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.
