Provigil (modafinil) is an oral prescription medication that reduces daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
Modafinil reduces extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, such as periods of stopped breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea). It is also used to help you stay awake during work hours if you have a work schedule that keeps you from having a normal sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder).
Provigil, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is believed to work by increasing the availability of certain chemicals in the brain, most notably dopamine. Provigil is available in tablet form.
Provigil is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means it has a potential for abuse and dependence but is less likely to cause dependence than stimulants like Adderall (a Schedule II controlled substance).
What Is Provigil Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Provigil to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder. Provigil does not cure these conditions and will only work for as long as you take it.
How to use Provigil ?
For narcolepsy, take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Or, if your doctor directs you to, the total daily dose of modafinil may be divided into a morning dose and a noon dose.
For obstructive sleep apnea, take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Continue your other treatment (such as the CPAP machine, mouth device) unless your doctor tells you to stop.
If you are using modafinil for shift work sleep disorder, take it by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day 1 hour before you start your work shift.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used modafinil for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Side Effects
Headache, nausea, nervousness, dizziness, or difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations, rare thoughts of suicide).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking modafinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to armodafinil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as enlarged heart, mitral valve problem, chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), heart problems after taking stimulant drugs such as amphetamines (including chest pain, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver problems, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, mania, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).
Sleep disorders may reduce your ability to react quickly. Though modafinil helps keep you awake, you still may not be able to safely do things that require quick reactions (such as driving). This drug may also make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using modafinil. Modafinil may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control while using this medication and for 2 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.