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Modafinil And Alcohol - Is It Safe To Take Them Together?

Modafinil And Alcohol - Is It Safe To Take Them Together?

Last updated on 08 Feb, 2024

Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol is not a good idea since it can cause various side effects. Based on our research, we recommend avoiding this combination for 12 to 15 hours from the last dose of Modafinil.

Are you wondering about mixing Modafinil and Alcohol, or is it safe to take alcoholic beverages after the intake of Nootropics? Then we have answers for you.

Modafinil is a eugeroic compound that promotes wakefulness and better cognition in users. The use of Nootropic with alcohol can have a profound impact on both the psychological and physiological health of the user.

One commonly asked question is, how long after taking Modafinil can I drink alcohol? Reports suggest that Modafinil online sales aggregate the recreational use of the Nootropic. Such people mix Modafinil with alcohol to enhance its euphoric and sedative effect. This blog aims to help you find answers and inform you about the impact and risk assessments of Modafinil and alcohol interaction.

Mixing Modafinil With Alcohol- An Overview

Modafinil a central nervous system stimulant helps in achieving better cognition and wakefulness by enhancing the secretion of certain neurotransmitters in the body. It is considered one of the safest Nootropic in the market with a lower risk of abuse and dependency. In recent times, a trend in people buying Modafinil online in the USA has been noticed making it the 302nd most commonly prescribed medication in the country. The general use of alcohol has adverse effects on the brain and the person’s cognitive ability. The intake of alcohol increases the activity of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain and further leads to increasing the action of glutamate.

On the other hand, Modafinil decreases the production of GABA in the body and increases the production of glutamate [1].

Thus, combining these two results in a collision of their actions and affects the body.

The Negative Impact Of Alcohol And Modafinil Interaction

The-negative-impact-of-mixing-alcohol-and-Modafinil

Some of the consequences of mixing Modafinil and alcohol are [2]-

Dehydration

The body requires water to break down Modafinil and alcohol in the system. Both these compounds also promote water loss from the kidney. Thus suffering from dehydration is a usual impact of mixing Modafinil and Alcohol.

Sickness

Users experience intense hangovers after mixing Modafinil with alcohol. Such users are also more prone to suffering from dizziness and drowsiness.

Affect the hepatic system of the body

The liver metabolizes any compound that enters the person’s body. It further prepares these compounds for excretion with the help of the renal system. Thus, both Modafinil and alcohol must pass through the liver for metabolism and excretion. However, the process and the enzymes required for these compounds are different. It thus slows down the hepatic functioning of the body resulting in fatigue, hormonal imbalance, poor digestion, and inflammation.

Excessive drinking

Due to the eugeroic effects of Modafinil on the body, most people often do not realize they are drunk. It leads to excessive drinking, which later severely impacts the person’s health, such as alcohol poisoning.

Tolerant

Mixing Modafinil and alcohol can make the person more tolerant of alcohol.

Timeline Of Modafinil Alcohol Interactions

Modafinil reacts with alcohol and causes a person to blackout. These interactions also heightened alcohol tolerance in people. The three common ways how Modafinil and alcohol are mixed are discussed below.

24 Hours After Taking Modafinil Dosage

The half-life of Modafinil is 15 hours; therefore, drinking the day after consuming Modafinil shouldn't be an issue as the effects of the Nootropic begin to wear off after 15 hours of intake.

In these conditions, the consumption of alcohol can be done generally without causing any adverse effects.

Drinking Within A Few Hours Of Modafinil Administration

It is the most likely case among people taking Alcohol after Modafinil dosage. Most people take Modafinil in the morning and start to drink alcohol in the evening. However, due to its long half-life, the effect of the Nootropic is still in play. This situation gives rise to the following conditions-

  • Increases your tolerance

  • Lack of food consumption while drinking on Modafinil can make you drunk quicker

  • More likely to have a hangover

Alcohol Consumption Immediately After Taking Modafinil

Some people take Modafinil right before drinking. It is often done to ensure they can party all night long. Modafinil will help you stay awake for hours, no matter how much alcohol you consume.

However this scenario might seem ideal, but it is not.

Drinking right after taking Modafinil can cause severe side effects, which may sometimes require medical supervision.

Alcohol And Modafinil Interactions- How Long Do They Last?

The effect of Modafinil lasts for about 12 hours. On the other hand, the impact of alcohol lasts for several hours, depending on the type of drink taken.

Considering these, one can state that the effect of Modafinil and alcohol interaction lasts for 10 to 14 hours.

Modafinil Alcohol Combination - Scientific Data And Studies

Physicians do not recommend using Nootropics and alcohol as they can alter the effectiveness and mechanism of action of these compounds, thus resulting in side effects. However, no scientific reports conclude the impact of mixing Modafinil and alcohol.

Several studies support using Modafinil Nootropic as a treatment in alcohol-dependent patients.

A similar survey by Lianne Schmaal et al. states that using Modafinil Nootropic is an adjunctive for alcohol dependency [3]. Even though there is not much information available on this subject, it is still not advisable for one to take Modafinil with Alcohol. It invariably causes stress on the brain’s neurotransmitters, thus causing clashing effects.

Advantages Of Modafinil Alcohol Interaction

Benefits-of-Modafinil-alcohol-interaction

Although the interaction between Modafinil and alcohol is not recommended, there is also a positive side to this debate based on anecdotal information. However, it is essential to note that no scientific evidence exists for these claims.

