Modafinil Blood Pressure- Is Modafinil Bad For Your Heart?

 

Wondering if Modafinil blood pressure is a potential health risk of the Nootropic that you should be aware of? We have answers to all your questions. 

Modafinil is a Nootropic approved by the FDA and considered the safest option by Harvard and Oxford University experts. Its use is, however, often contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disorders. So, is Modafinil bad for your heart? We pen down everything you need to know about Modafinil blood pressure, including clinical studies and user views to support the theory. 

Thus, this Modafinil blood pressure blog meticulously evaluates the risk and effect of the Nootropic on the human heart to answer the following significant questions on the topic. 

• Does Modafinil increase heart rate?
• Can Modafinil heart attack be a potential side effect?
• Does Modafinil raise blood pressure? 

 

Modafinil Blood Pressure | An Overview

To answer if Modafinil raises blood pressure, a preliminary idea of what normal blood pressure is. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood that is pushing against the arterial walls. The normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg, irrespective of your age and gender [1]. 

 

“Blood Pressure is measured in ‘millimetres of mercury’ (mmHg) and is checked as two readings- 120/80mmHg.
The first or the top number (120) is the systolic blood pressure, which determines the highest blood pressure level when the heart muscle tense. Whereas, the bottom or the second number is called diastolic blood pressure, which determines the pressure when the heart is relaxed.”  states a website named Blood Pressure UK [2]. 

 

Modafinil is a wake-promoting agent that also shows beneficial effects in improving a person's cognition. With time, Modafinil may be an emerging treatment option for cognitive dysfunction and offer off-label benefits for psychiatry, including ADHD, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression [3]. 

 

Effect Of Short-Term Treatment With Modafinil On Blood Pressure

A scrupulous study determining the effect of short-term treatment of Modafinil 200 mg in patients with obstructive sleep apnea indicates no significant differences in arterial blood pressure [4].

 

“Short-term use of Modafinil 200 mg did not cause a significant response concerning the main endpoint. However, cardiovascular issues during mental and physical load were noted.”

 

Another short-term Modafinil blood pressure study was done on subjects taking  200 mg of the Nootropic within 2 hours after administration shows that the resting heart rate and blood pressure increase after 2 hours of taking Modafinil [5]. 

 

 

The study also reports the occurrence of presyncope, a feeling of lightheadedness often resulting from cardiovascular disease. 

The study concludes that “Modafinil causes a strong central adrenergic response, thus increasing the heart rate, constructing the blood vessel and pupil dilation. It also causes an increased level of catecholamines that are reported to be a primary cause of increased blood pressure causing, chest pain, headache, pounding of the heart, and anxiety.”

However, each person reacts differently to Modafinil; thus, people with cardiac or blood pressure issues should consult a doctor before taking the Nootropic. 

 

Effect Of Modafinil On Patients With High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is elevated blood pressure. It occurs when too much blood is pumped into the arteries. 

According to the website Drugs, using Modafinil in patients with high blood pressure can cause major health risks [6]. 

 

The use of Modafinil or its brand drugs, such as Provigil and Modalert 200 mg, can cause an increase in blood pressure, thus resulting in major health issues in people with severe hypertension. 

The CDC states that high blood pressure can cause the arteries supplying oxygen and blood to the brain may get blocked or even burst. It can also result in stroke and disabilities in movement and speech. Hypertension also is linked to causing dementia and poorer cognition [7]. 

Further, using Modafinil stacks in patients with hypertension or lower blood pressure is not recommended. 

Thus, caution should be maintained while administering Modafinil or Modalert dosage in patients with preexisting blood pressure and cardiac disorder. Such patients should also be regularly monitored for changes in heart rate and blood pressure. 

Interaction Between Blood Pressure Pills And Modafinil

 

 

Now that we have a clear image of the possible outcome of taking Modafinil with high blood pressure, is it possible to take blood pressure pills with Modafinil to keep the Bp in check?

According to MedicineNet [8],

 

"Modafinil can interact with medicines for high blood pressure such as guanabenz, atenolol/metoprolol, methyldopa, clonidine, and prazosin. They also interact with blood thinners such as warfarin. 
Modafinil interaction with these medications can speed up or slow down the elimination of the drug from the body, thus increasing their level in the blood."

 

Modafinil may also cause "resistant hypertension" (high bp that does not respond to treatments) if co-administered with anti-hypertensive drugs (medicines that treat high blood pressure) [9]. 

Similarly, Modafinil can interact with blood thinners such as Clopidogrel which plays a key role in reducing the blood from clotting [10]. 

 

"Using Modafinil reduces the effectiveness of clopidogrel which might increase the chances of one experiencing a heart attack and stroke due to blood clots." 

 

Taking other psychoactive substances with Modafinil can also elevate the heart rate and increase the user's blood pressure [11]. 

 

Clinical Studies: Modafinil Blood Pressure

So, are there clinical studies supporting Modafinil heart issues, or what does science suggest in the rates of suffering from Modafinil heart attack? Let's have a look. 

Based on a study conducted in the year 2007 [12], 

 

"Modafinil therapy is not seen to be associated with changes in the heart rate or blood pressure in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea, Narcolepsy, and Shift work sleep disorder." 

 

Another study in the year 2012 supports the theory of Modafinil blood pressure in users [13].

 

" ... The clinical study shows a small but consistent increase in the average mean value of the systolic and diastolic blood pressure..."

 

A phase IV clinical study on the effect of Modafinil on the heart theorizes that a faster heart rate is most commonly reported in women between the age of 30 to 39 years [14]. 

