Compare Ritalin vs. Marinol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that comes in many different forms, but you need to take this medication more often than alternatives.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 526 reviewsforRitalin
Treats appetite loss and nausea.
Marinol (dronabinol) can help with appetite stimulation and nausea/vomiting; however, there are other medicines available that might work better and have less side effects.
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD because it is cheap and effective.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) is used with counseling and other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as a generic medication.
- Available in many different forms: extended-release and immediate-release tablets, chewable tablet, and liquid.
- Preferred medicine for elderly with ADHD or narcolepsy because it is safer than alternatives for this population.
- The appetite stimulating effects of Marinol (dronabinol) can last up to 5 months.
- Marinol (dronabinol) is available in cheaper, generic form.
- Can also improve mood and body weight in some people.
Downsides
- Need to take Ritalin (methylphenidate) 2 or 3 times a day compared to other ADHD medications which you can take once daily.
- Can raise your blood pressure and pulse, so its not safe for people with heart problems.
- It's a controlled medication (CII), so you may need to get a new prescription each month from your doctor.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) may affect growth in children and teens in some cases.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate) contains a mixture of active and inactive compounds (dexmethylphenidate and methylphenidate, respectively), which may not work as well for some people.
- Adults age 65 or older might be more sensitive to the side effects of Marinol (dronabinol), especially mental/physical ability impairment, psychological changes, and blood pressure changes.
- This medicine might actually worsen nausea/vomiting or cause stomach pain. If this happens, your doctor can change your dose or stop the medicine.
- Can cause dry mouth and effect your dental health, so maintain good dental hygiene.
- Can help with appetite stimulation, but does not stimulate weight gain.
Used for
- Treatment of appetite and weight loss in people with AIDS
- Treatment of nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Treatment and prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$48.84
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$34.21
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Reviews
526 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
42%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ritalin (methylphenidate)?
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Side effects
17possible side effects
- Lowered appetite25%
- Headache22%
- Dry mouth14%
- Nausea13%
- Difficulty sleeping12%
- Anxiety8%
- Weight loss7%
- Dizziness7%
- Irritability6%
- Fast heartbeat5%
- Sweating5%
- Depression4%
- Stomach pain2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Vomiting2%
- Blurry vision2%
- Aggressive behavior2%
The Marinol (dronabinol) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Abuse and dependence
- History of drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Serious or life-threatening heart problems
- History of heart problems
- Aggressive behavior and psychiatric symptoms
- History of psychotic episodes
- History of bipolar disorder
- History of Tourette's syndrome
- Height and weight delay in children
- Children
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Circulation problems in the hands and feet
- Impairment of mental or physical abilities
- Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Heart and blood vessel changes
- History of heart problems
- Used with other medicines that have similar effects on the heart and blood vessels
- Substance abuse
- History of subastance abuse
- History of alcohol dependence
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction
- Mood and behavior changes
- History of mental illness