Can I take Amitriptyline and Modifinil together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 25 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
Taking amitriptyline and modafinil together can increase the levels of amitriptyline in your body. This may lead to an increased risk of side effects such as extreme sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or a fast heartbeat. In some cases, it can also increase the risk of heart rhythm problems or seizures.
In this article:
Continue reading below
Why this happens
Modafinil can slow down the liver enzymes (specifically CYP2C19) that are responsible for breaking down amitriptyline. Because the body cannot clear the amitriptyline as quickly as usual, the drug builds up in your system. Additionally, both drugs can affect heart rate and brain activity, which may lead to additive effects.
What you should do
You should consult your doctor before taking these two medicines together. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of amitriptyline or monitor you more closely for side effects. Seek medical help immediately if you experience a very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
Continue reading below
Using other medicines
Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
Patient picks for Drug interactions

Treatment and medication
Can I take Esomeprazole and Trazodone together?
Esomeprazole may reduce the amount of trazodone that your body absorbs. This could potentially make trazodone less effective at treating your symptoms (such as depression or sleep issues). Additionally, both medications can rarely affect the electrical activity of your heart, though this risk is generally low.

Treatment and medication
Can I take Citalopram and Co codamol together?
Taking these two medicines together can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. It can also make you feel more drowsy or dizzy than usual. Additionally, citalopram may slightly reduce how well the codeine part of the co-codamol works to relieve your pain.
Continue reading below
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
25 Jan 2026 | Originally published

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.