Use of the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (cbd) in combination with a standard anti-epileptic drug (saed) in the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

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. 
     
     
         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.