This article covers some of the important information about Marinol, such as the drug's benefits, side effects, precautions, and related products. Read on to learn more.
What Is Marinol?
Marinol is a drug extracted from cannabis, commonly known as marijuana. This form of cannabis is recommended for people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. It is the only form of cannabis with that has been approved for marketing in the United States by the FDA.
Benefits Of Taking Marinol
Manufactured as a capsule, this drug is taken orally to treat loss of appetite that causes weight loss in people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
It is also taken orally to treat severe vomiting and nausea normally experienced by patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. This drug is normally recommended when all medications meant to treat vomiting and nausea have failed.
Possible Side Effects
Marinol is associated with a range of side effects, which we have explained below.
- It lowers or raises blood pressure, usually experienced by the elderly or people with heart-related problems.
- People suffering from psychosis, a serious mental disorder characterized unusual emotions and thinking, are advised to take precautions when taking this drug. This is because Marinol may worsen this mental condition.
- Increased blood pressure and fast or pounding heartbeats, accompanied by a light-headed feeling like you might pass out.
- Confusion, problems with memory or concentration, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, thinking problems
- Restlessness, drowsiness, feeling nervous or irritable, and unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Severe or ongoing vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain
- Severe headaches which may be accompanied by blurred vision, nosebleed, anxiety, or pounding in your neck or ears.
- Various allergic reactions such as hives, skin burning, rash or redness, or mouth sores
This is not a complete list of side effects caused by Marinol. Other severe or minor side effects may occur when taking this medication. You should always consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience worsening headaches, rapid heartbeats, vision problems, severe dizziness, or any other severe side effects.
Precautions
Marinol is a habit-forming drug. It should be used as prescribed by a qualified medical professional. You should, therefore, avoid it if you have a history of habitual marijuana or drug addiction.
Put the medication in a tightly-closed container and store it in a secure place, away from children or others.
Marinol may interact with other medicines, especially those that affect the central nervous system. such as diet pills, muscle relaxers, cold medications, stimulants, or medicine for seizures. You should, therefore, avoid this drug if you are taking any of the above medications.
Avoid Marinol if you are suffering from serious medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, mental illness, heart-related diseases, kidney problems, epilepsy, and many others.
Taking the drug may impair your thinking or judgments. You should, therefore, avoid it if you are driving or when doing tasks that require a maximum level of concentration or alertness.
To make sure this drug is safe for you, avoid it if you are allergic to any medication.
It is not known whether Marinol will harm pregnant women or unborn babies. This drug may pass into breast milk and pass to the baby through breastfeeding. Just avoid it if you plan to get pregnant, you are pregnant, or you are breastfeeding.
Other Pharmaceutical Medications Based On Cannabis
Sativex
This is the cannabis-based mouth spray developed by GW Pharmaceuticals to reduce spasticity and neuropathic pain in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. This product contains cannabis extracts with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Nabilone
Nabilone contains synthetic cannabinoids similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This capsule is developed by Valeant Pharmaceutical to treat vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These capsules also treat loss of appetite in people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Dexanabinol
Dexanabinol also contains synthetic cannabinoids used to protect the brain from damage after cardiac surgery. It helps patients to regain memory and other brain functions following a traumatic brain injury.
Cannabinor
Developed by Phamos, Cannabinor, is a cannabis-based medication designed to treat anti-inflammation and hypertension. It works by binding to the CB2 (the brain’s secondary cannabinoid receptor).
Rimonabant
Rimonabant is an anti-cannabinoid designed by Sanofi-Aventis to suppress appetite. The capsules contain a synthetic chemical that inhibits endocannabinoid receptors, an action that suppresses appetite.
Taranabant
Taranabant is another cannabis-based product designed to suppress appetite. These capsules work by blocking cannabinoids from stimulating hunger signals.
Marinol Review Summary
Cannabis-based pharmaceuticals such as Marinol are widely effective but come with several side effects. If you want to try Marinol or any cannabis-based product to treat any of your medical conditions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider prior to use. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you experience worsening side effects after use.