Cognition-

People who take Nootropic with alcohol find it very hard to blackout after drinking. As Modafinil improves cognition function, such people can recall everything that has happened without losing consciousness.

Resistance-

As mentioned above, using Modafinil with alcohol can increase a person’s tolerance. One can use it to their advantage.

However, we recommend the use of the Nootropic under the guidance of a doctor to avoid side effects.

Abuse Potentials Of Modafinil And Alcohol Interaction

The most common cause of Modafinil abuse is its euphoric effect on the user. People take Nootropics and Alcohol for recreational purposes to enhance their effects. However, there are several accidental cases of drug interactions with Modafinil due to a lack of information on the product.

One of the most common examples of this situation would be people thinking it is okay to take the Nootropic in the morning and have a drink in the evening. People foresee a substantial gap between the timing is safe.

However, one must remember that the effect of Modafinil can last up to 15 hours for a user. Thus, it is advisable to refrain from taking alcohol the entire day. If you plan a party, you should consult a physician or skip the dose for that specific day.

Is Modafinil Becoming The New Hangover Remedy?

The common hangover signs are fatigue, headache, dullness, and sleepiness. And the best way to boost your energy is by taking Modafinil 200mg.

The use of Modafinil for a hangover is just another off-label use of the Nootropic. Modafinil 200mg is very effective in uplifting energy and keeping the person awake and alert. It also is very effective in improving the productivity of the user.

It is important to note that using Nootropic for hangovers is not approved by the FDA and should be taken under guidance. Overdosing of the medication is not advisable. Take the pill once a day.

Modafinil And Alcohol Effects - Possible Adverse Events

Taking Modafinil with Alcohol can cause unpredictable symptoms and side effects. Some of the notable Modafinil and alcohol interaction side effects are.

Side effects

Medical indication

Blurry vision

Needs immediate medical help

Dizziness

Do not require immediate attention

Diarrhea

Do not require immediate attention

Muscle tightening

Needs immediate medical help.

Nausea

Do not require immediate attention.

Insomnia

Do not require immediate attention

Difficulty breathing

Needs immediate medical help.

Intestinal discomfort

Does not require immediate attention.

Minimizing Side Effects Of Modafinil Interactions With Alcohol

The administration of nootropics with alcohol is not advised because it can cause various side effects, as mentioned earlier. But there are also substances, such as nicotine produce positive effects while interacting with Modafinil.

However, under any circumstances, if you take Modafinil with alcohol, you can follow these steps to lower the chances of side effects [4].

Drink enough water

The use of alcohol and Modafinil can cause dehydration in the user. If they are left unchecked, it can increase the severity of side effects. Staying hydrated will help flush out these compounds from the body and avoid possible side effects for the user [4].

Lower the dose

If you had alcohol in the last 24 hours before your Modafinil dose, it is best to take a lower amount of the Nootropic.

Take a meal

Many reviews on this interaction on social platforms indicate that the interactions worsen on an empty stomach. It is widespread in patients as one of the common side effects of Modafinil is lowering the appetite. Having a light meal before or after taking Modafinil is advisable. Avoid the consumption of a heavy meal as it can affect the metabolism.

Prevent Alcohol And Provigil Intoxication

People developing Alcohol and Modafinil addiction and dependency should consult professionals to cope with the abuse. Most preferred programs to safeguard you from these conditions-

  • Recovery Crossfit

  • Advance relapse prevention,

  • Substance abuse counseling

Nootropics And Alcohol- Our Final Verdict

The bottom line of this Nootropic and alcohol debate is that such interactions are not advisable. There can be positive results in a handful of cases; however, it is best to avoid using Modafinil with alcohol.

Mixing Modafinil and drinking can escalate the possibility of side effects and cause significant intoxication in the user. So we recommend avoiding the intake of alcohol for 12 to 15 hours from the last dose of Modafinil.


FAQ's

One can drink alcohol after 20 to 24 hours from the last Modafinil dosage.

Consumption of alcohol and taking Modafinil with other medication is not advisable. People with a history of abuse and health issues must consult a doctor before taking the Nootropic.

One can drink alcohol after 20 to 24 hours of taking Modafinil 200 mg dosage.

One should not mix Armodafinil and alcohol. Using Armodafinil (Nuvigil) with alcohol can lead to confusion, lack of coordination, blackouts, and vomiting in the patient. Also, Nuvigil (brand version of Armodafinil) is categorized as a schedule C-IV substance as it can cause abuse and dependency in the user.

Provigil is the brand name of Modafinil, and just like its generic version, using Provigil with Modafinil is not advisable. 


References-

  1. Mixing Modafinil With Alcohol, The recovery village  

  2. Modafinil and alcohol, modafiniladhd

  3. Modafinil Modulates Resting-State Functional Network Connectivity and Cognitive Control in alcohol-dependent Patients, LianneSchmaal et al, Sciencedirect. 
  4. Beginners Guide to Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol, Modafinil.org

WEBSITE INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer: We do not provide any medical advice.

The contents of Healthma are for informational purpose only and is taken by a thorough evaluation of research papers and Journals. We do not provide professional medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. We advise all readers to consult a physician before consuming any medication mentioned on the website.