Dronabinol for Agitation in Autism Spectrum Dysfunction: Analysis From the Nationwide Replace on Behavioral Emergencies Convention

Marinol (dronabinol) was discovered to be a doubtlessly helpful remedy for sufferers with autism spectrum dysfunction (ASD) who’re experiencing acute agitation in emergency care, from a research introduced on the Nationwide Replace on Behavioral Emergencies Convention in New Orleans, LA, December 8-10.¹ Whereas this might not be a first-line agent, Marinol could supply an adjunctive possibility for sufferers with ASD in emergency settings experiencing sensory overload, treatment sensitivity, or are unresponsive to plain remedy.

In analysis introduced on the latest convention, knowledge have been based mostly on a overview of real-world medical apply. The overview targeted on 2 latest medical circumstances by which Marinol was used to handle acute agitation in sufferers with ASD, with detailed chart opinions carried out. Investigators famous presentation signs, prior remedy failures, dosing methods, response to Marinol, hostile results, and general medical course.¹

With the medical complexity of agitation related to ASD, new pharmacological interventions could also be vital, investigators outlined. Primarily based on this case overview, Marinol has potential to supply a relaxing impact, significantly for sufferers whose agitation is pushed by sensory overload or who haven’t been responsive to plain therapies. Marinol might not be a primary line remedy, however it will probably function a practical possibility in emergency settings the place first line therapies haven’t been profitable, investigators highlighted. Cannabinoid-based therapies have potential as a significant addition to agitation remedy in ASD.

Marinol is an oral, artificial type of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (generally often called THC), and is an agonist at cannabinoid receptors.² The drug is presently permitted by the US Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for anorexia related to weight reduction in sufferers with AIDS and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, and famous for off-label use for obstructive sleep apnea and continual ache. Its mechanism of motion is as a partial agonist at cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which have been proven to modulate D2, gamma aminobutyric acid, and glutamate. Cannabinoid signaling additionally impacts pathways together with ache modulation, urge for food stimulation, cognition, and antiemitic. Frequent hostile results of Marinol embrace tachycardia, syncope, euphoria, paranoia, dizziness, somnolence, and gastrointestinal signs. This drug additionally has potential for abuse in sufferers with a historical past of substance use dysfunction.

Earlier case studies and small research have proven advantages of Marinol in sufferers with dementia and Alzheimer illness for agitation.³ Research have additionally advised that hashish merchandise containing THC could help sufferers with ASD in managing behavioral signs, together with agitation.⁴ Examine authors famous that with present FDA approvals for risperidone and aripiprazole, these medicine do carry metabolic and extrapyramidal dangers, with as much as 39% of sufferers not responding adequately.

Investigators concluded that “over one third of sufferers with ASD taking these medicines don’t reply and find yourself requiring polypharmacy and presumably restraints. This highlights the pressing want for different brokers in extreme agitation which is the place Marinol could be thought of. Present literature highlights that Marinol has proven efficacy in managing important agitation in a affected person with ASD, with a extra favorable aspect impact profile that ought to permit for much less obstacles to care shifting into the long run.”¹

References

1. Jun J, Datla S, Bansal M, et al. Managing agitation in ASD sufferers utilizing dronabinol: steering for emergency psychiatry settings. Poster introduced at:Nationwide Replace on Behavioral Emergencies; December 8-10, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana. Accessed December 22, 2025.

2. Marinol (dronabinol) capsules prescribing data. US Meals and Drug Administration. 2017. Accessed December 22, 2025. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018651s029lbl.pdf

3. Outen JD, Burhanullah MH, Vandrey R, et al. Cannabinoids for Agitation in Alzheimer’s Illness. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2021;29(12):1253-1263.

4. Silva EAD Junior, Medeiros WMB, Torro N, et al. Hashish and cannabinoid use in autism spectrum dysfunction: a scientific overview. Traits Psychiatry Psychother. 2022;44:e20200149.