Beginners Guide to Mixing Modafinil and Antidepressants

Depression is a terrible condition that can affect productivity and reduce the quality of life. While they can be treated with antidepressants, there is a theory that combining the drug with modafinil may increase the effectiveness of the treatment. If you are considering taking both medications together, it is important to understand how they may interact and the potential risks and benefits of combining them.

Whether you are new to modafinil or looking to add it to your existing treatment plan, this guide will provide the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Are Antidepressants?

Antidepressant is a term for a class of medications used to treat anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain conditions, and other mental health conditions. They were first introduced in 1950 and used to treat tuberculosis [4][5]. Similar to wakefulness-promoting medications such as modafinil, antidepressants work by changing the levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and other chemicals in the brain that are involved in mood regulation.

There are several different types or classes of antidepressants, and each of them works slightly differently and may be more or less effective for different individuals. Some of them include [6]:

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs);
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs);
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
• Serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs);
• Serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs);
• Noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs).

Doctors typically recommend one class of the drug for treatment based on the treatment history, symptoms, and co-existing psychological disorder of the individual. These drugs usually come in tablet form, and they are available in generic versions.

Generally, antidepressants are safe and effective when taken exactly as directed by a doctor. However, like all other drugs, they may cause side effects, especially when they are used by some individuals for the very first time. It is advisable to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the best type of antidepressant and dosage for you, as well as to discuss any side effects or other concerns you may have.

It is worth noting that antidepressants are mostly helpful for people with moderate or severe depression. Doctors typically recommend them to patients with mild depression, except in situations where other treatments have failed to help.

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a prescription medication used to improve wakefulness in individuals suffering from narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it specifically for that purpose in 1998. However, it is commonly used off-label to treat other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and as a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals [1].

Modafinil works by inhibiting the uptake of dopamine, serotonin, and certain other neurotransmitters in the brain that influence alertness, improve mood, and boost focus. But it is not a permanent treatment; it only works for as long as it is used [2].

The drug comes in two dose strengths: 100 mg and 200 mg. It is also available in generic form under varying brand names, including ModaXL, Modalert, Modavinil, etc. The drug is generally considered to be safe and effective — when used exactly as directed. It is so safe that experts at Oxford and Harvard Universities deemed it “the world’s first safe ‘smart drug [3].’” However, it is worth noting that it is not without negative side effects, and it may not be suitable for everyone.

It is advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional or doctor before starting treatment with the medication.

Usage of Modafinil and Antidepressants Together

Over the years, scientists have sought ways to reduce the symptoms of depression or completely eliminate them. Various studies have been conducted, and some of them have provided useful results that can be acted on. One study asserted that combining modafinil with antidepressants treats the symptoms of depression more effectively than taking antidepressants alone does.

The research involved reviewing several previous studies that had examined the effects of modafinil as an add-on treatment for depressive disorders. The result of the experiment showed that modafinil provides beneficial effects on sleepiness and fatigue. It also showed an improvement in the symptoms of depression, as well as remission rates.

Around one-third of individuals who suffer from moderate or severe depression find little relief from taking antidepressants, even when combined with psychological counseling. What’s more, some individuals who find the drug effective continue to suffer from residual symptoms such as insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, or tiredness [7]. So to answer the question many people ask: can you take modafinil and antidepressants together, the simple answer is yes. If you happen to fall within one of the above categories, then combining modafinil and antidepressants may benefit you.

It is worth noting that combining drugs can potentially increase the risk of interactions and negative after-effects. To minimize the risk of negative interactions with antidepressants and serious side effects, it may be advisable to start with low doses of modafinil, such as 100 mg per day. Generally, lower-dose use is known to help prevent negative after-effects [8].

Every individual is different; thus, what works for one person may not work well for the next. Thus, it is important to consult your doctor before going ahead with the combination. Your doctor will help you determine the best dosage based on your treatment history, symptoms, health conditions you may have, and other factors.

Benefits of Mixing Antidepressants with Modafinil

Generally, there is limited research on the potential benefits of mixing antidepressants with modafinil. However, in some cases, doctors consider incorporating modafinil as an add-on treatment to a patient’s pre-existing treatment regimen. This is often done in situations where the patient is not responding to antidepressant therapy alone.

