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Wang J, Deane FP, Kelly PJ, Robinson L. A narrative review of outcome measures used in drug and alcohol inpatient withdrawal treatment research. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:415-426. [PMID: 36633552 PMCID: PMC10108086 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES Assessing drug and alcohol inpatient withdrawal treatment programs is important, as these represent a first step of treatment among people with alcohol and drug problems. However, there are many ways of measuring outcomes making it difficult for service providers to decide which domains and methods to use. This narrative review aims to clarify frequencies of the domains and methods used to assess withdrawal treatment outcomes. APPROACH We reviewed published studies that examined outcomes of inpatient drug and alcohol withdrawal treatment. The types of outcome measures used and the frequency of use were summarised. KEY FINDINGS The review showed that assessment of withdrawal treatment outcomes goes beyond traditional abstinence measures. Outcomes mainly focus on biological and psychological outcomes, with social outcomes rarely measured. Even within outcome domains (e.g., cravings), there were many assessment methods. IMPLICATIONS The review provides service providers with an outline of common outcome domains and measures. Given the importance of social functioning to recovery from alcohol and drug problems, greater emphasis on such measures is desirable. Future research could develop greater consensus on outcome measures for use in withdrawal management services to facilitate clarity around factors associated with treatment success. CONCLUSION Outcome assessment in withdrawal treatment goes beyond abstinence to include holistic measurement of biological, psychological and some social outcomes; but more work needs to be done to cohere the different assessment methods and broaden the scope to include social functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Frank P Deane
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Peter J Kelly
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Laura Robinson
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia
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2
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Earl DC, Proano M. Updates in the use of cannabis for insomnia. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2022; 28:511-514. [PMID: 36102608 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize recent updates in the area of cannabis use for insomnia. RECENT FINDINGS Cannabis products have continued to become more potent, particularly in regard to delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration. Additionally, the use of cannabis has continued to become more accepted with less legal restrictions. The reported use of cannabis for relief of symptoms in sleep disorders appears to be increasing, however the specific effects of cannabinoids on sleep varies with cannabinoid type and concentration. Some evidence supports claims of efficacy of cannabinoids in sleep disorders such as insomnia, while other evidence is either lacking or in some cases contradictory. Regular cannabis use has been associated with withdrawal which can profoundly alter sleep. Also, clinicians should be aware of the potential effects of cannabis on the metabolism of other medications as well as the fact that cannabis use has been reported in a significant number of women in the periods before, during, and after pregnancy. SUMMARY Cannabis use has been becoming more and more prevalent in the setting of relaxed restrictions and easier consumer level access to cannabis and cannabis products. A relative paucity of high quality evidence regarding the effects of cannabis on sleep and the treatment of insomnia symptoms remains. The optimal type, concentration, ratio, and dosage form of cannabinoids in the treatment of insomnia symptoms needs further clarification. As the trend of acceptance and use of cannabis continues, more high quality evidence to help guide clinicians in their recommendations will hopefully become available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Proano
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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3
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Objective sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials in persons with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109509. [PMID: 35660222 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving sleep health is an important target for substance use disorder (SUD) research. However, there is little guidance for SUD researchers regarding the use of technologies to objectively assess sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). This systematic review aimed to describe the use of technologies to objectively measure sleep outcomes in RCTs conducted in persons with SUDs, in order to inform future sleep intervention studies in SUD populations. METHODS This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on May 7th, 2020 (CRD42020182004). RCTs were reviewed here if they were peer-reviewed manuscripts that included objective measures of sleep in RCTs that sought to improve sleep in persons with SUDs. RESULTS The initial search yielded 13,403 potential articles, with 27 meeting a priori criteria to be included in this review. The most common SUD was alcohol use disorder (59%). The most common technology used to assess sleep was polysomnography (41%), followed by actigraphy (37%), ambulatory polysomnography or components of polysomnography (e.g., electroencephalography; 19%), and at-home sleep apnea testing (7%). The most common sleep outcome reported was total sleep time (96%). CONCLUSIONS There are a range of options to assess objective sleep outcomes. Polysomnography or ambulatory devices that directly measure brain activity are critical to advance medications through the regulatory process for the indication of improving sleep duration, continuity, and/or sleep onset latency outcomes. Actigraphy is also useful in preliminary investigations and in detecting the relationship between diurnal and SUD-related behaviors.
