The University of Manitoba in Canada recently held a randomized trial using nabilone (a synthetic cannaboid that mimics the main ingredient in marijuana) for the treatment of fibromyalgia pain.
Nabilone has been approved by the FDA for other uses, such as treating cancer patients who have nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy that can not be controlled by other medicines.
The purpose of the study trial was to determine if nabilone would improve pain management and quality of life for Fibromyalgia patients. The four-week study used forty Fibromyalgia patients who were divided into two groups – one group received the naboline and the other group a placebo.
The patients were assessed at two weeks during the study then again at four weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain imaginable), the number of tender points, the average tender point pain threshold, and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) that evaluates the impact Fibromyalgia is having on the functioning capacity and quality of life of the patient.
At the end of four weeks the patients that received the nabilone showed a major decrease in their VAS & FIQ scores; however, there was not significant improvement found in the number of tender points or the tender point pain thresholds.
In eight weeks the patients returned after a total of four weeks without the naboline. The outcome for both groups showed no significant difference from their original baseline scores which shows that Nabilone does not have any lasting benefit once treatment is stopped.
The researchers of the study reported that nabilone appeared to be a beneficial, well-tolerated treatment option for Fibromyalgia patients giving them significant improvement in pain relief and functional capacity. Since this was the first study and the trial period was short and only a small number of people were used for the trial, researchers feel that future studies are necessary to accurately assess whether nabilone is an effective treatment for Fibromyalgia.
Just wanted to say how much I appreciate your blog. I’ve learned a lot. Thanks!
Thank you writing this article. It’s very interesting and with more study and research I hope they will find something that will provide longer and lasting benefits.
My wife was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago and our lives were changed forever. I am developing an online community for people suffering from fibromyalgia. The online community, “You’re Not Alone” ( http://fibromyalgia.ning.com ), will allow members to participate in fibromyalgia-related discussions in the Forum, share their thoughts and ideas in their blog, and post their personal photos and videos. There is no cost to join. Members of the site follow a simple process to create their profile page, which they can later customize including a profile photo and additional details about themselves. I created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. When I had the opportunity to create a project that would make a difference in the community, it was only natural that my wife’s illness would be the inspiration.
I am on trial with naboline and I am presently up to 3mg per day (broken into 3 lower doses 3x day… (am,supper,bedtime)
Largest side effect was fatigue-which really was fine with me for my pain usually kept waking me throughout the night. Being able to sleep for longer periods of time was a gift. However, now with higher levels of naboline…I am having serious problems staying asleep. I wake many times throughout the night feeling wide awake. I will have to let you know at a later date if this resolves its self.
Upset stomach in the morning 1/2 hour after taking meds…this just taught me to eat breakfast which i had a bad habit of skipping. As long as I eat this side effect is not an issue.
Gases, runs and bloating.(it leveled out but has increased with increase in doseage)
My pain levels have decreasedby 3-4 points, however the amount of trigger spots remain the same.
I don’t regret trial on this medication. I have gone off several other “variety” packs of meds and a single medication is much easier.WARNING…medication is expensive. Your first three weeks costs about $320.00 CND. and 2mg per dy for 1 month is $400.00