Key takeaways
Methylphenidate immediate-release (Ritalin, Methylin) and dronabinol (Marinol) are both medications that require a prescription and are controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and dependence. While they are not in the same drug class, they both address conditions related to appetite and focus. Methylphenidate is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while dronabinol is a cannabinoid used to treat nausea and vomiting from cancer medications and to stimulate appetite in people with AIDS. Methylphenidate is available in oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid forms, and is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day. Dronabinol is available as a capsule and is taken based on specific dosing schedules for its indications. Common side effects of methylphenidate include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping, whereas dronabinol can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Methylphenidate interacts with blood pressure medications and MAOIs, while dronabinol can interact with medications that cause sleepiness or affect heart rate and blood pressure.