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4
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Huhn AS, Ellis JD, Dunn KE, Sholler DJ, Tabaschek P, Burns R, Strain EC. Patient-reported sleep outcomes in randomized-controlled trials in persons with substance use disorders: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109508. [PMID: 35660223 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances and disorders are a common and sometimes recalcitrant problem in persons recovering from substance use disorders (SUDs). As such, several randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to address sleep disturbances in a variety of SUD subpopulations and clinical scenarios. The goal of this systematic review was to collate patient-reported sleep outcomes used in past SUD-related RCTs to provide guidance for future sleep research in persons with SUDs. METHODS This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on May 7th, 2020 (CRD42020182004). Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed manuscripts describing RCTs in an SUD population. RESULTS The initial search yielded 13,403 candidate articles, and 76 met a priori criteria and were included in this review. Thirty-five (46.1%) assessed sleep as a primary outcome (i.e., sleep improvement was the primary goal of the research) and 41 (53.9%) assessed sleep as a secondary outcome (i.e., sleep improvement was an important outcome, but not the primary outcome). The most commonly used measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Insomnia Severity Index, and sleep diaries. However, multiple additional sleep assessments were also used, including visual analogue and Likert scales. CONCLUSIONS The field of addiction medicine would benefit from a streamlined approach in assessing patient-reported sleep in RCTs, including commonly used and validated assessments of sleep quality, inserting daily or repeated measures into RCTs, and including questionnaires that assess clinically relevant insomnia or other sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Huhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA.
| | - Jennifer D Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Dennis J Sholler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Paula Tabaschek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rachel Burns
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Eric C Strain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA
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5
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Clinical Management of Sleep and Sleep Disorders With Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Clin Neuropharmacol 2022; 45:27-31. [DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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6
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Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis use, abuse, and withdrawal: Cannabinergic mechanisms, clinical, and preclinical findings. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1674-1696. [PMID: 33891706 PMCID: PMC9291571 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa is the most widely used illicit drug in the world. Its main psychoactive component is delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of over 100 phytocannabinoid compounds produced by the cannabis plant. THC is the primary compound that drives cannabis abuse potential and is also used and prescribed medically for therapeutic qualities. Despite its therapeutic potential, a significant subpopulation of frequent cannabis or THC users will develop a drug use syndrome termed cannabis use disorder. Individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder exhibit many of the hallmarks of classical addictions including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, there are no efficacious treatments for cannabis use disorder or withdrawal symptoms. This makes both clinical and preclinical research on the neurobiological mechanisms of these syndromes ever more pertinent. Indeed, basic research using animal models has provided valuable evidence of the neural molecular and cellular actions of cannabis that mediate its behavioral effects. One of the main components being central action on the cannabinoid type‐one receptor and downstream intracellular signaling related to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Back‐translational studies have provided insight linking preclinical basic and behavioral biology research to better understand symptoms observed at the clinical level. This narrative review aims to summarize major research elucidating the molecular, cellular, and behavioral manifestations of cannabis/THC use that play a role in cannabis use disorder and withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Kesner
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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McCartney D, Isik AD, Rooney K, Arnold JC, Bartlett DJ, Murnion B, Richards E, Arkell TR, Lintzeris N, McGregor IS. The effect of daily aerobic cycling exercise on sleep quality during inpatient cannabis withdrawal: A randomised controlled trial. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13211. [PMID: 33078435 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbance is a common symptom encountered by cannabis-dependent individuals abstaining from cannabis use. In the present study, we investigated the effect of daily aerobic cycling exercise versus control stretching on sleep quality during inpatient cannabis withdrawal in treatment-seeking dependent cannabis users. The protocol incorporated three consecutive phases: a 4-Day (4-Night) (at-home) 'Baseline' phase, a 6-Day (5-Night) 'Treatment' phase (within a 7-Day inpatient hospital stay) and a 3-Day (4-Night) (at-home) 'Post-Treatment' phase. Participants performed 35 min of monitored activity per day during the Treatment phase. The intervention group (n = 19) cycled at ~60% aerobic capacity (VO2max ), while the control group (n = 12) performed a stretching routine. Objective sleep quality was measured nightly throughout the study using wrist actigraphy ratings of subjective sleep quality were also recorded during the Treatment phase. There were no group differences in sleep measures during the Baseline phase (all p > .05). Objective sleep onset latency increased from the Baseline to the Treatment phase in the control (stretching) group (p = .042). In contrast, the Cycling group exhibited improvements in sleep duration (p = .008) and sleep efficiency (p = .023) during the Treatment phase compared to the Baseline phase. Cycling also increased sleep duration (p = .005), decreased average wake bout (p = .040) and tended to increase sleep efficiency (p = .051) compared to stretching during the Treatment phase. Subjective sleep quality ratings did not differ between groups (p > .10). These preliminary findings suggest that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise may attenuate the sleep disturbances associated with cannabis withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCartney
