Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC)‎ Treatment in Chronic Central Neuropathic Pain and Fibromyalgia Patients : Results of a Multicenter Survey

Abstract EN

Central neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, but delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 9-THC) may be a promising therapeutic agent.

We administered in 172 patients on average 7.5 mg delta 9-THC over 7 months.

Of these, 48 patients prematurely withdrew due to side effects, insufficient analgesia, or expense of therapy.

Thus, 124 patients were assessed retrospectively in a multicenter telephone survey.

Reported changes in pain intensity, recorded on a numeric rating scale (NRS), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Medical Outcomes Short-Form (SF-12), Quality of Life Impairment by Pain (QLIP), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), and amount of concomitant pain medication were recorded.

Psychometric parameters (PDI, SF-12, QLIP, HADS) and pain intensity improved significantly during delta 9-THC treatment.

Opioid doses were reduced and patients perceived THC therapy as effective with tolerable side effects.

About 25% of the patients, however, did not tolerate the treatment.

Therapy success and tolerance can be assessed by a transient delta 9-THC titration and its maintained administration for several weeks.

The present survey demonstrates its ameliorating potential for the treatment of chronic pain in central neuropathy and fibromyalgia.

A supplemental delta 9-THC treatment as part of a broader pain management plan therefore may represent a promising coanalgesic therapeutic option.