←Anxiety Disorders
Study register · detail RCT (placebokontrolliert, doppelblind) · Anxiety Disorders · 1981

The efficacy and safety of nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid) in the treatment of anxiety.

Fabre et al. ·Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja)
Clear benefit GRADE Moderate 0 citations
Samplen = 25 Pat.
Duration28 days
ControlPlacebo, double-blind
EndpointHAM-A
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignRCT (placebokontrolliert, doppelblind)
Cannabinoidthc
Routeoral
Key finding

Nabilone reduced anxiety symptoms significantly more than placebo (p<0,001).

Summary

Placebo-controlled RCT (n=25 anxiety patients, 28 days): nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid) vs. placebo — dramatic improvement on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale under nabilone (p<0,001). Side effects: dry mouth, dry eyes, drowsiness; no psychotropic experience (no "high" reported).

P
PopulationOutpatients with anxiety disorder, n=25
I
InterventionNabilone (synthetic cannabinoid), oral, 28 days
C
ControlPlacebo, double-blind
O
OutcomeSignificant reduction in anxiety in the nabilone group vs. placebo (p<0,001) on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale
Confidence in the evidence
Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for
Imprecision
Quality profile
Sample size ★★★★★
Blinding Double-blind
Effect size Clear benefit
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Fabre LF, McLendon D.
DOI 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1981.tb02617.x↗
Design: RCT (placebokontrolliert, doppelblind)
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Abstract
The anxiolytic properties of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid resembling the natural cannabinoids, were studied in 25 outpatients suffering from anxiety. The drug was compared with a placebo in a double-blind manner over a 28-day treatment period. Patients were seen weekly by the physician and were rated by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety and the Patient's Global Evaluation as well as by patient-rated evaluations. The results of the study showed a dramatic improvement in anxiety in the nabilone group when compared with placebo (P less than 0.001). Side effects reported were dry mouth, dry eyes, and drowsiness. Patients did not report any of the subjective "altered state" experience of Cannabis.
Indication
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