Synthetic form of marijuana 'could be useful for treating fibromyalgia'
New research has suggested that a synthetic form of marijuana, known as nabilone, could be effective at reducing pain levels in patients with fibromyalgia.
Researchers from the University of Manitoba Rehabilitation Hospital in Canada published their findings in the Journal of Pain.
The trial involved 40 patients with fibromyalgia. Half were given nabilone and the rest were prescribed a placebo. The individuals were monitored for a four-week period.
It was found that the group given nabilone experienced significant reductions in pain and anxiety compared to the placebo group.
As a result, the team concluded that the drug could have significant benefits for pain relief and functional improvement in fibromyalgia patients. However, the researchers added that none of the nabilone-treated subjects experienced complete relief from their fibromyalgia symptoms.In addition, the team pointed out that the drug was relatively expensive.
Despite this, they concluded that nabilone should be considered as an adjunct to current medical management of fibromyalgia.
An Arthritis Research Campaign spokeswoman said that the findings would have to be reproduced in considerably larger numbers before the drug could be considered to treat fibromyalgia patients in the UK. The charity is currently finding a large trial to test the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and exercise on fibromyalgia patients.
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