humulene and Muscle-Weakness

There is a large amount of evidence to support the view that the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC), and cannabinoids in general, can reduce muscle spasticity and pain under some circumstances. Cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in the CNS appear to mediate both of these effects and endogenous cannabinoids may fulfil these functions to some extent under normal circumstances. However, in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS), it is still questionable whether cannabinoids are superior to existing, conventional medicationsfor the treatment of spasticity and pain. In the case of spasticity, there are too few controlled clinical trials to draw any reliable conclusion at this stage. In the case of pain, most of the available trials suggest that cannabinoids are not superior to existing treatments; however, few trials have examined chronic pain syndromes that are relevant to MS. Whether or not cannabinoids do have therapeutic potential in the treatment of MS, a further issue will be whether synthetic cannabinoids should be used in preference to cannabis itself. Smoking cannabis is associated with significant risks of lung cancer and other respiratory dysfunction. Furthermore, delta9-THC, as a broad-spectrum cannabinoid receptor agonist, will activate both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Synthetic cannabinoids, which target specific cannabinoid receptor subtypes in specific parts of the CNS, are likely to be of more therapeutic use than delta9-THC itself. If rapid absorption is necessary, such synthetic drugs could be delivered via aerosol formulations.

Topics: Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; Cannabinoids; Cannabis; Disease Models, Animal; Dronabinol; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Muscle Weakness; Pain; Receptors, Cannabinoid; Receptors, Drug; Spasm

Country-specific numbers of street drug (SD) users are well documented. However, little data exists regarding these patients' clinical presentations and outcomes in the emergency department (ED). Therefore, management of these patients in the emergency setting is still a subject of debate.. The aim of this study is to determine the symptoms and signs of SD users presenting to the ED, and to report the substances, treatments, and outcomes.. In this single-center study, symptoms, clinical findings, diagnoses, and outcomes of patients who reported to have used SDs or were diagnosed as SD users were investigated within a 1-year study period. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare independent variables.. Mean age of the 425 study patients was 25 ± 9 years (range: 12-64 years), and 6.1% (n = 26) of the patients were females. SDs used before presentation to the ED were mostly synthetic cannabinoids and "ecstasy." Overall prevalence of SD user admissions in ED was 0.24%. The most common presenting complaint was weakness/faintness in 21.1% (n = 90). Depressed level of consciousness was the most common physical sign (33.3%, n = 142). Incidences of altered mental status were significantly higher among ecstasy and/or bonsai users (n = 14, 27.5%; P = 0.027 and n = 46, 64.8%; P < 0.001, respectively), compared to other SD users. While 23.1% (n = 98) of the SD users did not warrant any medical intervention, 6.6% of the users (n = 28) underwent advanced life support.. Self-reported SD users were mostly young males who were treated symptomatically and discharged. Almost one-third-mostly ecstasy and bonsai users-had depressed level of consciousness and required resuscitation.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cannabis; Child; Consciousness Disorders; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Hospitals, Public; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Weakness; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Patient Admission; Resuscitation; Substance-Related Disorders; Turkey; Young Adult