Modafinil Interactions with Alcohol – Mixing Modafinil with alcohol might beget serious issues for health. As Modafinil is a powerful nootropic in itself This blog is to express various effects that occurred while Modafinil interacts with alcohol. Is there any positive side of alcohol-Modafinil combination?
Individuals encountering certain sleep disorders might seek the help of modafinil to exterminate conditions. It is a powerful and popular medication worldwide to enhance wakefulness, focus, and productivity. On the contrary, one might face certain side effects (mild, though) of Modafinil, like many other pharmaceutical drugs. Drinking alcohol during this medication may turn the situation worse and create serious interactions.
Being a potent productivity-improving medication, Modafinil is used by students, professors as well as business professionals to support their work efforts. The prime motive is always to snatch more working hours out of the day by fortifying concentration and delaying fatigue. On the other hand, alcohol is far away from the performance-boosting regime. In fact, alcohol affects the mindset and cognition adversely and poses critical situations for the body.
Concluding, there’re multiple scenarios that we need to expose to clarify various outcomes and interactions of Modafinil with alcohol. For that, it is mandatory to dwell on what Modafinil is and its working mechanism. Similarly, we also need to learn about alcohol and its aspects and effects on the human body.
One of the frequently-asked questions of the day – what Modafinil is all about and its helpful fronts. Well, Modafinil is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat sleep disorders and cognitive conditions. Some of the key conditions Modafinil show significant impact against conclude;
- Narcolepsy
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Structurally, Modafinil behaves like a central nervous system stimulant like amphetamines though, its modus operandi and effects are thoroughly different altogether. Furthermore, the wakefulness-promoting medication encourages neurotransmitters such as glutamate, dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotine, etc.
Table of Contents
DOES MODAFINIL WORK WELL WITH ALCOHOL?
Founded in France during the 1970s, the pharmaceutical agent was constituted to keep fatigued and daytime sleepiness away. Soon, the drug paved the way to the United States where students, businessmen, accountants, and other high-achievers started to use off-label Modafinil.
Individuals taking Modafinil report their brain as supercharged which leads them to be a step ahead of the competition. This makes the drug remarkably popular across the globe. As the nootropic promises to comprise more stuff done, some common off-label benefits are;
- Focus time of 12 to 15 hours
- Increased productivity
- Enhanced cognition
- Sharpens memory
- Minimal side effects
- Improves mood and well-being
At the same time, we can’t underestimate some of the negative effects of Modafinil as well. As per studies and research, Modafinil’s side effects are mild in nature and supposed to evaporate within 15 to 20 hours after taking the pill. One can experience Headache, Fatigue, Sleeplessness, Difficulty sleeping, Agitation, Loss of Appetite, Swollen Tongue, Redness and Skin Rashes, etc.
WHAT IS ALCOHOL
When it comes to alcohol, it is categorized as a depressant. It slows down specific body functions that further result in unsteady movement, slurred speech, an inability to respond quickly and disturbed perceptions, etc.
Furthermore, alcohol is a sort of drug that impacts an individual’s ability to think rationally. It is also termed as ‘Sedative Hypnotic Drug’ that works to depress the central nervous system vigorously. The major effects of alcohol depend upon the dose taken. A lower dose can act as a stimulant while a high dose can lead to drowsiness, respiratory issues, coma, or even death.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Alcohol is a sort of drug that people consume to relax and enjoy social events. It disturbs the focus by making people unconscious about their surroundings. Hence, alcohol does exactly the opposite of what Modafinil does. You can’t be more productive while drinking alcohol.
Further, alcohol reacts as a depressant in the body and mind. On the reverse side, Modafinil isn’t technically a stimulant, but no one can deny that Modafinil capture stimulant-like effects.
Overall, alcohol and Modafinil are just opposite sides of the same coin. Modafinil induces neurotransmitters that are destined to make us feel attentive and more focused, while alcohol stimulates neurotransmitters that make someone feel relaxed, uninhibited, and tired.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MODAFINIL AND ALCOHOL INTERACTS
Mixing alcohol with Modafinil can be dangerous. As per medical rules, try avoiding drinking alcohol when you’re on a Modafinil medication. However, we don’t have enough research to confirm the effects of consuming both substances together. But as per reports, mixing Modafinil with alcohol may cause blackouts and higher alcohol tolerance.
Furthermore, mixing booze and Modafinil may create serious situations. It confuses your brain and neurotransmitters that can lead to more complications. Both substances affect two specific neurotransmitters in the brain:
- Glutamate
- GABA
The worrying concern is that alcohol and Modafinil affect these neurotransmitters differently that can be harmful. Modafinil usually increases glutamine production and decreases GABA activity in the brain. But alcohol does exactly the opposite of the same.
Consequently, your brain is supposed to stay in the danger zone as the amount of stress isn’t safe being put on your neurotransmitters by the combination of these two potent substances.
Situations You May Come Across During Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol –
- Consuming Alcohol on the Next Day – Not a considerable issue
- Drinking in the Evening on the Same Day – Might get you in trouble
- Drinking Alcohol Right After Consuming Modafinil – Sharply dangerous
THE FINAL VERDICT– MODAFINIL INTERACTIONS WITH ALCOHOL
Wrapping up, mixing alcohol and Modafinil isn’t recommended. Someone must avoid booze while taking a smart drug. However, both substances can be taken in a combination through alternate days to prevent serious threats to health. Meanwhile, one might consult a physician to get better advice.
Modafinil is to enhance productivity and concentration, whereas alcohol is for fun and leisure. Both serve opposite purposes; therefore, it is sensible not to mix them.
FOR ANY MORE QUERIES RELATED TO MODAFINIL AND ALCOHOL INTERACTIONS WRITE YOUR QUERY IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW
Listen to the podcast of this blog:
Leave a reply