Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a medication used to improve wakefulness in people who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. It's similar to the medication modafinil (Provigil).
Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is is a wake-promoting central nervous system (CNS) medication. Researchers don't know exactly how it works, but it may affect areas in the brain that control wakefulness and attention.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Previous allergic reaction to armodafinil (Nuvigil)
It's rare, but armodafinil (Nuvigil) can cause serious allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat which can make it hard to breathe. Sometimes allergic reactions also involve certain parts of the body such as the liver or blood cells. Symptoms include fever and rash, weakness, and yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes. Seek medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil).
Rarely, severe and possibly fatal skin reactions can occur while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). Stop taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) and get medical help right away if you notice a new rash, sores, or blisters on your skin, lips, or inside your mouth, or peeling of your skin.
Risk factors: Taking with alcohol | Taking other medications that make you less alert
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can change the way you focus, think, and react. While the medication can improve wakefulness, some people with extreme sleepiness might still have a hard time staying awake while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). Be careful and avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking higher doses of armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can cause chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath in some patients and is not recommened in people with certain heart conditions. Your provider might recommend that you monitor your blood pressure and heart rate while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil).
Risk factors: History of mental health conditions
Some people taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) have reported symptoms associated with certain mental health conditions such as depression, hallucinations, mania (extremely elevated or excited mood), or suicidal thoughts. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil).
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
difficult or labored breathing
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
headache, severe and throbbing
increased volume of pale, dilute urine
itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
rash
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
tightness in the chest
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
trouble breathing
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
confusion about identity, place, and time
headache
hyperventilation
irritability
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
pounding in the ears
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
slow heartbeat
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
chills
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
general feeling of discomfort or illness
indigestion
joint pain
loss of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
mood or mental changes
muscle aches and pains
shivering
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
sweating
thirst
tiredness
trouble concentrating
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Starts to work in about an hour
Only needs to be taken once a day
Less likely to be abused compared to amphetamine stimulants
Your provider can prescribe refills, unlike other controlled stimulant medications
Available as generic, which can be more affordable
Can interact with other medications, including hormonal birth control
Not proven to be safe or effective for children age 16 or younger
Older adults and people with severe liver problems might need a lower dose
Should be used with caution in people with a history of certain mental health conditions
Generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
May not be a good choice for some people with heart problems
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) should be used along with other medical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. If you are currently using a breathing machine (CPAP) or any other treatments, continue to do so while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil).
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) helps to improve wakefulness and make you less sleepy, but it won't cure your sleep problems and can't replace sleep. Make sure you are still practicing good sleep habits.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is considered a controlled substance, because it has a rare chance of leading to abuse. Always take the medication as prescribed and make sure you store it in a safe place away from others.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as birth control pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings. Talk to your provider about your non-hormonal birth control options for when you're taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) and for at least 1 month after stopping.
Narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea: The recommended dose is 150 mg to 250 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.
Shift work disorder: The recommended dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily about 1 hour before the start of a work shift.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
Excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)
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