Marinol
(dronabinol)
Treats appetite loss and nausea.
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.
- Price before coupon$120.24
- Lowest price with coupon$37.1269% savings
- 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.
What to expect from Marinol, on one page
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.
What to expect from Marinol, on one page
Marinol (dronabinol) is an active cannabinoid and occurs naturally in marijuana. It activates similar receptors to marijuana within the body and central nervous system.
- 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
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$79.53Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$37.12
- Get free discount$47.88
- CostcoGet free coupon$58.30
What to expect when you take Marinol (dronabinol) for Appitite stimulation or nausea and vomiting
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Feeling "high"
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Marinol (dronabinol)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Marinol for appetite stimulation or nausea and vomiting
- Feeling "high"
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Feelings of intense happiness
- Paranoia
- Sleepiness
- Abnormal thinking
Risks and Warnings for Marinol (dronabinol)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- 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)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Don't drink alcohol while taking Marinol (dronabinol).
- This medicine might actually worsen nausea/vomiting or cause stomach pain. If this happens, your doctor can change your dose or stop the medicine.
- 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.
- Can also improve mood and body weight in some people.