Provigil is a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant and wakefulness-promoting drug. The medication is mainly used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, a condition characterized by extreme daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. It's also approved for individuals with shift work sleep disorder and sleep apnea.
You can find Provigil in 100 mg and 200 mg dosages. It has Modafinil as the active ingredient.
How exactly Provigil works is still unclear. However, the drug is believed to affect brain chemicals that control wakefulness and sleep. In other words, Provigil doesn't treat the underlying condition; it only makes patients feel more awake.
Provigil is taken orally. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Read all the information provided to you.
Note: Do not take Provigil in place of getting sufficient sleep. Also, the drug doesn't take the place of other OSA or narcolepsy treatments. These treatments should be continued while you're taking Provigil. Seek your healthcare provider’s opinion.
Typical Provigil Dosage is as follows, based on the reason for which it's prescribed:
A Provigil overdose can cause a variety of symptoms and complications. These may include the following psychiatric issues:
These symptoms can happen even in people without a history of mental illness. The worst part is that the symptoms may persist after discontinuing the drug. Therefore, in case of an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Before taking Provigil, take note of the following warnings:
Provigil is contraindicated during the following situations:
Provigil can lower the effectiveness of certain birth controls. Let your healthcare provider know of any birth control method you're using so they can advise you accordingly.
The medication may harm an unborn baby. It's unknown whether Provigil passes into breast milk or it could harm a nursing baby. Please consult your doctor.
Do not use Provigil if you've ever encountered a skin rash/an allergic reaction while taking Armodafinil or Modafinil.
Provigil is also contraindicated in some cardiac conditions, such as:
Provigil affects autonomic cardiovascular regulation. That can cause notable blood pressure and heart rate increases for some individuals. So, to ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider of any health concerns, including:
Note: Provigil is only approved for use by persons older than 17. Numerous studies on children show that possible risks outweigh any benefits. There have been reports of behavioral issues and severe skin reactions.
Common Provigil side effects are as follows:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any severe side effects, including:
Provigil can interact with particular prescriptions, OTC (over-the-counter) medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Inform your doctor if you're taking anything, including the following:
No, Provigil has a chemical structure different from other stimulants like Methylphenidate and Amphetamine. Provigil belongs to a drug class known as CNS stimulants.
