Marinol

(dronabinol)

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Treats appetite loss and nausea.

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Our bottom line

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.

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Quick facts about Marinol
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dronabinol)

Upsides

  • 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.
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What to expect from Marinol, on one page

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Downsides

  • 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.
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What to expect from Marinol, on one page

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How it works

Marinol (dronabinol) is an active cannabinoid and occurs naturally in marijuana. It activates similar receptors to marijuana within the body and central nervous system.

Quick facts about Marinol
  • Drug class: Gastrointestinal
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dronabinol)

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
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Marinol (dronabinol) for Appitite stimulation or nausea and vomiting

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  • First few hoursHours
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
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  • Possible side effects
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness
  • Feeling "high"
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
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Side effect rates for Marinol (dronabinol)

From 609 clinical trials of Marinol when taken for appetite stimulation or nausea and vomiting

Risks and Warnings for Marinol (dronabinol)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion

    Marinol (dronabinol) can cause severe drowsiness and affect your ability to concentrate. Don't drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any hazardous activity when starting Marinol (dronabinol). First, see that you can tolerate the medication well before performing these activities in order to ensure that you can complete them safely.

Common concerns from people taking Marinol (dronabinol)

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Alcohol
  • Don't drink alcohol while taking Marinol (dronabinol).
Pain
  • This medicine might actually worsen nausea/vomiting or cause stomach pain. If this happens, your doctor can change your dose or stop the medicine.
Sleep
  • Marinol (dronabinol) can cause severe drowsiness and affect your ability to concentrate. Don't drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in any hazardous activity when starting Marinol (dronabinol). First, see that you can tolerate the medication well before performing these activities in order to ensure that you can complete them safely.
Weight
  • Can also improve mood and body weight in some people.