This article describes possible interactions with modafinil oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Other drugs and modafinil
The drugs in the list below may interact with modafinil oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with modafinil.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with modafinil oral tablet include:
- birth control that contains ethinyl estradiol:
- drug examples: ethinyl estradiol/desogestrel (Bekyree, others), ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone (Nikki, others)
- what might happen: can make the birth control medication less effective
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- drug examples: phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of the MAOI drug
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune):
- what might happen: can make cyclosporine less effective
- diazepam (Valium, others):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of diazepam and the risk of side effects of diazepam
- mavacamten (Camzyos):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of mavacamten
- omeprazole (Prilosec):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of omeprazole and the risk of side effects of omeprazole
- phenytoin (Dilantin):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of phenytoin and the risk of side effects of phenytoin
- propranolol (Inderal LA, InnoPran XL):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of propranolol and the risk of side effects of propranolol
- warfarin (Jantoven):
- what might happen: can increase or decrease the effect of warfarin
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When to avoid modafinil
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with modafinil oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe modafinil in these cases. These modafinil warnings about health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Modafinil oral tablet has the following contraindication:
- Past allergic reaction to modafinil. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to modafinil oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking modafinil, tell your doctor whether the contraindication noted above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take modafinil.
Alcohol and modafinil
The drugmaker of modafinil recommends avoiding alcohol during treatment. This is because the effects of consuming alcohol while taking modafinil haven’t been studied. So, it’s not known whether these substances interact or whether they’re safe to consume together.
If you drink alcohol and have questions about modafinil interactions with it, talk with your doctor. They can review the potential risks if these substances are taken together.
Other interactions and modafinil
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether modafinil oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other interactions possible with modafinil.
Modafinil and supplements
Before taking modafinil oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
Caffeine can interact with modafinil. This includes caffeine found in supplements and food. Caffeine may increase the effect of modafinil and the risk of some of its side effects. These include nervousness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Supplements that may contain caffeine include caffeine tablets and preworkout supplements.
To learn more about caffeine found in food and how it interacts with modafinil, see “Modafinil and food“ below.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Modafinil interactions with herbs
Modafinil oral tablet may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is often used for easing symptoms of depression.
Taking modafinil and St. John’s wort may lead to modafinil not working as well as expected.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product while taking modafinil oral tablet.
Modafinil interactions with vitamins
Modafinil oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking modafinil oral tablet.
Modafinil and food
Modafinil can interact with caffeine, including caffeine found in food and beverages. Examples of these foods include:
- coffee
- green tea
- energy drinks
In addition, grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also interact with modafinil. They may increase the effect of modafinil and the risk of side effects from it.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking modafinil oral tablet.
Modafinil and vaccines
Modafinil oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking modafinil oral tablet.
Modafinil and lab tests
Modafinil oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking modafinil oral tablet.
Modafinil and cannabis or CBD
Modafinil oral tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But modafinil oral tablet and cannabis or cannabis products can cause symptoms that might affect the mind and behavior. So, it’s possible that taking them together could increase your risk of having such symptoms.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with modafinil.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and modafinil
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with modafinil oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking modafinil, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether modafinil is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with modafinil oral tablet:
Preventing modafinil interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with modafinil oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis
- other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements (Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.)
- what to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking modafinil oral tablet
Taking modafinil exactly as prescribed also can help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about modafinil and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Do modafinil oral tablet and armodafinil have similar interactions?
- How do interactions with modafinil oral tablet compare with interactions with Adderall?
- Is my risk of interactions higher if I’m prescribed a higher dose of modafinil oral tablet?
- What birth control options are available that don’t interact with modafinil oral tablet?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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