Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: An Updated Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

M. E. Lynch, Mark A. Ware

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

155 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials examining cannabinoids in the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews reporting on health care outcomes. Eleven trials published since our last review met inclusion criteria. The quality of the trials was excellent. Seven of the trials demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. Several trials also demonstrated improvement in secondary outcomes (e.g., sleep, muscle stiffness and spasticity). Adverse effects most frequently reported such as fatigue and dizziness were mild to moderate in severity and generally well tolerated. This review adds further support that currently available cannabinoids are safe, modestly effective analgesics that provide a reasonable therapeutic option in the management of chronic non-cancer pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)293-301
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 17 2015

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Neuroscience (miscellaneous)
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

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