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Compare Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
    Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
    Modafinil (Provigil)

  • Summary of Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is used to improve wakefulness in adults who have extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work disorder. It belongs to a drug class called wakefulness-promoting agents. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is taken by mouth once a day. The exact dosage depends on the condition you have. Some side effects include headache, nausea, and dizziness. This medication is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is available in brand-name and generic versions.

    Summary for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Prescription only

    Modafinil (Provigil) helps improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder. This wake-promoting medication comes as a tablet that’s taken by mouth. For adults with narcolepsy or sleep apnea, you take a dosage once daily in the morning. And for those with shift work disorder, you take your dosage 1 hour before the start of your work shift. Common side effects include headache and nausea. Modafinil (Provigil) is a controlled substance because of its potential for misuse.

  • Indications of Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness due to:
    •Narcolepsy
    •Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
    •Shift work disorder
    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Starts to work within a few hours
    •Taken once a day
    Cons
    •Can interact with many medications, including omeprazole (Prilosec) and hormonal birth control
    •Not proven to be safe or effective for children
    Pros and Const for Wakefulness-promoting agent
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can start to work after about 1 hour of taking
    •Might be less likely to feel anxious or jittery than with common stimulants for these sleep issues
    Cons
    •A controlled substance, so there are specific rules for getting it filled at the pharmacy
    •Interacts with many medications, like omeprazole (Prilosec), warfarin (Coumadin), and hormonal birth control
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)
    •Anxiety (4%)
    •Diarrhea (4%)
    •Dry mouth (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (34%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Feeling nervous (7%)
    •Runny nose (7%)
    •Back pain (6%)
    •Diarrhea (6%)
    •Anxiety (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Indigestion (5%)
    •Trouble sleeping (5%)

  • Warnings of Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Still feeling sleepy and risk of unsafe driving
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Caution use in people with heart problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Serious rash and skin reactions
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing, thinking, and reacting
    •Unusual changes in mood and behavior
    •Heart problems
    •Changes in blood pressure and heart rate

  • Prices with our coupons for Armodafinil vs. Modafinil

    Learn more about Armodafinil
    Learn more about Modafinil

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