Marinol: Uses, indications and some notes when using

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Marinol is used to treat nausea and vomiting symptoms caused by cancer chemotherapy. The drug is taken orally as prescribed by the doctor. However, using Marinol can also cause some side effects such as: Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion...

1. Using the drug Marinol

What does Marinol do? The original name of Marinol is Dronabinol which is used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Dronabinol is often used as an adjunct to other medications when these drugs have failed to control symptoms such as: Nausea and vomiting. Dronabinol is also used to treat anorexia and weight loss in HIV-infected patients. Dronabinol (also known as THC) is a man-made form of the active ingredient naturally found in cannabis.

2. Indications for the use of Marinol

Marinol is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, up to 4 to 6 times daily if you are taking it to control nausea and vomiting, or twice daily (before meals). lunch and before dinner) if you are taking it to treat anorexia.
The dosage of Marinol will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you are taking marinol to help control nausea and vomiting, your dose may also be based on your body size.
You must not increase your dose or use marinol more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of serious side effects from taking the wrong medicine will increase.
If you suddenly stop using this medicine, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as: irritability, trouble sleeping, restlessness, hot flashes, diarrhea. To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly reduce your dose of marinol.
Although marinol helps many people, sometimes long-term use can be addictive. The risk of addiction may be higher if you have a substance use disorder such as abusing or addicted to drugs or alcohol. Take marinol exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of addiction. In the event that you use marinol and experience a bad health condition, you should see your doctor immediately to find out the cause.

3. Side effects when using marinol

Using marinol can cause some symptoms such as: Dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, feeling "high", feeling excessively healthy, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or stomach or abdominal pain. ... This condition can occur as your body adapts to the drug. If you experience a side effect that persists or it could become serious, see your doctor right away for a prompt treatment plan.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
Remember when your doctor has prescribed this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. At the same time, there are many people who use this drug without serious side effects.
Tell your doctor if you have signs of any serious side effects, including: Fainting, heart palpitations, pounding, mental or mood changes such as: Anxiety, nervousness hallucinations, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts, paranoia.
Serious allergic reactions to marinol are very rare. However, you should seek medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching, swelling especially anywhere on the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

4. Measures to prevent side effects of Marinol

Before taking dronabinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in marinol; or marijuana; or if you have any other allergies. The medicinal product marinol may contain inactive ingredients such as: Sesame oil, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using marinol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: Personal or family history of a stimulant use disorder such as: Abuse or addiction Drugs, alcohol, heart disease, high blood pressure, mental and mood disorders such as: mania, depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy.
The medicine marinol can make you dizzy, drowsy, or affect your judgment. When you take marinol, drinking alcohol or using marijuana can make these effects worse. You should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can be sure your actions can be performed safely. Furthermore, you should also avoid the use of alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use including: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products you use.
Children may be sensitive to the side effects of marinol, which will especially include symptoms of drowsiness and mental and mood changes.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of marinol, especially these reactions will show symptoms including: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness and mental and mood changes.
During pregnancy, marinol should be used only when clearly needed. If you need to use marinol, you should discuss the risks and benefits of using marinol with your doctor.
Marinol can pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using marinol is not recommended.

5. Marinol drug interactions

Marinol drug interactions can change the way your medicine works or increase your risk of serious side effects. This article does not cover all possible drug interactions. So you should keep a complete list of all the products you use including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products and you need to share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. your pharmacist. You must not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicinal products that cause drowsiness such as: opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants such as: Codeine, hydrocodone, alcohol, marijuana, medicine sleeping pills such as: alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem, muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine, or antihistamines such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine.
You should check the labels on all your medicines such as: allergy or cough and cold products as they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.

6. Some notes that may be encountered when using Marinol

Overdose If you have overdosed on Marinol and have serious symptoms such as: Fainting or having trouble breathing, call 911 right away. If not, call a poison control center right away. Overdose symptoms may include: Severe drowsiness, dizziness, heart palpitations, mental changes, mood swings, seizures.
Do not share Marinol with other drugs.
Missed dose If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of marinol, skip the missed dose.
Preservation of drugs Store Marinol according to the instructions on the product packaging, avoiding exposure to light and moisture. Some brands of Marinol must be refrigerated, and others can be stored at room temperature.
You must not throw medication down the toilet or down the drain unless you are instructed to do so. You should dispose of this product appropriately when it has expired or is no longer needed.

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Reference source: webmd.com