Khat - Nuvigil (Armodafinil) Interaction
Herbal: Khat
Also Known As: Catha edulis, Abessinischer Tea, Abyssinian Tea, Arabian-Tea, Chaat, Chat, Gat, Ghat, Hagigat, Kafta, Kat, Kathine, Kus es Salahin, Miraa, Qaad, Qat, Qut, Radaee, Somali Tea, Tchaad, Thé Abyssin, Thé Arabe, Thé Somalien, Tohai, Tohat, Tschat
Drug: Armodafinil
Brand names:
Nuvigil
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Armodafinil is classified as belonging to the following category: Stimulant Drugs
Cathinone, a constituent of khat, appears to have sympathomimetic effects and can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Theoretically, combining khat with other central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drugs might increase the risk of cardiovascular toxicity. Some CNS stimulants include nicotine, cocaine, sympathomimetic amines, and amphetamines.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Brenneisen, R., Fisch, H. U., Koelbing, U., Geisshusler, S., and Kalix, P. Amphetamine-like effects in humans of the khat alkaloid cathinone. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 1990;30(6):825-828.
Khat Overview
Khat (Catha edulis) is a plant that is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The leaves and shoots of the plant contain a stimulant compound called cathinone, which is structurally similar to amphetamine and has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system.
Khat is traditionally chewed or made into a tea to produce a feeling of increased energy, alertness, and euphoria. It is also sometimes smoked or used as a nasal decongestant.
Khat use has been associated with a number of negative health effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, anxiety, insomnia, and addiction. It can also cause digestive problems, mouth sores, and weight loss. Due to the potential dangers of using khat, it is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States, where it is illegal to sell, possess, or use the plant or its products.
Armodafinil Overview
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Armodafinil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness) or shift work sleep disorder (sleepiness during scheduled waking hours and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during scheduled sleeping hours in people who work at night or on rotating shifts). Armodafinil is also used along with breathing devices or other treatments to prevent excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS; a sleep disorder in which the patient briefly stops breathing or breathes shallowly many times during sleep and therefore does not get enough restful sleep). Armodafinil is in a class of medications called wakefulness-promoting agents. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness.
Khat - More Interactions
Khat interacts with 400 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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