Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of orally administered cannabinoids in MS.
The authors conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, twofold crossover study in 16 patients with MS who presented with severe spasticity to investigate safety, tolerability, and efficacy of oral Delta(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabis sativa plant extract. Both drugs were safe, but adverse events were more common with plant-extract treatment. Compared with placebo, neither THC nor plant-extract treatment reduced spasticity. Both THC and plant-extract treatment worsened the participant's global impression.
Killestein
J
J
Department of Neurology, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. J.Killestein@vumc.nl
Hoogervorst
E L J
EL
Reif
M
M
Kalkers
N F
NF
Van Loenen
A C
AC
Staats
P G M
PG
Gorter
R W
RW
Uitdehaag
B M J
BM
Polman
C H
CH
D000284:Administration, Oral; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002188:Cannabis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000187:drug effects; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018401:Sample Size; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002186:Cannabinoids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013759:Dronabinol