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashling D Isik
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kieron Rooney
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Bridin Murnion
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elisha Richards
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas R Arkell
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The Langton Centre, Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Nielsen S, Sabioni P, Gowing L, Le Foll B. Pharmacotherapies for Cannabis Use Disorders: Clinical Challenges and Promising Therapeutic Agents. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2020; 258:355-372. [PMID: 31375922 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reviews pharmacotherapies that have been trialled for cannabis dependence, identifying those that warrant further research and those of little or uncertain value. A diverse range of medicines have been tested, representing a broad range of pharmacological strategies. These include tetrahydrocannabinol preparations, various types of antidepressant, anxiolytics, a glutamatergic modulator and the neuropeptide oxytocin. Cannabinoid agonists warrant further research. For the FAAH inhibitor PF-04457845, oxytocin, varenicline and gabapentin, although there is a signal to indicate further research is warranted, these medications do not yet have sufficient evidence to support clinical use, and larger, longer-term trials are needed in representative treatment-seeking populations. Special populations that warrant consideration are those with cannabis dependence and concurrent mental health conditions and those that develop dependence through therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, VIC, Australia
| | - Pamela Sabioni
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Gowing
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Departments of Family and Community Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Psychiatry, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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9
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Howard I. Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome in Palliative Care: A Case Study and Narrative Review. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1227-1231. [DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ileana Howard
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Rehabilitation Care Services, VA Puget Sound, Seattle, Washington
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10
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, cannabis use is prevalent and widespread. There are currently no pharmacotherapies approved for treatment of cannabis use disorders.This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in the Cochrane Library in Issue 12, 2014. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapies as compared with each other, placebo or no pharmacotherapy (supportive care) for reducing symptoms of cannabis withdrawal and promoting cessation or reduction of cannabis use. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to March 2018: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs involving the use of medications to treat cannabis withdrawal or to promote cessation or reduction of cannabis use, or both, in comparison with other medications, placebo or no medication (supportive care) in people diagnosed as cannabis dependent or who were likely to be dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 RCTs involving 1755 participants: 18 studies recruited adults (mean age 22 to 41 years); three studies targeted young people (mean age 20 years). Most (75%) participants were male. The studies were at low risk of performance, detection and selective outcome reporting bias. One study was at risk of selection bias, and three studies were at risk of attrition bias.All studies involved comparison of active medication and placebo. The medications were diverse, as were the outcomes reported, which limited the extent of analysis.Abstinence at end of treatment was no more likely with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) preparations than with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 1.52; 305 participants; 3 studies; moderate-quality evidence). For selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants, anticonvulsants and mood stabilisers, buspirone and N-acetylcysteine, there was no difference in the likelihood of abstinence at end of treatment compared to placebo (low- to very low-quality evidence).There was qualitative evidence of reduced intensity of withdrawal symptoms with THC preparations compared to placebo. For other pharmacotherapies, this outcome was either not examined, or no significant differences was reported.Adverse effects were no more likely with THC preparations (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.17; 318 participants; 3 studies) or N-acetylcysteine (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.23; 418 participants; 2 studies) compared to placebo (moderate-quality evidence). For SSRI antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants, buspirone and N-acetylcysteine, there was no difference in adverse effects compared to placebo (low- to very low-quality evidence).There was no difference in the likelihood of