Dronabinol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 24, 2025.

Applies to dronabinol: oral capsule liquid filled, oral solution.

Common side effects of dronabinol

Some side effects of dronabinol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• false sense of well-being
• nausea
• trouble with thinking
• vomiting

Less common or rare side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• flushing of the face
• lack or loss of strength
• restlessness

Rare side effects

• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• cough
• diarrhea
• discharge, excessive tearing
• headache
• hearing loss
• redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• runny nose
• sneezing
• stuffy nose

Serious side effects of dronabinol

Along with its needed effects, dronabinol may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dronabinol:

Less common

• changes in mood
• confusion
• delusions
• fast or pounding heartbeat
• feelings of unreality
• loss of memory
• mental depression
• nervousness or anxiety
• problems with memory
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

Rare side effects

• blurred vision
• chills
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

• fainting
• feeling of warmth
• hives or rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• seizures
• sores in the mouth
• swelling of the lips
• tightness in the throat
• trouble sleeping

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking dronabinol:

Symptoms of overdose

• being forgetful
• change in how fast you think time is passing
• change in your sense of smell, taste, sight, sound, or touch
• constipation
• decrease in motor coordination
• drowsiness (severe)
• dryness of the mouth (severe)
• false sense of well-being
• feeling sluggish
• panic reaction
• problems in urinating
• redness of the eyes
• seizures
• slurred speech
• unusual drowsiness or dullness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dronabinol: oral capsule, oral solution.

Psychiatric adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Elation (up to 24%), feeling high/easy laughing (up to 24%), heightened awareness (up to 24%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal thinking, euphoria, paranoid reaction
• Frequency not reported: Anxiety/nervousness, confusion, depersonalization, depression, hallucinations, nightmares
• Postmarketing reports: Delirium, disorientation, insomnia, panic attack^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, fecal incontinence
• Postmarketing reports: Lip swelling, oral lesions^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence
• Frequency not reported: Amnesia, ataxia, headache, speech difficulties
• Postmarketing reports: Fatigue, loss of consciousness, movement disorder, seizure/seizure-like activity, syncope^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Flushing, hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia, vasodilation/facial flush^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Asthenia, chills, malaise, tinnitus
• Postmarketing reports: Fall, fatigue^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Cough, rhinitis, sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Throat tightness^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Conjunctival injection, vision difficulties^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Sweating
• Postmarketing reports: Disseminated rash, hives, skin burning^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatic enzyme elevation^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Myalgia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Further information

Dronabinol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer