Epilepsy: what we know about treatments people ask about

How far testing has got

The step says how far testing has got, not that it works.

• Cannabis and cannabinoids (CBD, THC)

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 311 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Fasting and fasting-mimicking diet

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 52 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• High-dose vitamin C

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 24 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Ivermectin

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 21 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Ketogenic diet

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 337 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Melatonin

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 153 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Metformin

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 32 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Vitamin D

  Tested in large studies that compare groups of patients. This says how far testing has got, not that it works.

  Phase 3 or randomised controlled trial on record. The rung shows the stage reached; the result is listed separately.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 175 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Large trials

• Hyperthermia

  First small studies in people, mainly to check safety and the dose.

  Phase 1, early Phase 1 or Phase 1/2 trial on record.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 59 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  First trials in people

• Statins

  First small studies in people, mainly to check safety and the dose.

  Phase 1, early Phase 1 or Phase 1/2 trial on record.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 47 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  First trials in people

• Curcumin (turmeric)

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 48 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Dichloroacetate (DCA)

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 2 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

• Mistletoe extract

  Single case reports or observations in people. These cannot show whether it helps.

  Case reports, observational data, or pooled data without a reported benefit.

  Worked out by a fixed rule from 3 sources · 4 Nov 2026

  Reports in people

Not medical advice. Talk to the care team before changing treatment. Thinking of paying for it? Read this first