Since the discovery of the numerous benefits of Cannabis Sativa, Scientists have continued to research the length and breadth of this plant. One of this research has led to the birth of a medical breakthrough. Sativex can neurological problems, it goes further to help relieve the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis which is Muscle Spasm. This article explains the effectiveness of Sativex for Muscle Spasm.
What is Sativex?
Sativex is a pharmaceutical drug made from Cannabis plants, it contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) in a 50-50 ratio. This drug is in the form of a mouth spray. Scientists have approved the use of Sativex for the treatment of people with multiple sclerosis.
Sativex is now available for patients in 28 countries. It may treat painful muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis and other conditions. It falls into the same category as a few other commercially available cannabinoid-based drugs. This includes lab-created synthetic drug Marinol/dronabinol.
Sativex is different from both of these drugs and from actual cannabis. We can produce it from the whole plant and it is not synthetic. It is a concentrate that we can use as a mouth spray. This means that it is chemically consistent in every batch. That is obviously not the case when it comes to natural product.
What causes Muscle Spasm?
Muscle Spasm is a symptom of a neurological disease known as Multiple Sclerosis. This is a chronic and incurable inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which the body’s immune system damages nerve pathways in the brain and the spinal cord.
This condition can cause abnormal sensations, arm, and leg pain, spasms, paralysis, dizziness, and trembling. The disease often comes in episodes with symptom-free intervals between acute phases. Some patients have chronic spasms or paralysis in certain muscles or entire parts of their body. This is known as spasticity. The muscle spasms originate in the brain or spinal cord.
Research on Sativex for Muscle Spasm
Sativex is still under review for the treatment of Muscle Spasm. In a research, Five randomized controlled trials compared the benefits and harms of Sativex spray with placebo. A total of 368 patients with various neurological conditions (including MS) were recruited. In some trials, Sativex spray significantly reduced neuropathic pain, spasticity, muscle spasms, and sleep disturbances.
The most common adverse events reported in trials were dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue, feeling of intoxication, and a bad taste. Long-term safety and the potential for dependence, abuse, misuse, and diversion are unknown.
Importance of Sativex for muscle Spasm
- Sativex spray can be used to relieve you of muscle spasm, it helps you to move your muscles easily with less pain.
- It works with neurotransmitters in the brain to direct the nerve impulse to your muscles in order to allow free movement.
- This spray can be added to the conventional medicine used to treat muscle spasm in case the conventional medicine is not effective on its own.
- Unlike the conventional intake of cannabis, Sativex does not give you the “high” effects, it is only known to make one drowsy.
Conditions to look out for before using Sativex for Muscle Spasm
As always advised, you should consult your doctor before any type of self-medication. Here are factors you should consider or inform your doctor about before taking Sativex for Muscle Spasm;
- For those who are pregnant or trying to have a child.
- In case you are breastfeeding, Cannabis can be passed onto your child through breast milk.
- If you have any heart issues or problems with your heart vessels.
- Or you are prone to hypertension.
- If there is a genetic psychotic problem in your family.
- In case, you have any lungs or kidney issues.
- For those with multiple allergies.
- If you have been using previous medication for treatment, you have to take necessary precautions before self-meditating on Sativex.
How to use Sativex for Muscle Spasm?
- Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer’s leaflet will give you more information about using Sativex spray and a full list of side effects which you may experience from taking it.
- Take cannabis extract exactly as your doctor tells you to. When you first start using Sativex spray, your doctor will ask you to increase your dose gradually over a period of two weeks. This will help you to find the dose that controls your symptoms whilst keeping side effects to a minimum.
- During this initial trial period carefully follow the instructions your doctor has given you to find the right dose. After the first few days, you will need to increase your dose by one spray each day until you have relief from your symptoms or until you are using 12 sprayed doses per day.
- Morning doses can be taken any time between waking and midday. Evening doses should be taken any time between 4 pm and bedtime. It is important to leave at least 15 minutes between each spray.
- Once you have found the daily dose that works for you, carry on using Sativex spray at this same dose. Your doctor will review your progress and together you can decide whether to continue using cannabis extract.
- Only use Sativex spray in your mouth by pointing the nozzle under your tongue or at the inside of your cheek. Try to use it on a different area of your mouth each time so as to avoid any irritation developing.
- Try not to eat or drink anything immediately before or after your doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember or when you feel you need it. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
Side effects of Sativex
- It makes patients dizzy and sleepy.
- Sometimes it leads to vomiting and nausea amongst patients.
- You might experience constipation and diarrhea.
- It leads to mouth problems like ulcers, and a burning sensations.
- Constant loss of appetite.
- Loss of balance and stamina.
