Neuropharmacology
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Pain measurements and side effect profile of the novel cannabinoid ajulemic acid.
Preclinical findings on ajulemic acid (AJA) showed analgesic and anti-allodynic effects without psychoactive properties making it an appealing substance for the treatment of pain. A recently published randomized double-blind crossover clinical trial described the pain-reducing effects and side effect profile of AJA on 21 patients with chronic neuropathic pain. In this report from this same sample the effects of AJA on the mechanical hypersensitivity, on pain, and on psychological and physical performance were further characterized. ⋯ No significant findings were observed regarding psychotropic or physical measurements. Reported subjective side effects were mainly dry mouth, tiredness and dizziness and did not increase with dose elevation. Overall, these study findings indicate that AJA shows pain-reducing effects on patients with chronic neuropathic pain without clinically relevant psychotropic or physical side effects.