Mixing Modafinil With Alcohol
Taking opioids like oxycodone, fentanyl and hydrocodone alongside Modafinil can result in complications. Patients mixing Modafinil with these drugs may experience a drop in Modafinil plasma concentrations and lead to decreased effectiveness. A severe decline in Modafinil plasma concentrations may result in a sudden onset of withdrawal-like symptoms including mood swings and agitation.
Mixing alcohol and Modafinil can lead a variety of reactions ranging from blackouts to significantly increased alcohol tolerance. More research needs to be done to confirm the effects of taking Modafinil alongside alcohol.
A small percentage of individuals are hypersensitive to Modafinil. Modafinil triggers a minor histamine response in all patients, but for some, this reaction is more severe. Hypersensitive patients can develop a skin rash and may need to discontinue use of the drug. Common side effects of Modafinil include nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness and gastrointestinal problems. Headaches occur in one-third of patients taking Modafinil.
Modafinil influences the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA and serotonin. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters that seems to be most strongly affected. Modafinil inhibits the reuptake of dopamine through specific dopamine transporter channels but is very selective as to which ones it inhibits. Serotonin activity increases in both the amygdala and frontal cortex with Modafinil use.
Alcohol and Modafinil are two substances that have opposite effects on brain chemistry. Alcohol increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA and decreases the activity of glutamate. Modafinil is a GABA antagonist that decreases GABA production and increases glutamate production. The overall effect of combining these two substances is a tug-of-war between opposing neurotransmitters. Modafinil stimulates activity in one direction while alcohol depresses brain activity in the opposite direction. The side effects can be unpredictable.
Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
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