Medical cannabis: A needs analysis for people with epilepsy. (November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerai, Arti; Sim, Tin Fei; Emmerton, Lynne
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 33(2018)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2018-11
• Subjects: Epilepsy -- Seizures -- Medical cannabis -- Medicinal cannabis -- Survey; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.08.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background and purpose: Medical cannabis may be effective treatment for refractory epilepsy. It is timely to seek users' and potential users' opinions in regard to its place in the management of epilepsy. Materials and methods: An online survey was administered to members of an epilepsy support organisation in Western Australia. Experience with cannabis for management of epilepsy was explored, along with desire to trial a particular pharmaceutical formulation(s). Results: People with epilepsy (33/71) and carers (38/71) participated. Fifty-four participants indicated no experience with medical cannabis, although 35, mainly with inadequate response to prescription medicines, were willing to ask for a prescription. Concerns included difficulty accessing cannabis and high cost of this treatment. Tablets/capsules was the most acceptable dosage form for development. Conclusion: These findings suggest wide interest in trialling medical cannabis in individual cases of refractory epilepsy, despite the developing body of literature and some concerns about cost and procurement. Highlights: Adults and carers of people with refractory epilepsy were interested to trial medical cannabis. Despite legalisation of medical cannabis in Australia, concerns related to cost and procurement of this treatment. Preference was expressed for tablets or capsules. Further research is warranted into product formulation.