Is Dronabinol A Good Alternative To Morphine For Pain?

Posted on Sat, 30 May 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 30 May 2015 Answered on

Mon, 22 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a kidney transplant patient since 1994 and a lot of the meds I have to take cause me to hurt like the flu all the time. I am prescribed Hydrocodone 10/325 2 tablets 3 times each day however I normally don't take that much because of the constipation. I have also been prescribed morphine but I stopped taking it because it did not seem to help much and I was afraid of the breathing problems it causes. Is Dronabinol an alternative that might help with the pain without the constipation side effect? If so, how can I buy some without a prescription? I would rather not talk to our family doctor about this. thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes it is an option

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I also feel that morphine is too much for your kind of symptoms. Dronabinol is a good alternative, much milder. But it is not always available and never without a prescription.

You really have to talk to your GP regarding this.

Hope this helps. I will be available for further follow up.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (15 hours later)

Is it true that this drug is legal and available in OK, USA? . Is the only source of me getting a prescription my primary care doctor or can one of your doctors give me a prescription or refer me to someone who could.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
available

Detailed Answer:
It is available as marinol but approved for vomiting in cancer patients and improving appetite in AIDS patients. So in this case it will be off label use.

I am afraid only a doctor who is treating you can give the prescription.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar