Compare the Best CBD Oil for Trigeminal Neuralgia in 2022

How CBD May Help With Trigeminal Neuralgia

TN (trigeminal neuralgia) is a medical condition characterized by chronic pain from the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain⁽¹⁾.

CBD’s activity in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may explain how this non-psychoactive compound may help with chronic pain and conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. 

The ECS is vital to the CNS (central nervous system) and plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation⁽²⁾. 

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors type 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), endocannabinoids, and enzymes. 

Cannabinoids, like CBD and THC, may exert their antinociceptive properties through complex mechanisms involving effects on the CNS, spinal cord, and peripheral sensory nerves⁽³⁾. 

Antinociceptive agents are compounds that can diminish pain without adverse effects on consciousness. 

CB1 receptors play a key role in pain sensation⁽⁴⁾. Meanwhile, recent studies suggest that CB2 receptors may be involved in the antihyperalgesic activity of cannabinoids in acute, chronic, and neuropathic pain⁽⁵⁾. 

Antihyperalgesic activity refers to the ability of certain compounds to counteract hyperalgesia or extreme sensitivity to pain. 

Although CBD has a low binding affinity for both cannabinoid receptors, it may antagonize them in the presence of THC⁽⁶⁾. 

The non-psychoactive compound may also regulate pain perception⁽⁷⁾. Thus, CBD may help with painful conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia.    

Opioids are medications for persistent or severe pain. Despite their high potential for abuse, these prescription drugs are used mostly as an adjunct to anticonvulsants⁽⁸⁾. 

Opioids are also prevalent in patients with facial pain, including those who have TN⁽⁹⁾. 

However, opioid abuse has become a national crisis in the United States, in which 90 Americans die by overdose each day⁽¹⁰⁾. For this reason, more studies are exploring the use of cannabis as a substitute for opioids⁽¹¹⁾. 

Cannabis refers to a group of plants, such as Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These plants have more than 100 chemical components known as cannabinoids. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are among the phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) found in cannabis plants. 

THC is the principal psychoactive compound of cannabis. The compound is responsible for the euphoric high users’ experience. 

A study published in 2021 noted that, unlike opioids, cannabis has no reported deaths due to overdodse⁽¹²⁾. 

Meanwhile, CBD is non-psychoactive. Some studies also suggest that CBD may antagonize at least some of the adverse effects of THC⁽¹³⁾. 

The non-psychoactive compound has been of particular interest as a target for opioid use disorder⁽¹⁴⁾. 

In a survey in California, about 80% of patients who used medical cannabis either as a substitute or in conjunction with opioid-based pain medication claimed that cannabis is more effective than opioids for pain⁽¹⁵⁾. 

A study from the journal Neurology assessed the efficacy of medical cannabis in patients with trigeminal neuralgia⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Of the 42 patients with TN, 81% reported improvements in their symptoms, while 50% said they reduced their opioid consumption with medical cannabis⁽¹⁷⁾. 

The most efficacious dosage for the patients involved was a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD⁽¹⁸⁾.

Although CBD may not be a standalone treatment for chronic pain, it is believed that using CBD as an adjunct therapy may provide pain relief, reduce the amount of opioid medication a patient is taking, and improve the overall quality of life⁽¹⁹⁾.

Benefits of Using CBD for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Cannabidiol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties⁽²⁰⁾. These potential health benefits may help individuals with trigeminal neuralgia.

TN is inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, a large three-part nerve in the head that provides sensation. It is a form of neuropathic pain associated with nerve lesions or nerve injuries. 

It is believed that trigeminal nerve pain may be triggered by the contraction of blood vessels in the trigeminal nerve, damaging the trigeminal protective tissue⁽²¹⁾. 

For individuals with TN, even mild stimulation of their faces, such as putting on makeup or brushing their teeth, may trigger an excruciating pain similar to an electric shock⁽²²⁾.

A study from the European Journal of Pharmacology examined CBD’s efficacy in rat chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain⁽²³⁾.  

The researchers administered 2.5-20 mg of CBD to neuropathic models and 20 mg of CBD to adjuvant-injected rats from days 7 to 14. 

An adjuvant is an ingredient that may help create a more robust immune response in individuals receiving vaccines. 

The findings indicated a potential for the therapeutic use of CBD in chronic painful states⁽²⁴⁾.  

It has been demonstrated that trigeminal neuralgia is common in patients with MS (multiple sclerosis), a disease that particularly affects the brain and spinal cord⁽²⁵⁾. 

Pain is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis, and about 75% of MS patients experience it⁽²⁶⁾. 

An elevated relative risk has also been associated with high blood pressure, particularly among women with trigeminal neuralgia⁽²⁷⁾. 

Preclinical studies showed that CBD may reduce blood pressure response to stress⁽²⁸⁾. 

These studies seem promising. However, they are either based on animal research or small clinical trials. 

Still, the findings may be useful to researchers conducting further studies on CBD’s efficacy in painful conditions, like trigeminal neuralgia. 

