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Agnes Smith

Post Uploaded Date : April 7, 2025 Last Updated Date : April 7, 2025
modafinil-and-wellbutrin-drug-interaction
Combining Wellbutrin and Modafinil is effective and generally well tolerated, but it has a few adverse effects, such as dizziness, confusion, trembling, and shaking.

Many people search for ways to improve productivity, focus, and overall well-being in today’s fast-paced world. For some individuals, medications like Wellbutrin and Modafinil have emerged as effective solutions.

Modafinil is a prescription drug used to promote wakefulness in people with sleep-related conditions like shift work sleep disorder, narcolepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant known for its mood-stabilizing properties.

Many people wonder what happens when these two medications are combined. In this blog, we’ll discuss the interaction between Modafinil and Wellbutrin. Whether you’re considering this combination for yourself or simply curious about its effects, we’ll break down everything you need to know.

How Do Wellbutrin and Modafinil Work?

Wellbutrin works by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals help regulate your mood.

Modafinil works by modulating various neurotransmitters, promoting wakefulness and alertness.

If you want to learn how Modafinil works, we have an in-depth blog explaining its mechanism.

Difference Between Modafinil And Wellbutrin

Below, we have provided a table comparing Modafinil and Wellbutrin to understand these medications better [1].

Modafinil Wellbutrin 
FDA approval date Dec 30, 1998 Dec 30, 1985
Drug class CNS stimulant Antidepressants
Prescribed for Shift work sleep disorder, narcolepsy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Prescribed for major depressive disorder and depression.
Half-life 15 hours 30 hours
Brand names Provigil

Modalert

Modvigil

Buproban.

Aplenzin

Zyban

Scheduled substance Schedule IV controlled substance (lower risk of abuse and dependence). Wellbutrin is not a controlled medicine.

Can You Take Modafinil And Wellbutrin Together?

Modafinil is used off-label to treat depression [2], whereas Wellbutrin is a prescription-based medication for depression.

In a study by Alexander J Goss et al. published in 2013, it was concluded that Modafinil is an effective augmentation strategy for acute depressive episodes.

In one case study, a 30-year-old female taking Wellbutrin for depression stated that she had a good response to the addition of  Modafinil. Before starting Modafinil, she was dealing with excessive fatigue during the daytime.

After taking 200 mg of Modafinil daily for 2 weeks, her energy levels improved significantly. In addition, her depression symptoms have also reduced. No side effects were reported in the case report.

Should They Be Mixed?

Some drug combinations can cause negative interactions and may cause various side effects. Precautions must be taken regarding whether these two medications can be mixed. Combining Modafinil and Wellbutrin can be highly beneficial for individuals who don’t respond well to antidepressants or who are suffering from high levels of fatigue while on antidepressants [3].

Possible Side Effects Of Combining Modafinil And Wellbutrin

Possible Side Effects Of Combining Modafinil And Wellbutrin

According to limited clinical research, no adverse effects have been reported for the two-drug interaction. However, this does not mean they may not happen. You should not experience significant adverse reactions if your health is in good condition.

A combination of Modafinil and Wellbutrin can worsen some health conditions, such as hypertension, liver problems, cardiac disease, and seizure disorders, among others.

Possible side effects of this combination include headaches, confusion, trembling, shaking, vision changes, trouble sleeping, hyperventilation, and dizziness.

Things To Consider Before Combining Modafinil And Wellbutrin

Some of the things that one should consider before combining Wellbutrin and Modafinil are –

Consulting a healthcare provider

Always remember to consult your primary healthcare provider before combining these medications.

Dosage and timing 

Both Modafinil and Wellbutrin require careful consideration of dosage and timing. Taking Wellbutrin in the morning and Modafinil earlier in the day may help avoid interfering with sleep.

Monitor your health 

If you combine both medications, it’s important to keep track of how you feel. Watch for side effects and report them to your healthcare provider.

Pre-existing health ailments

If you have a history of heart issues, seizures, sleep disorders, or mental health problems, you need to be particularly cautious.

Modafinil Interaction With Other Drugs

Modafinil Interaction With Other Drugs

Before you start taking Modafinil, inform your medical provider about any prescription, over-the-counter supplements, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information may help prevent drug interactions.

The table below lists medications that have the potential to interact with Modafinil. Remember that this table doesn’t include all medicines that may interact with Modafinil.

Drug type or drug name Drug examples What can happen
Certain antifungals Itraconazole

Ketoconazole

can increase the risk of adverse effects of Modafinil
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Isocarboxazid

Tranylcypromine

can increase the risk of unwanted effects of Modafinil
Certain HIV drugs Ritonavir

Darunavir

Cobicistat

can increase the risk of unwanted effects of Modafinil
Certain antiepileptics Carbamazepine

Phenobarbital

can make Modafinil less effective
Certain forms of birth control pills drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol

norethindrone

can make certain types of birth control pills less effective

Explore comprehensive insights on Modafinil interaction with alcohol, coffee, food, medications, and other drugs by visiting the detailed guide on this topic at Modafinil XL.

Conclusion

While research into the combined effects of Wellbutrin and Modafinil is still ongoing, it’s clear that this combination might have promising benefits for some people. However, more research is still needed to understand the long-term effects. Until then, it’s important to consider this combination with caution.

FAQs

Does Modafinil drain dopamine?

No, Modafinil does not deplete Modafinil.

Will Modafinil show on a drug test?

Modafinil does not appear on standard drug tests.

Does Modafinil suppress appetite?

Modafinil often decreases appetite as a side effect.

Who should not take Modafinil?

People with liver and kidney disease, pregnant or lactating women, should avoid taking Modafinil.

References

  1. Wellbutrin and Modafinil: Useful Guide to Mixing Drugs, modafinil.org
  2. Modafinil, NCBI
  3. Modafinil and Wellbutrin | What You Must Know, modafinil.com
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