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Compare Ritalin vs. Marinol

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

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.

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Dronabinol (Marinol)
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
    Dronabinol (Marinol)

  • Summary of Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication that's used for treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness) in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It works by raising the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to keep you focused and awake. The dosage is typically 2 to 3 times per day because it's an immediate-release form of methylphenidate. Side effects of this medication include low appetite, nervousness, and trouble sleeping.

    Summary for Cannabinoid
    Prescription only

    Dronabinol capsules, also known by the brand name Marinol, help treat nausea and vomiting from certain cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's also approved as an appetite stimulant for adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This medication is taken by mouth. The dosage depends on why you're taking it. Some side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach pain. Dronabinol (Marinol) is a type of cannabinoid. It has a potential risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction, so it's considered a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)
    Indications for
    •Low appetite and weight loss in adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
    •Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy in adults who've already tried other options

  • Pros and Cons of Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice medication to treat ADHD in adults and children.
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence
    •Shouldn't stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your provider first because of greater risk for mood changes
    •Can negatively affect growth in children
    Pros and Const for Cannabinoid
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Dosage can be adjusted by your prescriber, if needed
    •Works well to improve appetite in adults who have AIDS
    •Can help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy when other options don't work well
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
    •Is a controlled substance, so there's special rules to follow to get it filled at the pharmacy
    •Can make it hard to think clearly
    •Must keep capsules in the refrigerator

  • Common Side Effects of Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects might differ depending on the formulation. In general:

    •Headache
    •Anxiety
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Low appetite
    •Weight loss
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 10%)
    •Euphoria (e.g., feeling "high," easy laughing, happiness; up to 10%)
    •Paranoia (intense anxiety or fearful thoughts; up to 10%)
    •Abnormal thinking (up to 10%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 10%)
    •Nausea (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 10%)

  • Warnings of Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart problems
    •Changes in behavior or thoughts
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening mental health problems
    •Dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble thinking
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
    •Seizures
    •Risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
    •Worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Learn more about Methylphenidate
    Learn more about Dronabinol

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