Drug interactions
Diamorphine + Modafinil
Severity: Moderate
Diamorphine and Modafinil: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Diamorphine (heroin) is a potent sedating opioid, while modafinil promotes wakefulness. Modafinil may mask sedation but does not prevent respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diamorphine and Modafinil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Opposing pharmacodynamic effects on arousal; modafinil does not antagonise opioid respiratory depression.
What to do
Monitor sedation and respiratory rate and titrate the opioid to effect. Do not use modafinil to counter opioid sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Modafinil
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diamorphine with Modafinil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diamorphine and Modafinil can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Diamorphine (heroin) is a potent sedating opioid, while modafinil promotes wakefulness. Modafinil may mask sedation but does not prevent respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diamorphine and Modafinil?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation and respiratory rate and titrate the opioid to effect. Do not use modafinil to counter opioid sedation.
What other medicines interact with Modafinil?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Modafinil with, for example, Lenacapavir, Leniolisib, Lorlatinib. The full list is on the Modafinil page.
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