What is Nabilone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Nabilone is a synthetic medication that mimics the effects of cannabis compounds in your body. It's specifically designed to help people who are struggling with severe nausea and vomiting, particularly when other treatments haven't worked well enough.

This prescription medication belongs to a class called cannabinoids, which work by interacting with your body's natural systems that control nausea, appetite, and pain perception. Think of it as a carefully controlled, medical-grade version of certain cannabis effects, but in a standardized pill form that doctors can prescribe with confidence.

What is Nabilone Used For?

Nabilone is primarily prescribed to help cancer patients cope with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. When you're undergoing cancer treatment, the powerful medications used to fight cancer cells can trigger severe digestive upset that makes it difficult to eat, drink, or maintain your strength.

Your doctor will typically consider nabilone when standard anti-nausea medications haven't provided enough relief. It's not a first-line treatment, but rather a valuable option when you need something stronger to help you get through your treatment sessions.

In some cases, doctors may also prescribe nabilone for other conditions that cause persistent nausea, though this use is less common. The medication has shown promise in helping people with certain chronic pain conditions, though this isn't its primary approved use.

How Does Nabilone Work?

Nabilone works by binding to special receptors in your brain and nervous system called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are part of your body's natural system for regulating nausea, appetite, mood, and pain perception.

When nabilone attaches to these receptors, it helps calm the signals that trigger nausea and vomiting. It's considered a moderately strong anti-nausea medication, more potent than many standard treatments but designed to be used under careful medical supervision.

The medication also affects areas of your brain that control appetite, which can be helpful when nausea has made it difficult to eat. This dual action makes it particularly valuable for people who need to maintain their nutrition during challenging medical treatments.

How Should I Take Nabilone?

Take nabilone exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually starting with a low dose that may be adjusted based on how you respond. The medication comes in capsule form and should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water.

You can take nabilone with or without food, though some people find it easier on their stomach when taken with a light meal or snack. If you're prone to stomach upset, having a small amount of food beforehand might help reduce any initial digestive discomfort.

For chemotherapy-related nausea, your doctor will likely have you start taking nabilone 1-3 hours before your treatment session. This timing allows the medication to be active in your system when you need it most.

Since nabilone can cause drowsiness and affect your coordination, it's important to take it when you can rest safely. Don't drive or operate machinery after taking your dose, as the effects can last several hours.

How Long Should I Take Nabilone For?

The length of nabilone treatment depends entirely on your specific medical situation and how long you need relief from nausea. For cancer patients, this typically means taking it throughout their chemotherapy cycle, which might last several weeks or months.

Your doctor will work with you to determine the right duration based on your treatment schedule and how well the medication is working. Some people need it only during active treatment periods, while others might benefit from longer-term use.

It's important not to stop taking nabilone suddenly if you've been using it regularly, as this can sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will help you gradually reduce the dose when it's time to stop, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the process.

What Are the Side Effects of Nabilone?

Like all medications, nabilone can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects you might notice include drowsiness, dizziness, and a feeling of being "high" or euphoric. These effects are related to how the medication works in your brain and are usually most noticeable when you first start taking it.

Here are the side effects you're most likely to experience:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Mood changes or feeling euphoric
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headache
• Sleep problems

Most of these effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest can help manage many of these symptoms.

Some people may experience more concerning side effects that require medical attention. While these are less common, it's important to be aware of them so you can seek help if needed.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience:

• Severe confusion or disorientation
• Hallucinations or seeing things that aren't there
• Severe mood changes or depression
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe dizziness or fainting

These more serious effects are rare but can occur, especially at higher doses or in people who are particularly sensitive to the medication. Your healthcare team is there to help you manage any concerns that arise.

Who Should Not Take Nabilone?

Nabilone isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing it. Certain conditions and circumstances make this medication potentially unsafe or less effective.

You should not take nabilone if you have a known allergy to cannabinoids or any of the ingredients in the medication. People with severe heart problems, including recent heart attacks or unstable heart rhythms, should also avoid this medication.

Your doctor will be particularly cautious about prescribing nabilone if you have:

• A history of mental health conditions like schizophrenia or severe depression
• Current or past substance abuse problems
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• Severe heart conditions
• A history of seizures
• Elderly age with increased sensitivity to medications

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require special consideration, as the effects of nabilone on developing babies aren't fully understood. Your doctor will weigh the potential benefits against any risks if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

If you're taking other medications, especially those that affect your central nervous system, your doctor will need to review potential interactions carefully. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.

Nabilone Brand Names

Nabilone is available under the brand name Cesamet in most countries, including the United States and Canada. This is the most commonly prescribed version of the medication.

Some countries may have additional brand names or generic versions available, but Cesamet remains the primary brand that most patients and doctors are familiar with. Your pharmacist can help you identify the specific version you're receiving.

Regardless of the brand name, all versions of nabilone contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way. The important thing is to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Nabilone Alternatives

If nabilone isn't right for you or isn't providing enough relief, several other anti-nausea medications are available. Your doctor can help you explore these options based on your specific needs and medical situation.

Traditional anti-nausea medications like ondansetron (Zofran) or metoclopramide (Reglan) are often tried first for chemotherapy-induced nausea. These work through different mechanisms and may be more suitable for some people.

Other cannabinoid medications, such as dronabinol (Marinol), offer similar benefits to nabilone but with slightly different effects and side effect profiles. Some people respond better to one cannabinoid medication than another.

Non-medication approaches can also be helpful, either alone or in combination with medications. These might include acupuncture, ginger supplements, or specific dietary changes that your healthcare team can recommend.

Is Nabilone Better Than Ondansetron?

Comparing nabilone to ondansetron isn't straightforward because they work in different ways and are often used in different situations. Both medications have their place in managing nausea, and the "better" choice depends on your individual circumstances.

Ondansetron is typically the first-line treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea because it's well-studied, has fewer side effects, and doesn't cause the psychoactive effects that nabilone can produce. It works by blocking serotonin receptors that trigger nausea.

Nabilone is usually reserved for situations where ondansetron and other standard treatments haven't provided adequate relief. It may be more effective for some people, particularly those who need both anti-nausea effects and appetite stimulation.

Your doctor will consider factors like your other medications, your ability to tolerate side effects, and your specific type of nausea when deciding which medication is most appropriate for you.