Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ritalin vs. Marinol

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

  • 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 (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 Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)
    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 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
    •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 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 (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 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
    •Mental health side effects
    •Seizures
    •Heart and blood pressure changes
    •Risk of misuse
    •Worsening nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain

  • Prices with our coupons for Ritalin vs. Marinol

    Learn more about Methylphenidate
    Learn more about Dronabinol

Compare other ADHD and Nausea drugs

Concerta vs RitalinDesoxyn vs RitalinEvekeo vs RitalinFocalin vs RitalinIntuniv vs Ritalin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.