Adrafinil and birth control

[425runner]

Can you please tell me if taking 300mg Adrafinil (pre-cursor to Modafinil) once or twice a week, to help me study. will decrease the effectivenes of birth control pills?  I'm taking Levlen 1.5/30mg

I know that a long term Modafinil use makes birth control pills less effective but how about short term?

PLEASE ADVISE,

Thank you!

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
From what I can learn--it seems that Modafinil is an analogue of Adrafinil
and that both are metabolized by cytochrome p450.  I don't have actual data or numbers, but due to the metabolism, I would definitely be concerned about interactions with Oral contraceptives.  You could go to a higher dose OC such as a 1/50 or use a back up method--condoms or diaphragm during the mid cycle.  Alternatively an IUD might be a good choice.

I am also concerned about the addictive potential---certainly caffiene and amphetamines are addictive, so be very careful!  They always say there's no addictive potential until the studies prove differently! Also, make sure you are sleeping sufficiently so you don't end up psychotic!

Good luck!
Dr B
Dr B

[425runner]

Thank you for your reply, however I was asking about a short term use - like once or twice a week..not daily.  I don't think that Microgestin comes as 1.5/50 so what else would be good?

Thanks again