Modafinil and Blood Pressure: Possible Effects

Modafinil belongs to a class of medications called eugeroics and is widely administered to enhance the ability of a person to stay awake. It is used both by medical professionals to treat some conditions related to sleep and by people who want to boost their mental capabilities. However, like many other drugs, it could have significant side effects and negatively impact blood pressure.

In this article, let’s explore the possible adverse effects of modafinil on blood pressure.

Some Facts About Modafinil

Modafinil is a type of drug that is consumed orally and is used to improve wakefulness in patients suffering from excessive sleepiness caused by shift work sleep disorder, narcolepsy, or sleep apnea [1]. It is important to mention here, that this medication doesn’t treat any of these conditions and only works as long as you continue to consume it.

Although the exact mechanism of action of this wakefulness-promoting agent is unknown, it is expected that the drug increases the levels of dopamine in the brain. And dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter that is used by nerve cells to establish communication with each other.

This drug was approved by the FDA in 1998.

However, there are some important facts about modafinil that you must know before consuming the pill:

• this med might cause blurred vision and dizziness. Avoid using tools and operating equipment unless you are sure of the effects of this drug on your body;
• avoid consuming alcohol while taking the medicine as this might lead to other adverse reactions like dehydration.

You might also experience psychiatric side effects while consuming modafinil. If you often come across depressive thoughts and feelings, particularly about suicide, or experience significant changes in mood and behavior after taking these tabs, you should talk to your doctor immediately.

Does Short-Term Treatment with Modafinil Affect Blood Pressure?

In a wake of all the “smart drug”-related hype, a study was conducted to determine the correlation between modafinil and blood pressure. To investigate this, a central nonamphetamine awakening substance was administered to hypersomnolence patients, and its effect on blood pressure and heart rate was studied.

It was found that modafinil doesn’t cause a significant change in blood pressure when taken for a short time unless the person consuming it is under mental and physical pressure [2].

However, according to another study, the intake of this drug could raise blood pressure in some individuals, especially in patients who are suffering from cardiovascular disease or who perform strenuous physical activity [3]. Therefore, every single case is unique and should be discussed with a medical professional.

Effect of Modafinil on Patients with High Blood Pressure

Lots of people take pills to improve their cognitive functions. However, not all of them can boast a perfect health. If they have a heart condition or high blood pressure, they are likely to face the following effects:

• palpitations;
• chest pain;
• worsening of your pre-existing condition;
• trouble breathing.

Not all people suffering from hypertension experience these symptoms, but you should consult your doctor immediately if you feel any of them or just out of the ordinary while on medication.

Possible Side Effects of Modafinil with Low Blood Pressure

In today’s media, more attention is given to those suffering from hypertension. In reality, there’s another side of the coin – patients with hypotension. Although side effects of modafinil in patients with low blood pressure are not pronounced, some of them are still worth mentioning:

• headache;
• back pain;
• stuffy nose;
• runny nose;
• feeling nervous;
• diarrhea;
• dizziness;
• upset stomach;
• trouble sleeping.

If you’re falling on the side of low blood pressure, consult your doctor before consuming any pills that contain modafinil or armodafinil and keep checking-in while taking this med.

In Summary

All in all, modafinil is not found to have any pronounced side effects that are specific the people suffering from high or low blood pressure. However, such individuals might experience the usual modafinil-related side effects more often, than otherwise healthy people. Sometimes it can be due to the state of their cardiovascular system, and the interactions between the medications cannot be ruled out. To safeguard against adverse reactions it is also highly recommended getting only quality modafinil from trustworthy vendors. We recommend BMO, BuyModa, and ModafinilXL, as these online pharmacies work with the best manufacturers and provide only genuine high-quality medicine. In any case, if you’re suffering from any cardiovascular diseases consult your doctor before administering any OTC drugs, and in case you’re experiencing diarrhea, trouble sleeping, difficulty breathing, and the like while taking the pills.

References

1. Modafinil/armodafinil in obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Julia L. Chapman, Andrew Vakulin, Jan Hedner, Brendon J. Yee, Nathaniel S. Marshall. DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01509-2015. Erj.ersjournals.com.
2. Does short-term treatment with modafinil affect blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea? Heitmann J1, Cassel W, Grote L, Bickel U, Hartlaub U, Penzel T, and Peter JH. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1999 Mar; 65(3):328-35. DOI: 10.1016/S0009-9236(99)70112-8. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
3. Modafinil Elicits Sympathomedullary Activation. Indu Taneja, Andre Diedrich, Bonnie K. Black, Daniel W. Byrne, Sachin Y. Paranjape, and David Robertson. Hypertension. Published: March 7, 2005. Ahajournals.org.