Syndros: What you need to know about its uses, dosage, demographics, side effects, interactions, and generic options Syndros (dronabinol) is a prescription medication for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and loss of appetite in people with HIV/AIDS. It is a cannabinoid agonist that activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central nervous system. Syndros comes in the form of an oral solution and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Uses Syndros is primarily used for the treatment of two conditions: 1. nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy 2. loss of appetite associated with HIV/AIDS Syndros works by stimulating the appetite and reducing nausea and vomiting. It is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Dosage Syndros comes in a 5mg/mL oral solution in a bottle containing 30mL. The dosing instructions for Syndros vary by condition. The standard starting dose for adults is 5mg once daily, preferably at bedtime. The dosage may be adjusted by your healthcare provider based on your response to treatment. For chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, the recommended dose is 5mg/m2 (body surface area) 1-3 hours before chemotherapy and every 2-4 hours after chemotherapy, up to a maximum of 4-6 doses per day. For the treatment of loss of appetite associated with HIV/AIDS, the recommended dose is 2.5mg twice daily, 1 hour before lunch and dinner. Demographics Syndros is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older. It is not recommended for use in pediatric patients. Side effects The most common side effects of Syndros include: - Dizziness - Confusion - Somnolence - Sedation - Euphoria - Ataxia - Hallucinations - Depersonalization - Dysphoria - Dry mouth - Diarrhea - Nausea - Vomiting - Increased appetite - Increased intraocular pressure - Tachycardia These side effects may interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks such as driving, operating heavy machinery, or making decisions, and can be dose-dependent. Interactions Syndros may interact with other medications, including: - CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opioids) – can increase the sedative effects of Syndros - Cytochrome P450 2C19 substrates (e.g., omeprazole, esomeprazole) – can affect the metabolism of Syndros and increase its effects - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) – can increase the risk of adverse reactions - Anticoagulants – may increase the risk of bleeding It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting Syndros. Generic Options Syndros is the branded version of dronabinol, and there are currently no generic versions available. However, other medications such as Cesamet (nabilone) are available for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. Cesamet is also a Schedule II controlled substance. Conclusion Syndros is a prescription medication used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy and loss of appetite in people with HIV/AIDS. It is a Schedule II controlled substance and comes in the form of an oral solution. Syndros has various side effects and may interact with other medications. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting Syndros. Although there are currently no generic versions available, other medications such as Cesamet may be an alternative treatment option.