Understanding The Effects Of Modafinil On Blood Pressure

 

Are you wondering if Modafinil blood pressure is a potential health risk of the Nootropic? We have answers to all your questions. 

Modafinil is a brain stimulant approved by the FDA. It is considered the safest option by Harvard and Oxford University experts. Its use is, however, often contraindicated in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). 

Today, we pen down everything you need to know about Modafinil and blood pressure. We meticulously evaluate the risk and effect of the Nootropic on blood pressure. 

 

Modafinil And Blood Pressure

To answer if Modafinil raises blood pressure, let us first have a preliminary idea of normal blood pressure. 

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of blood pushing against the arterial walls by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1]. 

The average blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg, irrespective of your age and gender. 

 “Blood Pressure is measured in ‘millimeters 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. 

• The bottom of the second number is called diastolic blood pressure, which determines the pressure when the heart is relaxed [2]. 

Thus, it is also essential to know the impact of Modafinil on the heart to understand its effect on blood pressure better. 

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

 

Does Modafinil Raise Blood Pressure?

A study on the short-term effects 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.. However, cardiovascular issues during mental and physical load were noted.”

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

 

 

 

The study concludes that “Modafinil causes an increased level of catecholamines neurotransmitter. It is a primary cause for increased blood pressure, 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.

 

Is Modafinil Bad For Your Heart?

Yes, Modafinil can be dangerous for people with underlying heart issues. 

A case report of a 23-year-old female taking Modafinil for studying was reported to experience recurrent palpitations (faster heartbeat). 

"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.”

 

Can You Take Modafinil With High Blood Pressure? 

According to 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. So, when taken by people with a history of high pressure, it can exacerbate the condition. 

Stacking Modafinil with other medication in patients with hypertension is also not recommended as it can worsen the condition. 

Caution should be maintained while administering Modafinil or Modalert dosage in such patients. They should also be regularly monitored for changes in heart rate and blood pressure. 

 

Interaction Between Blood Pressure Pills And Modafinil

Taking Modafinil with blood pressure medication is not recommended. Co-administering them can result in the following conditions. 

 

 

Slow Down Elimination Process

According to MedicineNet [7],

"Modafinil can interact with medicines for high blood pressure such as guanabenz, atenolol/metoprolol, methyldopa, clonidine, and prazosin. They can 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 its level in the blood."  

Cause Resistant Hypertension

Modafinil may cause "resistant hypertension" (high BP that does not respond to treatments) if co-administered with anti-hypertensive drugs (medicines that treat high blood pressure) [8]. 

Lowers Effectiveness Of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs

Modafinil can reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel, which is an anti-hypertensive drug. This might increase the chances of one experiencing a heart attack and stroke due to blood clots. Thus, the use of Modafinil tablets with blood pressure medication is not recommended. 

Studies On Modafinil Blood Pressure 

 

 

A study hypothesizes the use of Modafinil as a vasodilator, which helps relax the blood vessels, thus helping lower the person's blood pressure [12]. 

 

Effects Of Modafinil With Low Blood Pressure

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

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Stuffy nose

• Diarrhea

• Back pain

 

Can You Take Modafinil With High Blood Pressure- 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. 

• The Nootropic treatment should be immediately discontinued in people developing hypertension during the treatment.