Modafinil and Xanax Mix: Results That You Should Expect

Taking two or more drugs concomitantly may be necessary to treat two or more different diseases. An individual suffering from anxiety or panic disorder and a sleep disorder such as narcolepsy may see the need to take modafinil and Xanax together. Modafinil for sleep disorder and Xanax for social anxiety disorder: While this sounds practical when you think about it, is the combo really safe? What should you expect from mixing both medications? You will find the answers to these questions in this article.

What Is Modafinil?

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by 3 major sleep disorders [1]:

• obstructive sleep apnea (OSA);
• shift work sleep disorder (SWSD);
• narcolepsy.

Doctors often prescribe it off-label over Adderall to treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [2]. This is because it is better tolerated, has fewer side effects, and poses a much lower risk of addiction. Modafinil is so safe that Oxford and Harvard University lecturers dubbed it the “world’s first safe ‘smart drug.’”

Modafinil is commonly marketed under the brand name Provigil. Generic versions became available in the United States in 2012, after the patent that protected its formula expired [3]. Some of the most popular brands include ModaXL, Modavinil, Modafresh, Modaheal, and Modalert, among others. The common modafinil dose strengths for both the branded and generic versions are 100 mg and 200 mg. Although the recommended initial dosage is 200 mg daily, a doctor may adjust the dose based on the patient’s health condition and drug history.

Modafinil is only indicated for use in people over the age of 17. It is not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with heart-related diseases, among other health issues.

It is advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before starting treatment with this drug.

What Is Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It contains alprazolam as its active ingredient, and it is used to treat panic disorder and anxiety disorders, including those caused by depression. Xanax was approved by the FDA on October 16, 1981. It has since grown to become one of the most prescribed benzodiazepines because of its high level of effectiveness.

At this point, it is worth noting that of the more than 15 different types of benzodiazepines, Xanax is one of the most abused ones. This is mostly a result of 3 major factors [4]:

1. It is short-acting. Although super-effective in eliminating anxiety and bringing about calmness, the drug’s effects wear off fast. Consequently, patients who take it often find themselves wanting to pop the pill more often than normal or take it at higher doses.
2. It has severe withdrawal symptoms. At some point, individuals who take the pills too frequently or overdose on them soon realize that they are doing a terrible thing. Some of them try to stop, but then they find themselves falling sick. They suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, seizures, sweating, vomiting, and hallucinations, which disappear only after they resume taking the pills. This keeps them dependent on the drug.
3. It is habit-forming. Xanax works by influencing the parts of the brain that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, among other neurotransmitters. Some people get addicted to the relaxation and feel-good “high” that it provides when it acts on the brain to trigger the release of the neurotransmitters. And because it is short-acting, they overdose on it, and when they eventually try to quit, the withdrawal symptoms kick in. The cycle goes on and on.

Generally, Xanax is a great drug, but it is dangerous. There has been a sharp increase in the number of people who have died from an overdose over the years. To put this in perspective, the number of related deaths in women between the age of 30 and 64 increased by 830% between 1999 and 2017 [5]. This medication should only be used based on the recommendation and under the close supervision of a doctor or healthcare provider.

Difference Between Modafinil and Xanax

Xanax brings about feelings of calmness and relaxation, while modafinil decreases sedation and boosts alertness. There are some other differences, as well as similarities, between both drugs; learn about them in the table below.

Another major difference between both medications is the company behind their production. While Cephalon Inc., part of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., manufactures Provigil (brand-name modafinil), Pfizer makes Xanax.

Can You Take Modafinil & Xanax Together?

Yes, you can take modafinil and Xanax together, but you probably shouldn’t unless advised to do so by a doctor or healthcare provider. While it isn’t set in stone, there is a possibility that Xanax may reduce the effectiveness of modafinil because of its CNS-depressant effects. Thus, users may not be as alert and focused as they should after popping a modafinil tablet. According to Drugs.com, interaction between both drugs tend to be minor, but dose adjustments may be necessary, and the use should be monitored by a doctor [8].

