People with certain sleep disorders may find that taking Modafinil is helpful for their condition. However, mixing modafinil and alcohol may cause a range of serious interactions. Some people may develop an increased tolerance for alcohol. Others may experience blackouts.
Side Effects of Modafinil
This drug promotes wakefulness if a person suffers from sleeping conditions such as:
- Narcolepsy
- Idiopathic hypersomnia
- Shift work disorder
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Modafinil also has certain side effects. A person may experience life-threatening allergic reactions such as a swollen tongue, face, throat, or lips. They may also have difficulty breathing after taking this medication.
They may display serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Hallucinations, chest pain, red rash on skin, bleeding, bruising, and severe muscle weakness are among the many side effects. A person should stop taking Modafinil immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
Side Effects of Alcohol
A person develops signs of intoxication as their blood alcohol content rises. They may pass out or begin stumbling or falling. Alcohol poisoning may also occur. Lowered inhibitions mean their judgment and reaction time may become impaired.
It is a strong possibility that they will develop long-term health problems from chronic abuse of alcohol. Their struggle with alcohol abuse may trigger a mental illness requiring serious addiction treatment.
Modafinil and Alcohol Interactions
While Modafinil comes with its own set of side effects, its interaction with alcohol can create more issues. Both substances can affect two neurotransmitters in the brain: GABA and Glutamate.
GABA is essential for vision, muscular movements, and anxiety. Additionally, glutamate controls a person’s memory and learning capacity. Modafinil can inhibit the way GABA receptors function. The drug does this while enhancing the way Glutamate functions.
Alcohol has the opposite effect. It increases GABA to an out-of-control level while inhibiting what Glutamate is supposed to do in the brain. The result is extreme effects on a person’s mood.
Mixing Modafinil and Alcohol
No one should practice mixing Modafinil with alcohol. However, the jury is still out on the actual effects from combining both substances.
A healthy person taking Modafinil to get cognitive enhancing effects may experience blackouts. So, the impact on someone who might have a health condition could be quite different. Additionally, some people get a heightened tolerance for alcohol. This may cause them to drink more than usual without feeling drunk.
Alcohol and Modafinil have opposite effects on chemistry in the brain. It is safer not to mix the two. The overall effects from a person combining both substances can be unpredictable.
Compassionate Treatment for Modafinil and Alcohol Addiction
Crestview Recovery Center’s addiction treatment philosophy integrates traditional and holistic methods. We address the realities you face in recovery by helping develop life skills and coping strategies that last beyond treatment.
Our addiction specialist team helps you with making real-life changes in a comprehensive wellness environment. We offer an alcohol and Modafinil addiction treatment program to address the help you need.
Our multi-therapy approach includes:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
Finally, break free from your addiction today by calling our center at 866-327-2505. We can help you start your journey to sobriety.
