Cannabidiol

Generic name: Cannabidiol
Brand names: Epidiolex
Dosage form: oral liquid (100 mg/mL)

Usage of Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol is used to treat seizures in people with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.

Cannabidiol is for use in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Cannabidiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Cannabidiol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of liver problems, such as:

  • nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
  • tiredness, not feeling well;
  • right-sided upper stomach pain;
  • itching;
  • dark urine; or
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

    • Common side effects of cannabidiol may include:

  • drowsiness;
  • changes in appetite or weight;
  • feeling weak or tired;
  • infections (fever, flu symptoms, cough, swelling, redness, itching);
  • diarrhea;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • rash; or
  • abnormal liver function tests.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Cannabidiol

    You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to cannabidiol or sesame seed oil.

    Cannabidiol is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

    Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • liver disease;
  • drug or alcohol addiction;
  • depression, a mood disorder; or
  • suicidal thoughts or actions.

    • Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking cannabidiol. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

    Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of cannabidiol on the baby.

    Warnings

    Cannabidiol can harm your liver. Your liver function may need to be checked before and during treatment.

    Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, right-sided upper stomach pain, tiredness, itching, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

    Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how cannabidiol will affect you.

    Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking cannabidiol. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

    What other drugs will affect Cannabidiol

    Using cannabidiol with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

    Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

    Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • other seizure medications (especially clobazam or valproate); or
  • cannabis-based products.

    • This list is not complete. Many other drugs can affect cannabidiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

    Popular FAQ

    Epidiolex contains just one of the many chemical substances found in marijuana, a cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD). Continue reading

    Epidiolex is a small molecule drug that contains the active ingredient cannabidiol (CBD), which is one of the many cannabinoids and other chemicals found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Continue reading

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