Fibromyalgia
A chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. Associated with central sensitization and potentially with endocannabinoid deficiency.
In Depth
Fibromyalgia affects 2–4% of the population and is notoriously difficult to treat. The clinical endocannabinoid deficiency hypothesis proposes that reduced ECS tone contributes to fibromyalgia's pain amplification. Observational studies and small trials suggest cannabis reduces pain and improves sleep in fibromyalgia. Nabilone has shown efficacy in small RCTs. The FDA has not approved any cannabinoid for fibromyalgia, and larger rigorous trials are needed.
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.