Nabilone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.

Applies to nabilone: oral capsules.

Side effects include:

Most frequent adverse effects are drowsiness, vertigo, dry mouth, euphoria.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nabilone: oral capsule.

Nervous system adverse events

• 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]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Anhidrosis, photosensitivity, pruritus, rash, allergic reactions, excessive sweating^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Nabilone 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