Strategies for managing side effects of cannabis use for epilepsy include dose adjustment, switching to a different form or strain of cannabis, and adding other medications.
Dose adjustment is often the first step in managing side effects. This may involve reducing the amount taken at one time or decreasing the frequency of administration. It can also mean using a smaller percentage of THC if that is present in the cannabis product being used.
Switching to another form or strain of cannabis may help manage side effects as well. Different forms and strains contain different amounts and combinations of cannabinoids which could have an impact on how much relief a person experiences without causing more severe side effects. For example, some people find that CBD-only products are better tolerated than those with both THC and CBD together, while others find that higher doses of THC provide better symptom relief with fewer adverse reactions than lower doses do.
Adding other medications such as anti-nausea agents can also help reduce side effects from cannabis use for epilepsy. Some anticonvulsant drugs have been found to interact with certain cannabinoids, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions before starting any new medication regimen. Some studies suggest that taking omega-3 fatty acids alongside cannabinoids may be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with seizures, though further research is needed on this topic before definitive conclusions can be made.