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Compare Medrol vs. Provigil

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

  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Methylprednisolone (Medrol)
    Modafinil (Provigil)

  • Summary of Medrol vs. Provigil

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is a steroid medication used to treat different medical conditions with an overactive immune system. It's typically available by prescription as tablets. And it sometimes comes in a dose pack, which helps you organize the tablets into specific days and times. If you use methylprednisolone (Medrol) for a long time, it might cause certain side effects, such as weight gain, skin thinning, and high blood sugar.

    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 Medrol vs. Provigil

    Indications for

    Methylprednisolone (Medrol) is used for many different medical conditions, including:

    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus
    •Skin conditions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye inflammation
    •Lung problems
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Cancer of blood cells (e.g., leukemia)
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Multiple sclerosis
    Indications for
    •Improve wakefulness in adults with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, or shift work disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Medrol vs. Provigil

    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Also available in an easy-to-follow dose pack that organizes tablets into specific days and times
    Cons
    •Long-term use might weaken your bones and cause high blood sugar
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to slowly lower your dose if you take it for a long time
    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 Medrol vs. Provigil

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling
    •Muscle weakness
    •Stomach pain
    •Bloating
    •Increased appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Weight gain
    •Dizziness
    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 Medrol vs. Provigil

    Common Side Effects for
    •New or worsened infection
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use
    •High blood sugar
    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 Medrol vs. Provigil

    Learn more about Methylprednisolone
    Learn more about Modafinil

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