

How do I know that Epidiolex is safe to use?

Epidiolex contains the drug cannabidiol (CBD), which comes from cannabis. But Epidiolex doesn’t contain other compounds found in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). (THC can make you feel intoxicated.)

Epidiolex is the only medication made from CBD that’s approved by the FDA. This approval ensures the quality, safety, and effectiveness of Epidiolex. For example, because Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA, you can be assured that the drug:

  • contains the exact amount of CBD that the manufacturer says it does
  • is proven safe to treat seizures caused by certain conditions
  • is effective in treating seizures caused by certain conditions

Can Epidiolex make you get high?

No, Epidiolex doesn’t make you feel “high” or euphoric.

Epidiolex contains a compound called cannabidiol (CBD). This compound comes from cannabis (also called marijuana). Epidiolex is the first FDA-approved drug made from cannabis.

Cannabis contains two main compounds: THC and CBD. These compounds have different effects on the body. THC can make you feel “high,” but CBD doesn’t make you feel that way.

Epidiolex doesn’t contain any THC, so it won’t make you feel “high.” It only contains CBD.

VSports最新版本 - Is Epidiolex use legal?

Yes, it’s legal to use Epidiolex if your doctor has prescribed it for you or your child. Epidiolex is an FDA-approved drug, just like any other medication that your doctor prescribes.

It’s also legal to carry Epidiolex when you travel, including on airplanes. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) knows that Epidiolex is an FDA-approved medication. (The TSA oversees security for air travel.)

If you’re following the ketogenic diet, can you take Epidiolex?

Yes, you can use Epidiolex if you’re following a ketogenic diet. But you should talk with your doctor about how your diet can affect the medication. Eating meals high in fat can increase the amount of Epidiolex that your body absorbs. This can increase the level of Epidiolex in your system.

In clinical studies, Epidiolex levels were increased up to five times when the drug was taken with a high fat meal.

Higher levels of Epidiolex in the body can increase your risk of side effects. These can include:

If you’re on a ketogenic diet, your doctor will monitor your side effects. They may recommend a different dose of Epidiolex or changes in your diet.

Have there been deaths reported with the use of Epidiolex?

In total, more than 1,700 people took Epidiolex during initial clinical studies. About 1% of the people in the clinical studies died.

Epidiolex wasn’t found to be the cause of death in these people. Many of those who died had several complicated diseases. Some of these diseases increase the risk of death.

Also, the number of deaths in these studies was similar to the number of deaths in people who have either Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome.

Alternatives to Epidiolex

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Epidiolex, talk with your doctor to learn more about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions.

"V体育安卓版" Alternatives for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Treatment guidelines recommend the following drugs to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome:

Alternatives for Dravet syndrome

Some experts recommend the following drugs to treat Dravet syndrome:

  • valproate/valproic acid
  • clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan)
  • stiripentol ("V体育官网" Diacomit)
  • topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR)
  • levetiracetam (Keppra, Roweepra, Spritam)
  • zonisamide (Zonegran)

Alternatives for seizures related to tuberous sclerosis complex

Some experts recommend the following drugs to treat seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex:

Use with other drugs

Epidiolex is commonly prescribed with other drugs when used to treat seizures. Many of the drugs listed previously can be used in combination with Epidiolex. Your doctor will recommend which drugs can be used together based on your condition.

Non-FDA-approved CBD products

Epidiolex is the only drug containing CBD that’s approved for medical use by the FDA. The quality, safety, and effectiveness of a drug can be ensured by FDA approval.

Because Epidiolex has been approved by the FDA, you can be assured that the drug:

  • contains the exact amount of CBD that the manufacturer says it does
  • is proven safe to treat certain seizure disorders
  • is effective at treating certain seizure disorders

Other products made with CBD are available to purchase, but they haven’t been approved by the FDA. This means that the FDA can’t guarantee that those products have a safe amount of CBD. It also means the effectiveness of those products hasn’t been tested.

One study looked at products containing CBD that weren’t FDA approved. The study found that one-quarter (26%) did not meet the definition for the product type stated on the package label. Also, three-quarters of the products had a different amount of CBD than what was stated on the label.

Certain U.S. states have laws that require products containing CBD to be tested before they’re sold. States that haven’t made cannabis legal for medical or recreational use don’t have these laws. This means that products containing CBD might not be tested before they’re sold in some areas of the United States.

