Are you also tired of the severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy)? Or are you losing weight due to a long-term illness? In such cases, when the usual medications do not help, your doctor may prescribe you this medicine called Dronabinol. So, today we will talk about this medicine in simple terms, its action, how to use it, side effects and things to be careful about.
What kind of medicine is Dronabinol?
Simply put, dronabinol is a liquid medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called cannabinoids. It has two main functions:
1. Controlling nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatment (chemotherapy): This medicine is used if other medications cannot control this condition.
2. Controls appetite and weight loss: This also helps to increase appetite and stop weight loss in patients with chronic diseases such as AIDS.
This medication may come under brand names such as `SYNDROS`. Also, sometimes doctors may prescribe it for other medical conditions as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
- If you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol before.
- If you have heart disease (e.g. angina, irregular heartbeat).
- If you have high or low blood pressure .
- If you experience dizziness or fainting when standing.
- If you have mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, schizophrenia-emotional
- If you have conditions such as epilepsy or seizures .
- If you have allergies to dronabinol, marijuana, alcohol, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How should I use the medicine exactly?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to measure the dosage accurately.
- Before taking the medicine, measure the exact dose prescribed by your doctor. Use a specially marked spoon or container . Do not use household teaspoons , as they are not accurate.
- Drink a full glass of water (about 6-8 ounces) after taking the medicine.
- Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason. It is illegal and can be very dangerous.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Dronabinol is a medication that can interact with other medications and substances, so it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
| Type of medicine/substance | Special notes and examples |
|---|---|
| Never take these with you. | |
| Nabilone | This is also a drug similar to dronabinol, so taking it together is very dangerous. |
| If you are taking these together, be sure to inform your doctor. | |
| Alcohol and alcoholic beverages | Increases drowsiness, dizziness, and other side effects. |
| Medicines that cause drowsiness | Cough and cold medicines (Antihistamines), medicines for anxiety or sleep, painkillers (Opioids), muscle relaxants. |
| Some medications for mental health | Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine), lithium, phenothiazines. |
| Medicines for other diseases | Some medications for Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, bladder problems, and stomach cramps. |
| Anesthetics and stimulants | General anesthetics used during surgery, stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamine. |
Things to consider when taking medication
- When you first start taking this medication or when you increase your dose, it's a good idea to have someone responsible with you , as you may experience mood swings, such as laughing out loud.
- You may feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly from sitting or lying down. Especially if you are elderly or have low blood pressure, get up slowly. This can help prevent dizziness and fainting.
- Avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol can increase the side effects of this medication.
Very important: Do not use marijuana (marijuana) in any form while taking this medication. This medication contains a substance similar to the active ingredient in marijuana. Taking the two together increases the risk of serious side effects on the heart and nervous system.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, dronabinol can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate (palpitations) | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Changes in blood pressure | Sudden increase or decrease in blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, blurred vision). |
| Changes in mood and behavior | Severe anxiety, agitation, confusion, seeing/hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), suicidal thoughts. |
| Seizures | Sudden onset of a seizure. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | A common condition that occurs in many people. |
| Feeling unnatural happiness | Feeling of extreme happiness and euphoria for no reason. |
| Nausea/vomiting/stomach pain | Some people may experience these symptoms. |
How to store medicine properly?
Because this medicine has the potential to be abused and is very dangerous if accidentally ingested by young children, it is very important to keep it safe.
- Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets .
- Store it tightly closed and in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius or in the refrigerator . Avoid freezing.
- Throw away any remaining medicine 28 days after first opening the bottle or after the expiration date .
- When removing, mix the remaining liquid with something like cat litter or ground coffee grounds, put it in a tightly sealed container, and discard.
Take-Home Message
- Dronabinol is a medication that should only be taken under the advice of a doctor, and in the prescribed dosage.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Completely avoid the use of alcohol and marijuana while taking this medication.
- Be aware of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid risky activities until you know how this medication affects you.
- Keep the medicine safely out of the reach of children. Never share it with others.
- If you have any concerns about this medication, talk to your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is Dronabinol Solution / Syndros used for?
This is a very powerful drug made synthetically from the main psychoactive chemical (THC) in the marijuana (Marijuana / Cannabis) plant, and is only available in pharmacies with a doctor's prescription! It is given to people with HIV/AIDS to increase their appetite and gain weight. It is also given to cancer patients (Chemotherapy) as a last resort when no other medicine can relieve the severe nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
💬 How does this drug (Dronabinol) made from cannabis increase appetite and stop vomiting?
The chemical 'THC' in this medicine directly binds to the 'Cannabinoid / CB1 receptors' in our brain. This completely inhibits the vomiting center in the brain and stops vomiting. On the other hand, it gives the brain a false 'comfort/pleasure and hunger', so the patient can eat a lot.
💬 What are the annoying and dangerous side effects?
Due to its 'high/euphoria' nature, drinking it will definitely cause uncontrolled addiction, unusual happiness/crazy visions (hallucinations) and dizziness (which is why driving is prohibited!). Also, this liquid (Syndros) contains 50% alcohol! Therefore, if given to people who are prohibited from drinking alcohol or to those taking medications like Disulfiram and Metronidazole, severe vomiting and heart attack may occur and death may occur.
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