withdrawal from treatment due to adverse effects with THC preparations, SSRIs antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants, anticonvulsants and mood stabilisers, buspirone and N-acetylcysteine compared to placebo (low- to very low-quality evidence).There was no difference in the likelihood of treatment completion with THC preparations, SSRI antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants and buspirone compared to placebo (low- to very low-quality evidence) or with N-acetylcysteine compared to placebo (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.21; 418 participants; 2 studies; moderate-quality evidence). Anticonvulsants and mood stabilisers appeared to reduce the likelihood of treatment completion (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.92; 141 participants; 3 studies; low-quality evidence).Available evidence on gabapentin (anticonvulsant), oxytocin (neuropeptide) and atomoxetine was insufficient for estimates of effectiveness. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is incomplete evidence for all of the pharmacotherapies investigated, and for many outcomes the quality of the evidence was low or very low. Findings indicate that SSRI antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants, bupropion, buspirone and atomoxetine are probably of little value in the treatment of cannabis dependence. Given the limited evidence of efficacy, THC preparations should be considered still experimental, with some positive effects on withdrawal symptoms and craving. The evidence base for the anticonvulsant gabapentin, oxytocin, and N-acetylcysteine is weak, but these medications are also worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nielsen
- Monash UniversityMonash Addiction Research CentrePeninsula CampusMcMahons RoadFrankstonVICAustralia3199
| | - Linda Gowing
- University of AdelaideDiscipline of PharmacologyFrome RoadAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia5005
| | - Pamela Sabioni
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; University of TorontoTranslational Addiction Research Laboratory33 Russell StreetTorontoONCanada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; University of TorontoTranslational Addiction Research Laboratory33 Russell StreetTorontoONCanada
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11
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Zhand N, Milin R. What do we know about the pharmacotheraputic management of insomnia in cannabis withdrawal: A systematic review. Am J Addict 2018; 27:453-464. [PMID: 30113101 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sleep disturbance is one of the hallmarks of cannabis withdrawal. Studies have indicated that treatment of this key symptom may facilitate abstinence. In the present paper we aim to provide a systematic review of the extant literature on pharmacological management of sleep disturbance associated with cannabis withdrawal. METHOD We conducted a systematic literature search across five electronic databases including PubMed, Psycinfo, MEDLINE, Cochrane review and Embase. Human studies using a pharmacological treatment for sleep disturbances associated with cannabis withdrawal were included. Review articles, case-series, open trials, posters, and editorials were excluded. RESULTS Seventeen publications, involving 562 participants, were included in this review. Major limitations involved small sample size, high dropout rate, methodological limitations, and heterogeneity of participants. Most of the studies were at high risk of bias, further downgrading the level of evidence. A meta-analysis was not performed due to lack of quantitative data, marked heterogeneity and low quality of the included studies. CONCLUSION There is not sufficient evidence for any of the reviewed treatment options. Methodological limitations in a majority of the studies rendered their findings preliminary. Of the twelve investigated pharmacological agents, Gabapentin, Lofexidine, Mirtazapine, Quetiapine, and Zolpidem showed some primary benefits for treatment of sleep difficulties associated with cannabis withdrawal; however, future prospective studies are required to confirm such results. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This review examines the current evidence for potential pharmacological options for treatment of cannabis withdrawal and associated sleep disturbance. It furthers our knowledge and provides groundwork for future research. (Am J Addict 2018;27:453-464).
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Affiliation(s)
- Naista Zhand
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Milin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Head, Division of Addiction and Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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12
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The Current State of Pharmacological Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder and Withdrawal. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:173-194. [PMID: 28875989 PMCID: PMC5719115 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) commonly occurs and carries a notable economic and functional burden at both individual and societal levels. While there are no clearly efficacious medication treatments for CUD, 20 years of committed and high-quality research in the human laboratory and clinical settings have resulted in medications with demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal, the ability to reduce cannabis use, and results that point to promising future work. The current state of pharmacology research for CUD highlights the need to consider particular characteristics of patients, such as gender, impulsivity, and severity of cannabis use, when selecting a medication in the off-label treatment of CUD or cannabis withdrawal. As a field, the body of work also exposes some areas in need of improvement in study design, selection of outcome measures, interpretation of results, and the overall process of evaluating candidate medications. Coming to a consensus as a field and addressing these gaps in future research will likely lend itself to further advances in improving the lives of patients with CUD.
