Today I evaluated a 54 y/o HIV+ male who suffered from diabetic peripheral neuropathy for medical marijuana as an alternative to Lyrica (pregabalin)  He reported that he had developed the diabetes as a result of treatment with protease inhibitors for his HIV.  He has been experiencing numbness and tingling in both his feet for the past 6 months as a result of the neuropathy (pain originating from damage to the nerves themselves).  He stated that he wanted to stop taking the Lyrica because of a 50 lb weight gain associated with the medication (weight gain is a common side effect).

Marijuana has been studied pretty extensively for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.   UCSD Cannabis Research Center recently completed a study about the beneficial affects of cannabis for peripheral neuropathy.   It showed that even in low doses cannabis can reduce the pain associated with diabetic and HIV associated neuropathy.

This patient had been using cannabis for the past two weeks without the Lyrica and reported a greater reduction in his overall symptoms.  In addition it improved his sleep which had a huge impact on his day to day life.  He was no longer groggy throughout the day and his work productivity improved.

Interestingly he found an indica strain of cannabis that did not stimulate his appetite which would have been counter-productive.  Some strains of cannabis are more likely to increase a patients appetite.

In my practice I see all types of chronic pain patients who benefit from cannabis.  If they are using another medication and not seeing the results they need or are having too many unwanted side effects then it is definitely worth it to give cannabis a try.   Most patients do extremely well and can stop taking their prescriptions within a few weeks.

If you would like to learn more about getting a medical marijuana evaluation so you can legally use cannabis in California feel free to make an appointment by calling 877-721-0047 or visit us online at www.mcsocal.com and pre-qualify for free.

Dr. Breen