Nabilone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 23, 2022.

Summary

Commonly reported side effects of nabilone include: ataxia, drowsiness, euphoria, vertigo, lack of concentration, and xerostomia. Other side effects include: dysphoria, and headache. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to nabilone: oral capsules

Side effects include:

Adverse effects may be similar to those of marijuana (cannabis) and other cannabinoids.

Drowsiness, vertigo, dry mouth, ataxia, euphoria (i.e., feeling “high”), dysphoria, sleep disturbances, headache.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to nabilone: oral capsule

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 66%), vertigo/dizziness (up to 59%), ataxia (up to 14%), concentration difficulties (up to 12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Headache, sedation

Frequency not reported: Syncope, cerebral vascular accident, equilibrium dysfunction, paresthesia, tremor, memory disturbance, perception disturbance, convulsions, dystonia, numbness, akathisia, speech disorder, hyperactivity, lightheadedness, coordination disturbance, taste change, nervousness, unconsciousness, hypotonia

Postmarketing reports: CNS depression, CNS stimulation, stupor^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Euphoria (up to 38%), depression (up to 14%), sleep disturbance (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dysphoria, disorientation, depersonalization syndrome

Frequency not reported: Hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, abnormal dreams, insomnia, mood swings, inebriated feeling, psychosis, paranoia, apathy, thought disorder, withdrawal, panic disorder, phobic neurosis, emotional disorder

Postmarketing reports: Emotional lability^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Dry mouth (up to 36%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nausea

Frequency not reported: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, aphthous ulcer, mouth irritation, gastritis, dyspepsia, thick tongue^[Ref]

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Visual disturbance (up to 13%)

Frequency not reported: Eye irritation, eye dryness, eye disorder, amblyopia, eye swelling, eyelid disease, pupil dilation, photophobia, visual field defect^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension

Frequency not reported: Orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, palpitation, hypertension, arrhythmia, elevated supine and standing heart rates^[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia

Frequency not reported: Ear tightness, tinnitus, flushing, hot flashes, bacterial infection, unspecified pain, chest pain, fatigue, chills, malaise, irritability, fever, inhibited walking, face edema, lack of effect^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Anemia

Postmarketing reports: Leukopenia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle pain, back pain, neck pain, joint pain, twitches^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Increased urination, decreased urination, urinary retention, micturition frequency, impaired urination^[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, increased appetite

Frequency not reported: Thirst^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, pharyngitis, nasal congestion, sinus headache, dry throat, dry nose, sneezing, nosebleed, cough, voice change^[Ref]