Some of the benefits of mixing the meds that have been suggested by available research include [7]:

• Enhancing the effectiveness of the antidepressants in reducing the symptoms of depression: Some studies have suggested that modafinil may improve the effectiveness of certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs);
• Alleviating symptoms of depression: Some people who find antidepressants effective in treating depression often suffer from residual symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, etc. Modafinil has been shown to eliminate these side effects in such cases;
• Improving cognitive function: Modafinil works as a stimulant and is commonly used off-label to enhance cognitive function. Experts believe that it may have cognitive-enhancing effects on people suffering from depressive disorders.

It is worth noting that these benefits are backed by limited research; thus, more research needs to be carried out to understand the benefits of combining modafinil and antidepressants, as well as their potential short- and long-term risks.

Although some studies have shown the combination to provide benefits, it is generally inadvisable to go ahead with it without guidance and supervision from a doctor.

If you are considering combining the meds, be sure to discuss your options with a doctor or medical practitioner.

Are There Any Negative Effects?

Mixing modafinil and antidepressants provides some benefits, but the combination can also cause some side effects. This is sometimes the case because of the potentially harmful interactions it may have with some antidepressants.

One potential interaction based on the combination of both drugs is that it may increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious health condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. It can become life-threatening if left untreated. Some of the symptoms include confusion, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, palpitations, restlessness, changes in blood pressure, and heavy sweating, among others [9].

Generally, antidepressants are known to be potential causative factors of serotonin syndrome because they affect serotonin levels. The risk of serotonin syndrome occurring is known to increase when two or more drugs, supplements, herbs, or other substances that equally have an effect on serotonin levels are combined [9].

Other potential negative effects that can result from mixing antidepressants and modafinil include the risk of experiencing other side effects such as insomnia, hallucination, nervousness, and agitation. What’s more, it is worth noting that both medications have adverse effects that are associated with them. Consequently, combining them (the drugs) can increase the risk of one of their individual adverse effects occurring or worsening them.

Some common modafinil side effects include [10]:

• headache;
• nervousness;
• anxiety;
• nausea.

Less common ones include dryness of the mouth, muscle stiffness, back pain, tingling or burning sensation in the skin, sour stomach, etc.

Some common side effects of antidepressants include [11]:

• headache;
• nausea;
• anxiety;
• constipation;
• sweating;
• dizziness;
• dry mouth;
• insomnia.

Note that although there are different classes of antidepressants with some unique adverse effects, they also have side effects that are common among them. Those are the ones we have listed above.

It is advisable to first consult a doctor before combining any medications, including modafinil and antidepressants.

Modafinil with Antidepressants: Does It Really Work?

Yes, it does, but that does not necessarily mean that it is safe and ideal for everyone. It is important to understand that there is limited research on the use of modafinil in combination with antidepressants. And while some of them suggest that the combination may result in negative interaction and adverse effects, some others indicate that modafinil may help improve the effectiveness of antidepressants in depression treatment. Generally, more research needs to be conducted to determine the short- and long-term safety and effectiveness of combining both meds.

In some cases, combining modafinil and antidepressants makes complete sense. One of the cases where the combination is ideal is when treating depressive disorders in people who find using antidepressants alone ineffective. Another case is where a patient finds treatment with antidepressants alone effective but suffers from residual symptoms. In both cases, the benefits outweigh the side effects, and a doctor may be more inclined to recommend the treatment option.

In a situation where mixing the drugs is recommended, it is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider, as there may be risks and potential interactions to consider. It is also important to monitor for any side effects or changes in symptoms while undergoing the treatment.

References

1. Modafinil. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Wikipedia.org.
2. Effects of Modafinil on Dopamine and Dopamine Transporters in the Male Human Brain: Clinical Implications. By Nora D. Volkow, MD, Joanna S. Fowler, PhD, et al. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
3. Narcolepsy medication modafinil is world’s first safe ‘smart drug’ By Helen Thomson. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Theguardian.com.
4. Antidepressant. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Wikipedia.org.
5. Monoaminergic neurotransmission: the history of the discovery of antidepressants from 1950s until today. By Francisco López-Muñoz and Cecilio Alamo. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
6. Overview – Antidepressants. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Nhs.uk.
7. Modafinil reduces depression’s severity when taken with antidepressants. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Sciencedaily.com.
8. Lower-dose prescribing: Minimizing “side effects” of pharmaceuticals on society and the environment. With Christian G. Daughton and Ilene Sue Ruhoy. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Sciencedirect.com.
9. Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Webmd.com.
10. Modafinil Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term. Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Drugs.com.
11. A Guide to Common Antidepressant Side Effects. By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN (Ice). Retrieved: December 26, 2022. Healthline.com.