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Drug Interactions between modafinil and Xanax

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Minor

ALPRAZolam modafinil

Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam) and modafinil

Coadministration with modafinil (the racemate) or armodafinil (the R-enantiomer) may decrease the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme. Modafinil and armodafinil are modest inducers of CYP450 3A4, and pharmacokinetic studies suggest that their effects may be primarily intestinal rather than hepatic. Thus, clinically significant interactions would most likely be expected with drugs that have low oral bioavailability due to significant intestinal CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism (e.g., buspirone, cyclosporine, lovastatin, midazolam, saquinavir, simvastatin, sirolimus, tacrolimus, triazolam, calcium channel blockers). However, the potential for interaction should be considered with any drug metabolized by CYP450 3A4, especially given the high degree of interpatient variability with respect to CYP450-mediated metabolism. Pharmacologic response to these drugs may be altered and should be monitored more closely whenever modafinil or armodafinil is added to or withdrawn from therapy. Dosage adjustments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

References (5)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Provigil (modafinil)." Cephalon, Inc
  2. Robertson P, Decory HH, Madan A, Parkinson A (2000) "In vitro inhibition and induction of human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by modafinil." Drug Metab Dispos, 28, p. 664-71
  3. Robertson P Jr, Hellriegel ET, Arora S, Nelson M (2002) "Effect of modafinil on the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and triazolam in healthy volunteers." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 71, p. 46-56
  4. Doherty MM, Charman WN (2002) "The mucosa of the small intestine: how clinically relevant as an organ of drug metabolism?" Clin Pharmacokinet, 41, p. 235-53
  5. (2007) "Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil)." Cephalon Inc

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

ALPRAZolam food

Applies to: Xanax (alprazolam)

GENERALLY AVOID: The pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam, triazolam, and alprazolam may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. The proposed mechanism is CYP450 3A4 enzyme inhibition. In addition, acute alcohol ingestion may potentiate CNS depression and other CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that grapefruit juice should not be taken with oral midazolam. Patients taking triazolam or alprazolam should be monitored for excessive sedation. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References (7)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  4. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  5. Kupferschmidt HHT, Ha HR, Ziegler WH, Meier PJ, Krahenbuhl S (1995) "Interaction between grapefruit juice and midazolam in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 20-8
  6. Hukkinen SK, Varhe A, Olkkola KT, Neuvonen PJ (1995) "Plasma concentrations of triazolam are increased by concomitant ingestion of grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 127-31
  7. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77

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Minor

modafinil food

Applies to: modafinil

Administration with food may delay the absorption of modafinil (the racemate) and armodafinil (the R-enantiomer) without significantly affecting their overall bioavailability. According to the product labeling, modafinil's absorption may be delayed by approximately one hour if taken with food. Similarly, the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of armodafinil may be delayed by approximately 2 to 4 hours in the fed state.

References (2)
  1. (2001) "Product Information. Provigil (modafinil)." Cephalon, Inc
  2. (2007) "Product Information. Nuvigil (armodafinil)." Cephalon Inc

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.