Medicine Digests
Dronabinol is generic drug name for Marinol , an Antinauseant type of drug. It is prescribed for treating several conditios :-
- Nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy,
- appetite stimulation and weight-loss prevention in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
General Information
- Dronabinol is a legal form of marijuana. The psychoactive chemical in marijuana is delta-9-THC. Dronabinol has all of the psychological effects of marijuana and is therefore considered to be a highly abusable drug.
- Dronabinol increases the effects of alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives, and other depressants.
- Dronabinol also enhances the effects of psychoactive drugs including tricyclic antidepressants, amphetamines, cocaine, and other stimulants.
- This drug is known to be potential cause of personality changes, feelings of detachment, hallucinations, and euphoria (feeling “high”).
- Younger adults have reported a greater success rate with dronabinol, probably because they are better able to tolerate these effects.
- Most people start taking dronabinol while in the hospital so their response to the drug and its possible adverse effects can be monitored.
- Dronabinol has also been studied as a glaucoma treatment. ( More information to be researched in this field )
- Dronabinol may increase the effects of fluoxetine and disulfiram.
- The effects of theophylline drugs are reduced by dronabinol.
- Combining dronabinol and antihistamines or anticholinergic drugs may cause either rapid heartbeat or excessive drowsiness.
Cautions ( This drug has serious effects ! )
- Do not take dronabinol if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients, to marijuana. or to sesame oil.
- Dronabinol should be used with caution in those with a history of seizure disorders or substance abuse.
- Dronabinol should be used with caution by people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Dronabinol has a profound effect on mental states, as it will impair your ability to operate complex equipment or engage in any activity that requires intense concentration, sound judgment, or coordination—such as driving a car.
- Dronabinol should not be used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by anything other than cancer chemotherapy.
- Dronabinol produces withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. These may develop within 12 hours of the drug’s discontinuation and include restlessness, sleeplessness, and irritability.
- Within a day after the drug has been stopped, symptoms like stuffy nose, hot flashes, sweating, loose stools, hiccups, or appetite loss may occur. These symptoms usually subside within a few days.
- Dronabinol should be used with caution by people with a manic-depressive or schizophrenic history because it may aggravate the underlying disease.
Note :-
- Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
- The capsules must be stored in the refrigerator.
- Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
Dronabinol may cause acute psychiatric or psychological side effects. Call your doctor for advise.
Common Side Effects of the drug :-
- drowsiness,
- depression,
- loss of muscle coordination,
- unsteadiness,
- paranoia,
- depersonalization,
- disorientation,
- euphoria,
- dizziness,
- weakness,
- sluggishness,
- nausea and vomiting,
- headache,
- a separation in time and space,
- confusion,
- rapid heartbeat.
- hallucinations,
- memory lapses,
- anxiety,
- muddled thinking,
- perceptual difficulties,
- poor coordination,
- irritability,
- dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Unlikely Side Effects :-
- difficulty talking or slurred speech,
- facial flushing
- loss of bowel control,
- excessive perspiration,
- fainting,
- diarrhea,
- nightmares,
- ringing or buzzing in the ears,
- muscle pain
Usual Dose Intake ( Do not take a double dose )
1. Antiemetic :
- 5 mg 1-3 hours before starting chemotherapy treatment and repeated every 2-4 hours after treatment, for a total of 4-6 doses a day.
- Dosage may be increased up to 15 mg per dose if needed; psychiatric side effects increase greatly at higher dosages.
2. Appetite Stimulant:
- 2.5 mg before lunch or dinner, or 2.5 mg at bedtime. Dosage may be increased to 20 mg a day.
Over Dosage Effect(s)
- Overdose symptoms may occur at usual dosages or at higher dosages if the drug is being abused.
- The primary symptoms of overdose are the psychological symptoms listed above (see “Side Effects lists above”).
- In some cases, overdose may lead to panic reactions or seizure.
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding period :
- Dronabinol is known to be passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula. Animal laboratory studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus.
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