Managing neuropathic pain with Sativex: a review of its pros and cons.
BACKGROUND
Although not new, the use of cannabis-based drugs for treating chronic pain patients is becoming a hot topic for pain physicians and other specialists due to the constant flow of medical information regarding this pharmacological therapy. Its indication is becoming more clearly targeted towards pain syndromes arising from nerve damage. The number of cases reported, clinical trials and reviews published on this subject exponentially increase year by year. A possible explanation for this may be the fact that neuropathic pain is a highly disabling symptom and, consequently, there is a demand from patients and health professionals for a definitive remedy to treat this pain.


METHODS
Parallel to the number of articles on the effectiveness, recent articles describing the tolerability of cannabis-based drugs along with a more accurate characterisation of its side-effect profile and/or lack of effectiveness have been published, and they are placing a cautious stop for a more precise prescription of these medications.


CONCLUSIONS
This article reviews the current knowledge on the use of Sativex for treating neuropathic pains of different origin, and analyses the balance between the advantages and drawbacks of this therapy.
Perez
Jordi
J
Universitat de Barcelona, Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
Ribera
M Victoria
MV
D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002185:Cannabidiol; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D013759:Dronabinol; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000700:Analgesics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002185:Cannabidiol; D013759:Dronabinol; C587251:nabiximols