Cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of fibromyalgia

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved..

Fibromyalgia is a complex disease process that is as prevalent as it is poorly understood. Research into the pathophysiology is ongoing, and findings will likely assist in identifying new therapeutic options to augment those in existence today that are still insufficient for the care of a large population of patients. Recent evidence describes the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of fibromyalgia. This study provides a systematic, thorough review of the evidence alongside a review of the seminal data regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread chronic pain, fatigue, and depressive episodes without an organic diagnosis, which may be prevalent in up to 10% of the population and carries a significant cost in healthcare utilization, morbidity, a reduced quality of life, and productivity. It is frequently associated with psychiatric comorbidities. The diagnosis is clinical and usually prolonged, and diagnostic criteria continue to evolve. Some therapies have been previously described, including neuropathic medications, milnacipran, and antidepressants. Despite some level of efficacy, only physical exercise has strong evidence to support it. Cannabis has been used historically to treat different pain conditions since ancient times. Recent advances allowed for the isolation of the active substances in cannabis and the production of cannabinoid products that are nearly devoid of psychoactive influence and provide pain relief and alleviation of other symptoms. Many of these, as well as cannabis itself, are approved for use in chronic pain conditions. Evidence supporting cannabis in chronic pain conditions is plentiful; however, in fibromyalgia, they are mostly limited. Only a handful of randomized trials exists, and their objectivity has been questioned. However, many retrospective trials and patient surveys suggest the significant alleviation of pain, improvement in sleep, and abatement of associated symptoms. Evidence supporting the use of cannabis in chronic pain and specifically in fibromyalgia is being gathered as the use of cannabis increases with current global trends. While the current evidence is still limited, emerging data do suggest a positive effect of cannabis in fibromyalgia. Cannabis use is not without risks, including psychiatric, cognitive, and developmental as well as the risks of addiction. As such, clinical judgment is warranted to weigh these risks and prescribe to patients who are more likely to benefit from this treatment. Further research is required to define appropriate patient selection and treatment regimens.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2020

Erschienen:

2020

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:34

Enthalten in:

Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology - 34(2020), 3 vom: 06. Sept., Seite 617-631

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Berger, Amnon A [VerfasserIn]
Keefe, Joseph [VerfasserIn]
Winnick, Ariel [VerfasserIn]
Gilbert, Elasaf [VerfasserIn]
Eskander, Jonathan P [VerfasserIn]
Yazdi, Cyrus [VerfasserIn]
Kaye, Alan D [VerfasserIn]
Viswanath, Omar [VerfasserIn]
Urits, Ivan [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

19GBJ60SN5
CBT
Cannabidiol
Chronic pain
Depression
Journal Article
Medical Marijuana
Myalgia
Review
SNRI
SSRI

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 01.06.2021

Date Revised 01.06.2021

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1016/j.bpa.2020.08.010

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM315745762