[Effect of the synthetic cannabinoid dronabinol on central pain in patients with multiple sclerosis--secondary publication].
Cannabinoids reduce allodynia/hyperalgesia in animal pain models, but few clinical studies evaluated the analgesic action in humans. We aimed to evaluate the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol) on central pain in MS patients. Twenty-four MS patients participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial. Dronabinol reduced the spontaneous pain intensity significantly compared with placebo (4.0 (2.3-6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0-6.4), median (25th-75th percentiles), p = 0.02). Though dronabinol's analgesic effect is modest, its use should be evaluated considering the general difficulty in treating central pain.
Svendsen
Kristina Bacher
KB
Dansk Smerteforskningscenter, Neurologisk Afdeling F, Arhus Universitetshospital, Arhus Sygehus. kristina@akhphd.au.dk
Jensen
Troels Staehelin
TS
Bach
Flemming W
FW
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D013759:Dronabinol