Documented interactions for Modafinil (modafinil). Each entry cites the prescribing information or FDA safety communication it is based on.
| Severity | Interacts with | Class | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contraindicated | MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, methylene blue) | Monoamine oxidase inhibitor | Stimulant with MAO inhibitors is contraindicated |
| Major | Other serotonergic drugs (tramadol, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, St John's Wort, linezolid) | Serotonergic agent | Modafinil with serotonergic drugs: serotonin syndrome |
| Moderate | MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, methylene blue) | Monoamine oxidase inhibitor | Modafinil with MAO inhibitors |
| Moderate | Other CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, sedating antihistamines, gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants) | CNS depressant | Modafinil with other CNS depressants |
| Moderate | Other serotonergic drugs (tramadol, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, St John's Wort, linezolid) | Serotonergic agent | Stimulant with serotonergic drugs |
| Moderate | Other stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, phentermine) | CNS stimulant | Additive cardiovascular and psychiatric effects with other stimulants |
With: MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, methylene blue) Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Sympathomimetic amines release catecholamines; MAO inhibitors prevent their breakdown.
Extreme hyperadrenergic crisis with hypertension, hyperthermia, and seizures.
Do not combine; a washout period is required.
Basis: Stimulant prescribing information, Contraindications. source
With: Other serotonergic drugs (tramadol, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, St John's Wort, linezolid) Serotonergic agent
Modafinil modulates serotonin transporter activity; combined serotonergic agents raise tone.
Serotonin syndrome and mood disturbance are possible.
Disclose antidepressants and other serotonergic medications to your prescriber.
Basis: Modafinil tablets prescribing information, Warnings: Serotonin Syndrome. source
With: MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, methylene blue) Monoamine oxidase inhibitor
Additive sympathomimetic and serotonergic effects are possible.
Labeling notes that MAO inhibitors may interact with modafinil.
Disclose MAOI use to your prescriber.
Basis: Modafinil tablets prescribing information, Drug Interactions. source
With: Other CNS depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, sedating antihistamines, gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants) CNS depressant
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent, not a stimulant of abuse; it can still alter the effect of depressants.
Effects on other CNS depressants are not well established, and driving performance may be affected.
Tell your prescriber about sleep aids, sedatives, and pain medications.
Basis: Modafinil tablets prescribing information, Drug Interactions. source
With: Other serotonergic drugs (tramadol, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, St John's Wort, linezolid) Serotonergic agent
Additive serotonergic activity.
Serotonin syndrome is possible.
Disclose antidepressants to the prescriber.
Basis: Stimulant prescribing information, Warnings. source
With: Other stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, phentermine) CNS stimulant
Additive sympathomimetic activity.
Tachycardia, hypertension, insomnia, agitation.
Monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
Basis: Stimulant prescribing information, Warnings and Precautions. source
We have documented 6 interaction classes for Modafinil in our dataset. Usually avoided, or used only with explicit prescriber oversight and close monitoring. The most serious items on this page are marked contraindicated or major.
Alcohol interacts with most of the medications on this site because it adds to sedation and slows breathing. For the specific documented risk, see the relevant entry above. The general rule from labeling is to avoid alcohol.
No. An empty result only means our curated dataset has no matching rule. A pharmacist can run a full interaction screen against every medication and supplement you take.
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.