Be sure you’re familiar with state laws before you purchase any products containing CBD. This will help you make sure that you buy products from safe and reputable companies that have had their products tested.

»Read more about CBD and CBD products.

Epidiolex interactions

Epidiolex can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Before taking Epidiolex, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

"VSports在线直播" Interactions with medications and supplements

Here is a list of medications and supplements that can interact with Epidiolex. This list does not include all drugs that may interact with Epidiolex. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Medications that can interact with Epidiolex• certain seizure medications, such as clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan), diazepam (Diastat, Valium), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), and valproate/valproic acid
• certain antiviral medications, such as ritonavir (Norvir; ingredient in combination tablets) and elvitegravir (ingredient in Genvoya, Stribild)
• certain antifungal medications, such as itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) and ketoconazole (Extina, Nizoral)
Herbs and supplements that can interact with Epidiolex• St. John’s wort
• kava kava
• melatonin
• SAMe
• valerian root
• L-tryptophan

Interactions with foods

Eating meals with large amounts of fat or calories can increase the amount of Epidiolex that your body absorbs. This can increase your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, diarrhea, rash, and difficulty sleeping.

It’s important to eat similar amounts of fat and calories at each meal. This will help keep a stable level of Epidiolex in your body and reduce your risk of side effects. If you have questions about your diet, talk with your doctor.

»Can what you eat affect seizure frequency? What to know and what to avoid.

Epidiolex and alcohol

Epidiolex and alcohol don’t interact with each other. But they can both cause similar effects in your body, including:

  • drowsiness
  • sleepiness
  • loss of coordination
  • difficulty thinking clearly

Drinking alcohol while taking Epidiolex can worsen these side effects. To reduce your risk of having these effects, if you drink alcohol, your doctor may recommend not drinking it during treatment with Epidiolex.

If you have questions about the safety of drinking alcohol while taking Epidiolex, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Epidiolex vs. valproic acid

Epidiolex contains the drug CBD. Valproic acid is a generic drug.

Uses and effectiveness

Epidiolex and valproic acid are both used to treat epilepsy. However, they are FDA approved to treat different forms of epilepsy.

Epidiolex is approved for use in adults and in children ages 1 year and older to treat seizures caused by three forms of epilepsy. (For details about these conditions, see “Epidiolex uses.”)

  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
  • Dravet syndrome
  • tuberous sclerosis complex

Valproic acid is approved to treat:

Valproic acid can be used alone or with other seizure medications.

In separate studies, Epidiolex and valproic acid reduced the number of seizures in people taking each drug. However, there aren’t any studies that have directly compared Epidiolex to valproic acid.

Drug forms

Epidiolex is a strawberry-flavored oral solution that’s taken twice daily.

Valproic acid comes as an oral capsule and oral syrup that’s taken one to three times daily. It also comes as a solution that’s given by injection in a hospital. (This injectable medication is called valproate sodium.)

Side effects and risks

Epidiolex and valproic acid can cause some similar side effects and some different side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Epidiolex, with valproic acid, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Epidiolex:
  • Can occur with valproic acid:
    • nausea
    • headache
    • dizziness
    • vomiting
    • abdominal pain
    • blurry vision or double vision
    • increased appetite
    • weight gain
    • problems with coordination or walking
    • hair loss
  • Can occur with both Epidiolex and valproic acid:

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Epidiolex, with valproic acid, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

* Valproic acid has a boxed warning for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Costs

Epidiolex is a brand-name drug. There are currently no generic forms of Epidiolex available. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generic drugs.

Valproic acid is available in a generic form. It used to be available as the brand-name drug Depakene. But that medication has been discontinued.

Epidiolex generally costs more than valproic acid. The actual price you’ll pay for any drug depends on your dosage, insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you use. For more information about cost and Epidiolex, see the “Cost and savings” section of this article.

VSports手机版 - Epidiolex vs. topiramate

Epidiolex contains the drug CBD. Topiramate is a generic drug. It’s also available in brand-name forms (Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR).

Uses and effectiveness

Epidiolex and topiramate are both used to treat epilepsy. They are both FDA approved to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome but have other unique uses.