How to Take CBD for Trigeminal Neuralgia 

Below are standard delivery methods by which CBD is taken into the body⁽²⁹⁾:

• Inhalation (vape pens)
• Ingestion (edibles like gummies and capsules) 
• Sublingual or under the tongue (tinctures, strips, tablets, and sprays)
• Topical (CBD creams, salves, lotions, and balms) 

TN patients may initially experience mild attacks that can progress to more-frequent bouts of pain⁽³⁰⁾. 

Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the quickest way to benefit from the compound. CBD usually takes effect within two to 15 minutes via the inhalation route^(31-32). However, vaping may damage the lungs⁽³³⁾.  

Hence, talk with a healthcare professional experienced in cannabis use to determine which delivery route is best for trigeminal neuralgia or any health conditions.   

CBD Dosage

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved CBD as a treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Hence, there is no standard CBD dosage for such a condition. 

The general rule is to start with low doses. However, it is believed that mid-range doses between 10mg and 100mg of CBD daily may help with pain management⁽³⁴⁾. 

Still, it is best to talk with a healthcare professional with a background in cannabis use and dosing. They can advise you regarding the proper CBD dosage for trigeminal neuralgia.  

How Long Does CBD Take to Help Trigeminal Neuralgia?

How long it takes for cannabidiol to help with TN depends on several factors like the route of administration used, individual body weight, and CBD potency.

If you choose to take CBD via the inhalation route, expect to feel CBD’s effect within two to 15 minutes⁽³⁵⁾. Meanwhile, when taken sublingually, the effects of CBD  take much longer, usually between 15 and 30 minutes⁽³⁶⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Trigeminal Neuralgia?

How long CBD will last after it takes effect depends on its half-life and bioavailability.

Half-life is the time needed for the concentration of a specific substance to decrease by 50% of its starting dose in the body. It is believed that 94% to 97% of a drug will have been eliminated following four to five half-lives⁽³⁷⁾. 

The half-life of CBD was reported between 1.4 and 10.9 hours after oromucosal spray and 31 hours following smoking⁽³⁸⁾.  

Meanwhile, bioavailability is the extent to which a particular drug becomes entirely available to its biological destination. 

The bioavailability of CBD following smoking is 31%⁽³⁹⁾. The bioavailability of cannabidiol when taken under the tongue is between 6% and 20%⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Most CBD companies are determined to provide high-quality CBD products like CBD oil for trigeminal neuralgia and overall wellness. 

With many CBD brands promising the same thing, choosing the right product for you can be challenging. 

Below are a few pertinent things to consider before buying any CBD product:  

CBD Extracts

A full-spectrum CBD oil includes all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, essential oils, terpenes, and flavonoids.

A full-spectrum CBD provides the entourage effect, the theory wherein the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better together. Its THC concentration is also less than 0.3%. 

Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in cannabis and many other plants. Flavonoids are plant chemicals with purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral actions⁽⁴¹⁾.  

A broad-spectrum CBD oil is almost the same as the full spectrum. However, it is nearly THC-free. Meanwhile, CBD isolates are made of pure CBD. 

Ingredients 

Check the ingredients to find out if there are any possible allergens or additives that may adversely affect you. 

Generally, CBD products are infused with carrier oils, including MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil, coconut oil, and hempseed oil. 

CBD Strength and Potency

The COA (certificate of analysis) is a document that indicates the amount of CBD, THC, and other ingredients in a CBD product. 

The CBD company you choose must enlist the services of a third-party laboratory to check all products, ensuring objectivity and transparency.

Extraction Method 

Carbon dioxide extraction, ethanol extraction, or solvent extraction with olive oil are preferred methods to create a safe CBD product⁽⁴²⁾. 

On the other hand, extraction techniques using hexane or butane may leave harmful residues.

Brand Reputation 

Always purchase CBD products from a reputable store or dispensary authorized to sell CBD products. 

Read customer feedback to get more insight about the manufacturer and its products.  

The Potential Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Trigeminal Neuralgia

CBD is relatively safe and is well tolerated in humans and animals⁽⁴³⁾. Still, the compound may induce risks and minor side effects, including⁽⁴⁴⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness 
• Fatigue 

The first-line treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is anticonvulsant medical therapy⁽⁴⁵⁾. However, these drugs, primarily used to treat epileptic seizures, may interact with CBD⁽⁴⁶⁾.

At high doses, CBD may inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes that metabolize about 60% of pharmaceutical drugs people consume⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

Antiepileptics or anticonvulsants use the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which explains their possible interaction with CBD⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill indicates that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis are federally legal in the United States⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

In addition, some states like Colorado have passed laws allowing recreational and medical marijuana use. Still, these state laws do not change the fact that marijuana is listed as a Schedule I drug under federal law^(50-51). 

Some states may even require a medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis products from authorized dispensaries. Therefore, make sure to research state legislations concerning cannabis use to avoid legal repercussions.