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13
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Pacek LR, Herrmann ES, Smith MT, Vandrey R. Sleep continuity, architecture and quality among treatment-seeking cannabis users: An in-home, unattended polysomnographic study. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2017; 25:295-302. [PMID: 28782982 PMCID: PMC6309181 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to describe self-report and objectively measured sleep characteristics of adult treatment-seeking cannabis users. Study participants (n = 87) were adults who were screened for a 12-week outpatient cannabis treatment research program in Baltimore, MD. Participants completed objective and self-report measures of sleep quality. Data were analyzed for the sample overall and after stratifying by sex (54 men, 33 women). Participants were primarily urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged African Americans. Participants were frequent, heavy cannabis users; among a subset of participants assessed, 76.7% used cannabis on the day/night of the assessment. Participants had low rates of other substance abuse and of psychiatric comorbidities. Polysomnography indicated 19.5% of participants received the recommended 7 to 9 hr of sleep, with women averaging more sleep than men. One third (31.0%) had sleep latencies >30 min, one half spent >30 min awake after sleep onset, and more than one half of the sample (55.2%) had sleep efficiency scores of <85%. Most participants met criteria for subthreshold (36.8%) or clinical insomnia (25.3%) on the Insomnia Severity Index, 77.0% had scores of >5 on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Most had average scores on the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep (DBAS) questionnaire (M = 51.1, SD = 18.8) that were higher than average among clinical insomnia patients. Women had higher DBAS scores than men. Most participants exhibited characteristics of disordered sleep, and sex differences were observed on polysomnography and self-report measures. Findings extend prior research concerning the association between cannabis use and disordered sleep. Data presented in this article come from Clinical Trial NCT01685073. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Pacek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
| | - Evan S. Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
- Division on Substance Abuse, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, NY, USA
| | - Michael T. Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
| | - Ryan Vandrey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA
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14
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Walther L, Gantner A, Heinz A, Majić T. Evidence-based Treatment Options in Cannabis Dependency. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 113:653-659. [PMID: 27776623 PMCID: PMC5098026 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Now that the consumption of natural and synthetic cannabinoids is becoming more widespread, the specific treatment of cannabis-related disturbances is an increasingly important matter. There are many therapeutic options, and it is not always clear which ones are evidence-based and appropriate for use in a given clinical situation. METHODS This review is based on reports of pertinent randomized and controlled trials (RCTs) that were retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) combined with other techniques has been found to have a moderate to large effect (Cohen's d = 0.53-0.9) on the amount of cannabis consumed as well as on the level of psychosocial functioning or the dependence syndrome. Systemic multidimensional family therapy (MDFT) has been found beneficial for younger adolescents who consume large amounts of cannabis and have psychiatric comorbidities. Short-term interventions with motivational talk therapy have been found effective for patients with or without an initial desire to achieve cannabis abstinence. All of these psychotherapeutic interventions are effective at evidence level Ia. The administration of gabapentin had a weak effect (d = 0.26) on the quantity consumed and on abstinence (evidence level Ib). Withdrawal symptoms can be alleviated with cannabinoid-receptor antagonists (d = 0.223 and 0.481) (evidence level Ib). On the other hand, there is evidence that serotonergic antidepressants can worsen withdrawal manifestations and increase the likelihood of relapse. CONCLUSION Psychotherapeutic techniques remain the foundation of treatment for cannabis dependence. No drug has yet been approved for the treatment of cannabis dependence because of the lack of scientific evidence. The rates of abstinence that are currently achieved, even with psychotherapy, are still only moderate. Further clinical studies are needed for the evaluation of combinations of various treatments that can meet the needs of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Walther
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Therapieladen e. V., Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte at St. Hedwig Hospital, Charité Campus Mitte
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