Dronabinol for nightmares in post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Nature Medicine, Published online: 05 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04546-9 A randomized controlled trial found that dronabinol significantly reduced both the frequency and intensity of nightmares in patients with PTSD over 10 weeks, compared with placebo.
A recent randomized controlled trial investigated the potential of dronabinol, a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in alleviating nightmares among individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, conducted across multiple centers and involving 171 patients, found that those receiving dronabinol experienced a more significant reduction in nightmare frequency and intensity compared to those receiving a placebo.
The primary outcome of the trial, measured using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-IV (CAPS-IV) B2 item, indicated that the dronabinol group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (−1.50) compared to the placebo group (P < 0.001). While adverse events were reported in both groups, they were more frequent among those taking dronabinol (78 out of 87, 89.7%), with five patients experiencing treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.
Despite these findings, the trial acknowledges the need for further investigation into the long-term efficacy and safety of dronabinol in treating PTSD-related nightmares.
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