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No Good Combinations: Modafinil And Alcohol

WHAT IS MODAFINIL?


Modafinil is an exclusive psychostimulant with a waking effect, and is a special drug that can only be given to shift workers and patients suffering from narcolepsy or sleep apnea. In 2003, Modafinil was sold as a wake-up drug. It not only has a waking effect, but its mood-brightening and memory-enhancing effects are also established.


Modafinil has also been tested for illness-related fatigue, attention-deficit disorder, Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory loss , depression, idiopathic hypersomnia, cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia, myotonic dystrophy, grogginess post-anesthesia, regular cat-napping, and jet-lag treatment.



HOW DO YOU TAKE MODAFINIL PROPERLY?


Modafinil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is normally taken with or without food once a day. You will typically take it in the morning if you are using modafinil to treat narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). If you are taking modafinil for the treatment of shift work sleep disorder, you will typically take it 1 hour before your shift starts.


Take Modafinil at the same time each day. Do not change the time of day when you are taking modafinil without first consulting your doctor. If your work shift does not start at the same time every day, let your doctor know. Follow your drug label 's instructions closely, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to describe any aspect you don't understand. Modafinil should be taken exactly as instructed.


Modafinil can form a habit. Do not take a higher dose, take it more frequently, or take it longer than recommended by your doctor. Modafinil can minimize your sleepiness, but it will not cure your sleep disorder. Continue taking modafinil even though you feel well-rested. Don't stop taking modafinil without talking to your doctor.


Modafinil should not be used as a substitute for having enough sleep. Take the advice of your doctor for healthy sleeping habits. Continue to use any breathing devices or other medications recommended by your doctor to treat your condition, particularly if you have OSAHS.


DOES MODAFINIL HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?


Modafinil does have some known side effects, and they are as follows:

  • Headaches;

  • Dizziness and nausea;

  • Difficulty seeing or eye pain

  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep;

  • Nosebleeds;

  • Heartburns;

  • Dry mouth;

  • Excessive thirst;

  • Loss of appetite;

  • Diarrhea;

  • Constipation;

  • Back pain;

  • Tight muscles or difficulty moving;

  • Uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body;

  • Burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin; and

  • Sweating;


While most Modafinil side effects are mild, some side effects can be very serious. If you have any of those signs, call your doctor right away:


  • Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs;

  • Anxiety;

  • Depression (e.g. thinking about killing or harming yourself);

  • Hallucinating (i.e. seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist);

  • Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat;

  • Mouth sores;

  • Chest pain;

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing;

  • Rashes and blisters; and

  • Peeling skin


CAN YOU OVERDOSE ON MODAFINIL?


Just like any other drug, misuse of Modafinil can lead to an overdose. Some symptoms of a Modafinil overdose are as follows:

  • Agitation;

  • Restlessness;

  • Confusion; and

  • Nervousness


WHAT NOT TO TAKE WITH MODAFINIL


Drugs like Modafinil are specialized medications that are meant to treat specific conditions. That being said, it would be unwise and detrimental to take it with other substances as these could cause potentially dangerous side effects.


Generally, you must never take it with any other substances, especially substances which have contradicting effects. An example of such a substance is alcohol.



WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MIX MODAFINIL WITH ALCOHOL?


A number of reactions ranging from blackouts to dramatically improved alcohol tolerance may result from combining alcohol and Modafinil. More study is required to validate the effects of Modafinil being taken with alcohol.


As a rule, you must not mix Modafinil with alcohol. Any healthy people who take Modafinil for its cognitive-enhancing effects have stated that blackouts can be caused by combining Modafinil with alcohol. Others, after consuming more drinks than usual, report increased alcohol tolerance and trouble feeling intoxicated. Modafinil must not, as mentioned earlier, be taken with substances having conflicting effects. Two compounds that have opposite effects on brain chemistry are alcohol and Modafinil.


Alcohol improves GABA neurotransmitter production and reduces glutamate production. Modafinil is a GABA antagonist, which reduces the production of GABA and increases the production of glutamate. A tug-of-war between opposing neurotransmitters is the ultimate result of combining these two substances. Modafinil activates activity in one direction while alcohol squeezes brain activity in the other. The side effects may be unforeseeable.



WHAT CAN YOU DO IN CASE OF MISUSE INTOXICATION?


In the event that you or someone you love experiences alcohol poisoning due to misuse of Modafinil, be aware of the signs of danger and call 911 for help immediately. Do not wait for a person to have all the signs, and be mindful that a person who has passed out can die.


Do not self-medicate. Cold baths, hot coffee, and walking do not reverse the symptoms of alcohol poisoning and could potentially make it worse.


While waiting for medical help to arrive, it is imperative that you:


  1. Be prepared to provide the responders with information, including the type and amount of alcohol that the person has been drinking; any other substances that he or she has taken, if known; and any health information that you know about the person, such as current medications, allergies to substances, and any previous health conditions.

  2. Do not leave an intoxicated person alone, as he or she is at risk of being hurt by falling or choking. Keep the person on the ground in a sitting or partially upright position rather than a chair.

  3. Support the person who vomits. Have him or her lean forward to stop choking. If a person is unconscious or lying down, roll him or her with one ear down to the ground to prevent him or her from choking.

  4. Remain alert to keep your friends and family safe. Remember, you can eliminate the possibility of an overdose of alcohol by drinking safely and responsibly if you want to drink, or by not drinking at all.


PREVENT INTOXICATION AND PROTECT YOURSELF


Here at Recovery Blvd, we can safeguard you from falling into the trap of substance abuse. Our recovery center is built to help you cope with Modafinil and alcohol dependence and hopefully direct you to leave it behind.


Among our high quality programs are:

  • Advanced Relapse Prevention;

  • Substance Abuse Counseling; and

  • Recovery Crossfit.


With us, you will receive the best support and get the best treatment. At Recovery Blvd, you will have the bright future that you deserve, not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones.


Take the first step towards rehabilitation now by calling us at (866) 231-3007 or visiting our website at www.recoveryblvd.com

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