On the application of cannabis in paediatrics and epileptology

Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2004 Feb-Apr;25(1-2):40-4.

Abstract

An initial report on the therapeutic application of delta 9-THC (THC) (Dronabinol, Marinol) in 8 children resp. adolescents suffering from the following conditions, is given: neurodegenerative disease, mitochondriopathy, posthypoxic state, epilepsy, posttraumatic reaction. THC effected reduced spasticity, improved dystonia, increased initiative (with low dose), increased interest in the surroundings, and anticonvulsive action. The doses ranged from 0.04 to 0.12 mg/kg body weight a day. The medication was given as an oily solution orally in 7 patients, via percutaneous gastroenterostomy tube in one patient. At higher doses disinhibition and increased restlessness were observed. In several cases treatment was discontinued and in none of them discontinuing resulted in any problems. The possibility that THC-induced effects on ion channels and transmitters may explain its therapeutic activity seen in epileptic patients is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dronabinol / therapeutic use*
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / drug therapy
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle Spasticity / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Spasticity / etiology
  • Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses / complications*
  • Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinoses / drug therapy
  • Paraplegia / complications*
  • Paraplegia / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology

Substances

  • Dronabinol