Mixing Alcohol And Armodafinil | Side Effects, Interactions And Blackouts

Armodafinil is a medication to reduce sleepiness. If you take armodafinil, it’s important to take the time to learn about the medication’s side effects and interactions. This medication is available by prescription only and should, therefore, be taken only as prescribed, with strict instruction. When prescribing you this medication, your doctor should discuss its side effects and possible interactions with other medications and alcohol.

If you’re considering starting armodafinil, be sure to discuss your full medical history with your medical provider. If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications regularly, these should be communicated to your doctor before starting an armodafinil regime. Additionally, discuss any recreational alcohol and drug activities you participate in so that your doctor can talk to you about possible interactions with armodafinil.

In the following, we will review armodafinil, what it is, how it works and if it has any interaction with drugs and alcohol.

What Is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil is a prescription drug to treat sleepiness. This medication is typically prescribed to you if you suffer from sleep disorders. Armodafinil is thought to be effective in treating narcolepsy, sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. If you suffer from sleepiness when you need to be alert regularly, armodafinil may be an effective treatment for you.

Armodafinil is taken by mouth, typically once daily, and in the morning. If you work at night and need to be awake during late hours, you will likely be instructed to take it one hour before your shift. This is not a cure for sleep disorders but, instead, affects substances in the brain to change your sleep/wake cycle.

The common side effects of armodafinil are dry mouth, headache and nausea. If at any point, you feel these side effects have become worse, consult your medical provider.

This prescription medication can be addictive, and people who use it are encouraged to take it only as directed. Taking armodafinil more than directed can increase your risk for addiction. If you notice symptoms of withdrawal, such as sweating, chills and nausea, it may be a sign that your body is becoming dependent on the drug.

Mixing Alcohol And Armodafinil

Armodafinil is a temporary fix for a long-term problem and may not work as effectively after you take it for some time. While you may be frustrated by its lack of effectiveness after a while, it simply means the medication has run its course and isn’t a viable solution. However, some people try to magnify its effects by combining armodafinil with alcohol or other drugs.

Armodafinil is addictive and affects your brain’s chemistry. Alcohol also affects the brain’s chemistry. Armodafinil and alcohol should not mix. While armodafinil tries to make a patient more alert, alcohol causes drowsiness, negating the effectiveness of the drug. Combining armodafinil with other mind-altering substances can cause severe confusion, vomiting, blackouts and lack of coordination. If you think you may be experiencing a drug interaction, seek medical attention right away.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.