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Compare Provigil vs. Marinol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Modafinil (Provigil) and dronabinol (Marinol) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. In contrast, dronabinol is a cannabinoid used to treat nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications and to stimulate appetite in people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Modafinil is taken once daily, while dronabinol is typically taken multiple times a day, depending on the condition being treated. Modafinil can cause side effects like headache and nausea, whereas dronabinol can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Both medications have a risk of misuse, but modafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance, while dronabinol is a Schedule III controlled substance. Additionally, modafinil is not recommended for people with certain heart conditions, while dronabinol can affect your ability to think clearly and may worsen mental health symptoms.

  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Dronabinol (Marinol)
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
    Dronabinol (Marinol)

  • Summary of Provigil vs. Marinol

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's considered a controlled substance since this medication has a potential to cause misuse. You should avoid alcohol while taking modafinil (Provigil), as well as certain other medications to avoid any serious interactions and side effects. Common side effects of modafinil (Provigil), however, include headache and nausea.

    Summary for Cannabinoid
    Prescription only

    Dronabinol (also known by its brand name, Marinol) is a medication used to treat nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications. It's also approved as an appetite stimulant for people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dronabinol (Marinol) is available as a lower-cost, generic capsule. It's a controlled substance because it carries a warning for the risk of abuse and misuse. Some side effects of dronabinol (Marinol) include dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Provigil vs. Marinol

    Indications for
    •Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
    Indications for
    •Anorexia and weight loss in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
    •Nausea and vomiting from anticancer medications in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Provigil vs. Marinol

    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Convenient once-daily dosing
    •Can help you feel awake without feeling overstimulated
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Doesn't usually interfere with falling asleep when taken as recommended
    •Can help with attention as well as fatigue
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, including hormonal birth controls, warfarin (Coumadin), and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
    •Not known whether it's safe or works well for children
    •Generally not recommended if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Cannabinoid
    Pros
    •Works well to improve appetite and help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic
    •Dosage can be adjusted by your provider, if needed
    Cons
    •Has a risk for addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Needs to be stored in the refrigerator
    •Can affect your ability to think clearly

  • Common Side Effects of Provigil vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (34%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Feeling nervous (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Back Pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Upset stomach and indigestion (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3-10%)
    •Euphoria (3-10%)
    •Paranoia (intense anxiety or fearful thoughts; 3-10%)
    •Sleepiness (3-10%)
    •Abnormal thinking (3-10%)
    •Stomach pain (3-10%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (3-10%)

  • Warnings of Provigil vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Driving impairment
    •Heart problems
    •Mental health disorder symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •Mental health side effects
    •Seizures
    •Heart and blood pressure changes
    •Risk of misuse
    •Worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Prices with our coupons for Provigil vs. Marinol

    Learn more about Modafinil
    Learn more about Dronabinol

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