I take medication for my epilepsy but still have seizures occasionally. Would adding an herbal product help?

Answer from
Dr. Peter Kaplan, Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Q. I take medication for my epilepsy but still have seizures occasionally. Would adding an herbal product help?

A. I would have to say this is not a good idea. Small studies on animals have found that ginkgo biloba, marijuana, skullcap, and a number of other herbs may have anti-convulsant properties. But few have gone through the controlled, large-scale scientific studies needed to determine if they are safe and effective. Because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies herbal products as food, they don’t have to meet the same standards as medications. This means it can be hard to know how much to take because dosages are not standardized either. In addition, some herbs that may help control seizures, such as ginkgo, can also cause them. Botanicals can interact with your regular seizure medicine, making it less effective or worsening its side effects.

Bottom line: Before trying an herbal product, talk to your doctor. And never substitute an herb for your seizure medication. As a practitioner, I do not endorse their use.