 

 

The graph below from the same study indicates the potential increase in people experiencing heart issues from Modafinil over the years. 

 

 

A 2005 clinical study conducted on 12 volunteers taking Modafinil dosages was reported to experience an increase in their blood pressure [15]. 

 

" Modafinil Nootropic elevates the systolic blood pressure (measures the force that the heart exerts on the arterial wall) and the heart rate. The resting diastolic blood pressure also spikes with the use of the Nootropic.”

" ... Thus caution should be maintained while using Modafinil in people with cardiovascular disease or those doing physical activities."

 

A case report of a 23-year olf female taking Modafinil for studying was reported to cause recurrent palpitations [16]. 

 

"Her electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus rhythm and a right bundle branch block (RBBB). However, no structural heart issue was detected. A 24-hour ECG report showed 11 attacks of heart arrhythmia, the longest of which was about 8 beats. 
Modafinil was discontinued, and after two weeks, the patient was symptom-free, and her control ECG was normal.”

 

However, another study hypothesizes the use of Modafinil as a vasodilator, which helps in relaxing the blood vessel, thus helping in lowering the person's blood pressure [17]. 

We can summarize our take on Modafinil blood pressure and heart rate as:

• Modafinil heart rate is a prominent disorder in people under the following conditions-
• If the Nootropic is overdosed. 
• Concurrent use of Modafinil with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), can cause hypertension. 
• In people with a history of heart issues. 

 

Is Modafinil Bad For Your Heart?

So, does Modafinil increase heart rate, and is it safe for cardiac patients to take the Nootriopic without consulting a doctor? Let's have a look. 

A study shows that using Modafinil can cause a faster heartbeat (palpitation) and raise blood pressure, resulting in health complications. 

Can Modafinil Cause A Heart Attack?

Yes, Modafinil can cause a heart attack. 

The following notable side effects of Modafinil indicate its ability to affect the heart's normal working and functioning. 

• Chest pain.
• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.
• Agitation.

However, not everyone taking Modafinil may suffer from health issues. People who are more vulnerable to suffering a heart attack from taking Modafinil dosage are individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, structural heart abnormalities, and unstable angina. 

 

Tips To Reduce The Effects Of Modafinil On The Heart

By following the tips below, one can reduce the chances of suffering from a heart attack by taking Modafinil or Modalert 200 mg dosage. 

• Taking the Nootropic as prescribed- The recommended dose of Modafinil or Modalert is 200mg and must be taken once daily. It is important to note that overdosing on the Nootropic can increase the risk of experiencing side effects. 
• Seek Medical Help- It is essential to consult a doctor before buying Modalert or Modafinil online. As for some people, this may not be the test treatment option for you. Your medical history, gender, age, and any allergic reaction determine if using the Nootropic is safe for you. So, it is best to consult a doctor before getting the medication. 
• Avoid Drug Interactions- Avoid taking other medications and supplements with Modafinil, as a few interactions can increase the blood pressure of the person, thus risking the possibility of suffering a heart disorder. 

 

Possible Side Effects of Modafinil On Low And High Blood Pressure

Case of Hypertension:

The use of Modafinil by people with high blood pressure is likely to suffer from the following side effects.

• Chest Pain
• Palpitation
• Trouble breathing
• Worsening of your existing condition. 

It is essential to note that not everyone suffering from hypertension experiences the same symptoms from taking Modafinil. It is, however, important to consult a doctor before taking the Nootropic if you have high blood pressure or take medication for hypertension.

 

Case of Low Blood Pressure:

The adverse effects of taking Modafinil with low blood pressure are not profound as with cases with hypertension, but some of the symptoms are still worth mentioning. 

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Stuffy nose
• Diarrhea
• Back pain

 

Modafinil Heart Rate- User Review 

 

 

User reviews on the effect of Modafinil on the heart and blood pressure showcase people's experience with the Nootropic. Apart from clinical data, user experiences strongly suggest the effect of Modafinil on blood pressure. Thus, we bring reviews and anecdotal information on using Modafinil with high blood pressure and on the human heart.

A user on quora states that "Modafinil raises your BP just like any other stimulant… [17]."

Another user on the same social platform says, "The effect of Modafinil on the heart has attracted attention because it results in an increased risk of myocardial infarction and extrasystoles... Further studies suggest using Modafinil to have reported increasing the person's heart rate and blood pressure [17]."

 

A discussion on the heart on the social site Reddit suggests the effect of Modafinil on the heart. A Reddit user (Mccot70) states that-

"Modafinil significantly increased heart rate and systolic blood pressure. 
I'm a runner, and during my extensive workouts on Modafinil, my heart rate is 170-180 beats per minute (bpm); without Modafinil, it's 150 bpm [18]." 

Another user (spyderspyders) mentions-

"Modafinil dosage increases the resting heart rate and blood pressure... 
.... Its use should be restricted to patients with heart disease because it causes excessive peripheral autonomic activation [18]."

 

Blood Pressure and Modafinil | Our Final Thought

Let us consider doubts and queries related to "Modafinil blood pressure" for one last time to put all your fears to rest. 

While prescribing Modafinil or Modalert 200 mg, the key factors most physicians consider are:

• People are not recommended to use Modafinil 200 mg with diastolic hypertension of 100 mmHg or more before the start of the treatment. 
• The Nootropic treatment is immediately discontinued in people developing arrhythmia and hypertension during the treatment. 

Modafinil heart rate, chest pain, and cardiac arrest are not commonly a topic of concern for healthy adults under 45 (with no history of a cardiac disorder or hypertension).