Is This Combination Safe?

Yes and no.

The answer is yes because an interaction checker indicates a minor interaction if both drugs are combined. This is not to mention the fact that several individuals who have tried mixing both meds have reported no serious side effects. However, it is worth noting that meds work differently in different individuals; the fact that the combination is safe in certain individuals does not guarantee that it will be safe for you.

The answer is no because the information on modafinil’s label warns that taking this drug alongside benzodiazepines such as Xanax may cause undesired effects [9].

Positive Effects of Drug Mixing

Combing modafinil and Xanax may come in handy to individuals who suffer from panic disorder or anxiety disorders alongside sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, OSA, and SWSD. Since modafinil is safe, well-tolerated, and super-effective, it could help treat a sleep disorder, while Xanax takes care of panic disorder or an anxiety disorder. However, it is important to be cognizant of potential risks. Be sure to consult a doctor before mixing these medications.

Possible Side Effects

Modafinil and Xanax have similar side effects. Thus, combining both of them may increase the risk of one or more of adverse reactions occurring. The common adverse effects they both have include headache, upset stomach, vomiting, dizziness, nausea, stuffy nose, insomnia, and dry mouth. Their more serious side effects include memory loss, depression, hallucinations, and anxiety, among others. Severe adverse reactions rarely occur; they are mostly triggered by an overdose or misuse of the drugs. Note that Xanax is more habit-forming than modafinil.

Withdrawal Period

Drug withdrawal may occur if Xanax or modafinil use is stopped abruptly during long-term use. For Xanax, symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, loss of sex drive, and mood swings may begin within 24 hours of stopping treatment with it and can last for 5–28 days. Modafinil has a low potential for addiction, but on rare occasions, it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shaking, and confusion. If you decide to stop using either drug, your doctor will help you taper off the doses over time to help your body adjust normally. Do well to consult your doctor for more help [10][11][12].

The Verdict: Mixing Modafinil and Xanax

Mixing modafinil and Xanax can be helpful for some individuals who suffer from both a sleep disorder and anxiety or panic disorder. While modafinil would help to promote wakefulness and increase alertness, Xanax would help treat anxiety and bring about calmness.

Based on Drugs.com’s interaction checker, combing both drugs poses a risk of only minor negative interactions. However, it is worth noting that while the combination may work out well for some, the reverse may be the case for others. If you feel that you need to have Xanax and modafinil prescribed together, do well to consult a doctor or medical expert to assess your health properly so they can help you determine a dose that will both be effective and safe for you.

References

1. Modafinil (Oral Route) Side Effects. Written by IBM Micromedex. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Mayoclinic.org.
2. Modafinil: Stimulant Medication Overview. By Janice Rodden. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Additudemag.com.
3. Modafinil. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Wikipedia.org.
4. Xanax Abuse and Addiction. Written by Stacy Mosel, LMSW. Edited by Laura Close. Reviewed by Ryan Kelley, NREMT. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Oxfordtreatment.com.
5. Drug Overdose Deaths Among Women Aged 30–64 Years — United States, 1999–2017. By Jacob P. VanHouten, MD, Ph.D., Rose A. Rudd, MSPH, et al. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Cdc.gov.
6. Modafinil Reviews & Ratings. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Drugs.com.
7. Xanax Reviews & Ratings. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Drugs.com.
8. Drug Interaction Report: Modafinil, Xanax. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Drugs.com.
9. Use of Alertness Drug Modafinil Takes Off, Spurred by Untested Uses. By Melissa Healy. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Latimes.com.
10. What Happens When You Stop Taking Benzodiazepines? Written by Jon Johnson. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Medicalnewstoday.com.
11. Modafinil Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings, and More. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Webmd.com.
12. Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms, and What You Can Do About Them. By Gillian Tietz and John McGuire. Retrieved: October 1, 2022. Wedmd.com.