Epidiolex is approved for use in adults and children ages 1 year and older to treat seizures caused by three forms of epilepsy. (For details, see “Epidiolex uses.”):

  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
  • Dravet syndrome
  • tuberous sclerosis complex

Topiramate is approved for use alone or in combination with other seizure drugs. It’s also approved to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome when used in combination with other epilepsy drugs. Topiramate can be prescribed for adults and children ages 2 years and older.

Topiramate is also approved to help "V体育2025版" prevent migraine in people ages 12 years and older.

Epidiolex and topiramate haven’t been compared directly to each other in clinical studies. However, in separate studies, both drugs reduced the number of seizures in people taking them for treatment.

Drug forms

Epidiolex comes as a strawberry-flavored oral solution that’s taken twice daily.

Topiramate comes as oral tablets and capsules. Topiramate dosing schedules differ depending on the condition you’re taking topiramate to treat, but it’s typically taken twice daily.

Side effects and risks

Epidiolex and topiramate work in different ways to treat seizures. They can cause similar and different side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Epidiolex, with topiramate, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Epidiolex:
  • Can occur with topiramate:
    • tingling in arms or legs
    • changes in your sense of taste
    • unplanned weight loss
    • feeling nervous
    • difficulty speaking
    • memory problems
    • abdominal pain
    • fever
    • vision changes
    • decreased sense of feeling in the skin
    • slow reaction time
  • Can occur with both Epidiolex and topiramate:

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Epidiolex, with topiramate, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Epidiolex:
    • liver problems
  • Can occur with topiramate:
  • Can occur with both Epidiolex and topiramate:
    • suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • sedation (with symptoms such as sleepiness and loss of coordination)
    • severe allergic reaction

Costs

Epidiolex is a brand-name drug. There are currently no generic forms of Epidiolex available. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generic drugs.

Topiramate is a generic drug. It’s also available as several brand-name drugs.

Epidiolex generally costs more than the brand-name or generic forms of topiramate. The actual price you’ll pay for any drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can refer to the “Cost and savings” section of this article for details about cost and Epidiolex.

How Epidiolex works (V体育平台登录)

Epidiolex is approved to treat seizures caused by certain conditions. (You can learn more about these conditions in the “Epidiolex uses” section.)

Epidiolex contains the compound CBD, which comes from cannabis. Unlike THC, another compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t make you feel “high” or euphoric.

It’s not known exactly how Epidiolex reduces the number of seizures people have. During a seizure, the brain sends atypical electrical signals. Epidiolex may work on certain pathways in the brain to prevent these signals from starting and spreading.

If you have questions about the mechanism of action of Epidiolex, talk with your doctor.

Epidiolex is not a controlled substance

When Epidiolex was first approved for use in 2018, it was a controlled substance. But as of April 2020, Epidiolex is no longer a controlled substance. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse. With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel the way it typically does. And with misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it was prescribed.

At the time of its approval, Epidiolex was classified as a Schedule V prescription drug. Drugs with a higher classification (such as Schedule V) have a lower risk of being misused than drugs with a lower classification (such as Schedule I).

For controlled substances, federal and state laws restrict the number of refills on the drug. The laws also restrict the ability to transfer prescriptions between pharmacies. Now that the FDA has removed Epidiolex from its list of controlled substances, it’s easier for doctors to prescribe the medication. The change will also help people more easily fill and transfer prescriptions for Epidiolex.

Even though Epidiolex is no longer a controlled substance, there are still some things to consider if you’re taking it. These include:

  • Travel: If you travel to other U.S. states and take Epidiolex, it helps to be familiar with the legal status of cannabidiol (CBD) in those states. (CBD, which comes from cannabis, is the active drug in Epidiolex.) Epidiolex is legal for use in all states if you have a prescription for it. However, CBD products other than Epidiolex are illegal in some states.
  • Storage: Epidiolex needs to be stored in a safe, secure place. Carefully storing this drug helps prevent it from being used accidentally by other people (or pets). It also helps prevent someone from trying to misuse the drug. Epidiolex solution should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 78°F (20°C and 25.6°C). Make sure to keep the bottle standing upright and the lid tightly closed.

Epidiolex precautions

Before taking Epidiolex, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Epidiolex may not be right for you if you have certain conditions. These include:

  • liver disease
  • suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • history of serious allergic reaction to Epidiolex (CBD) or any of the ingredients in Epidiolex
  • allergy to sesame seed oil (Epidiolex contains sesame seed oil)
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.