Two Canadian studies have been done on Nabilone – One at University of Manitoba showing it improves pain, and a recent one from McGill showing it helps sleep.
First article:
The Journal of Pain, Vol 9, No 2 (February), 2008: pp 164-173
The Effects of Nabilone on Sleep in Fibromyalgia: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Mark A. Ware, MBBS, MSc, MRCP*†, Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, MBBS, FRCPC‡, Lawrence Joseph, PhD§ and Yoram Shir, MD.
Section of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Manitoba, Rehabilitation Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. free article here
- randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
- Nabilone – dose increases varied with tolerance
- start with 0.5 mg at bed for 1 week
- then 0.5 mg twice daily for 1 week
- then 1 mg bedtime and 0.5 mg in AM for 1 week
- Finally 1 mg twice daily
- After 4 weeks “washed out without meds to see effect
Results on Pain:
- Improved anxiety and FIQ disability as well
Second study:
Anesth Analg. 2010 Feb 1;110(2):604-10. Epub 2009 Dec 10.
The effects of nabilone on sleep in fibromyalgia: results of a randomized controlled trial.
Ware MA, Fitzcharles MA, Joseph L, Shir Y.
Pain Clinic, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
free article here
- Points out that insomnia occurs is 70% of FM cases
- Compared Nabilone 0.5- 1.0 mg to Amitriptyline 10 – 20 mg
Results:
- Main common side effects were dizziness and nausea but that can occur with Amitriptyline as well
- dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, insomnia, and vomiting could occur
Comment – with Amitriptyline extinct in Canada because of shortages, this becomes a viable alternative. I was hoping this could also help with chronic nausea you can see in some chronic pain cases but maybe not…
Saskatchewan has the only drug plan in the country that does not have Nabilone on the drug plan – Boy, what a Bible belt (or maybe just backward).
Any experiences with use?