Background and Aims

Introduction:Cannabidiol (CBD), a major substance of cannabis sativa, has been considered beneficial for the relief of pain and insomnia in patients with fibromyalgia and an increasing number of patients receive it, even without physician’s guidance.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of CBD in patients with fibromyalgia in terms of safety, pain relief, depression and sleepiness

Methods

Material and Methods: Twenty nine patients with fibromyalgia (26 women, median age 46, range 35-72) received CBD (10% oil, sublingual), 1000 mg) in addition to their pre-scribed medication.

Results

Results:Upon questioning, 25/29 (86.2%) initially perceived CDD as medical cannabis and further explanation was needed to clarify its nature; 23/29 (79.3%) received CBD oil for 2-24 weeks, 6 (20.7%) for less than 2 weeks (including 3 without any clinical improvement). Three stopped because of adverse reactions, 1 because of allergic reaction, two because of nausea/bloating). Of the 23 who received it for more than 2 weeks, 20 (69%) showed an improvement in pain, sleep and/or mood. Of those 5/20 (25%) receive CBD alone, as they were able to stop medication pre-scribed for their symptomatology.

Conclusions

Conclusions: CBD intake appears safe without significant adverse reactions. Patients with fibromyalgia appear to exert a benefit in terms of symptomatology relief. Randomized clinical trials are urgently needed to assess the efficacy of CBD in patients with fibromyalgia.