Dronabinol Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2024.

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

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to check for any unwanted effects.

Do not take this medicine if you are also using disulfiram (Antabuse®) or metronidazole (Flagyl®) within the past 14 days. Do not use disulfiram or metronidazole within 7 days after treatment with Syndros™.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause serious unwanted effects in your newborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

Dronabinol will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicines including other narcotics, medicine for seizures (eg, barbiturates), muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

If you develop any unusual or strange thoughts and behavior while using dronabinol, be sure to discuss it with your doctor. Some changes that have occurred in people receiving this medicine are like those seen in people who drink too much alcohol.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of dronabinol, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medicine or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may lead to severe mental effects. Signs of overdose include changes in mood, confusion, hallucinations, mental depression, nervousness or anxiety, and fast or pounding heartbeat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have a new or worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain after taking Syndros™.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

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:

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

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]

See also:

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