Delta-9-THC in the treatment of spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis.
Marijuana is reported to decrease spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis. This is a double blind, placebo controlled, crossover clinical trial of delta-9-THC in 13 subjects with clinical multiple sclerosis and spasticity. Subjects received escalating doses of THC in the range of 2.5-15 mg., five days of THC and five days of placebo in randomized order, divided by a two-day washout period. Subjective ratings of spasticity and side effects were completed and semiquantitative neurological examinations were performed. At doses greater than 7.5 mg there was significant improvement in patient ratings of spasticity compared to placebo. These positive findings in a treatment failure population suggest a role for THC in the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
Ungerleider
J T
JT
Department of Psychiatry, U.C.L.A. School of Medicine 90024.
Andyrsiak
T
T
Fairbanks
L
L
Ellison
G W
GW
Myers
L W
LW
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011897:Random Allocation
D013759:Dronabinol