armodafinil
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.
What is Armodafinil (Nuvigil)?
What is Armodafinil (Nuvigil) used for?
- Improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness due to:
How Armodafinil (Nuvigil) works
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a wake-promoting medication. It's not exactly known how the medication works. But it appears to work in the brain to help control wakefulness.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
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.
Serious allergic reactions
It's rare, but armodafinil (Nuvigil) can cause serious allergic reactions. This can include anaphylaxis and swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat. Other signs include trouble swallowing or breathing and hoarseness.
Another possible reaction is DRESS syndrome, or drug reaction with eosinophilia and system symptoms. This can cause fever, a widespread red rash that later peels, and swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes, it can lead to abnormal blood cell counts and damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
Watch for any signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Serious skin reactions
Rarely, serious and possibly life-threatening skin reactions can happen while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). They can include a new rash, sores, blisters, or peeling skin. You might also get sores on your lips or inside your mouth. These reactions can happen at any time, sometimes days to months after starting the medication.
Watch for any new rash, skin sores, mouth sores, or blisters while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). If this happens, get medical help right away.
Still feeling sleepy and risk of unsafe driving
Even though armodafinil (Nuvigil) can help you stay awake, some people with extreme sleepiness might still struggle to stay alert. The medication also has a risk of making it harder to focus, think clearly, or react quickly. Be careful, and avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Unusual changes in mood and behavior
- Risk factors: History of mental health conditions
Some people taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) have have unusual changes in mood and behavior. These can include anxiety, agitation, nervousness, and irritability. Others are hallucinations, mania, depression, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts.
Tell your prescriber if you have any mental health conditions. Be sure you, your friends, and your family watch for any new or worsening mood or behavior changes while you're taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). If something seems worrying, talk to your prescriber. If you start to think about hurting yourself, call 911 right away.
Caution use in people with heart problems
- Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking higher doses of armodafinil (Nuvigil)
In studies, some people taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) had higher blood pressure and heart rate. And in studies with a similar medication called modafinil (Provigil), some people with certain heart problems had chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
Before starting armodafinil (Nuvigil), let your prescriber know if you have any heart conditions. They can check that the medication is safe for you. It isn't recommended for people with certain heart problems.
If you take armodafinil (Nuvigil), your prescriber might ask you to check your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment. Tell your care team if either one stays higher than usual. Also let them know if you have any chest pain or irregular heartbeats while taking this medication. These can be signs of heart issues.
Side effects of Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (17%)
- Nausea (7%)
- Dizziness (5%)
- Trouble sleeping (5%)
- Anxiety (4%)
- Diarrhea (4%)
- Dry mouth (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Depression
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Upper stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Rash
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction or skin reaction: rash, hives, mouth sores, blisters, swollen face, swollen lips, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing
- Unusual mood changes: worsening depression, mania, aggressive behavior, anxiety, nervousness, suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Heart problems: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing
More on Armodafinil (Nuvigil) side effects
The following Armodafinil (Nuvigil) side effects have also been reported
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
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
Pharmacist tips for Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
- Take armodafinil (Nuvigil) with or without food.
- For obstructive sleep apnea: Keep using your other sleep apnea treatments while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). For example, if your sleep specialist told you to use a breathing machine like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at night, continue using it. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can help you feel less sleepy during the day. But it doesn't treat the cause of sleep apnea.
- For shift work disorder (working long or irregular hours): You only need to take armodafinil (Nuvigil) on the days you work. Take it about 1 hour before your shift starts. You don't need to take the medication on days when you aren't working.
- Wait to see how armodafinil (Nuvigil) affects you before doing anything that needs your full attention. This includes driving or using heavy machines. Even with armodafinil (Nuvigil), you might still feel sleepy. The medication might also make it harder to focus, think, or react. If you're worried about this, talk to your prescriber.
- It's best to avoid alcohol while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). It isn't clear how they interact with each other. But alcohol might worsen side effects like dizziness.
- If you use birth control, talk to your prescriber about the best way to prevent pregnancy during treatment. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can make hormonal options, like pills, patches, and vaginal rings, work less well. You might need to use an additional barrier method, such as condoms, or switch to a non-hormonal option. Follow this method while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil) and for 1 month after stopping it.
- If you become pregnant while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil), tell your care team right away. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe to take during pregnancy. If you take armodafinil (Nuvigil) while pregnant, you're encouraged to join a pregnancy registry that helps monitor the safety of this medication for you and your baby. To learn more, talk to your care team or call 1-866-404-4106.
- Make sure you still follow good sleep habits while taking armodafinil (Nuvigil). Even though the medication helps you feel more awake during the day, it doesn't replace getting proper rest. Good sleep hygiene is still an important part of treatment.
Common questions about Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Yes, armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a schedule IV controlled substance. It has some potential for misuse and dependence. These risks can be harmful. Because it's a controlled substance, there are strict limits about how it's prescribed and dispensed. This can include how much you can get in a given period of time and how many times the prescription can be refilled. If you have questions about what this means for you, ask your prescriber.
You can expect one dose of armodafinil (Nuvigil) to last throughout the day.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can be described as a stimulant. Its effects of are similar to amphetamine-based stimulants. They both can improve wakefulness and alertness. But armodafinil (Nuvigil) works in a different way in the body.
Don't take armodafinil (Nuvigil) and Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) together without talking to your prescriber first. Only take them together if a healthcare professional says it's safe. Both medications are stimulants. Taking them together can "stack" their effects. This can cause uncomfortable or dangerous symptoms, like heart issues and trouble sleeping.
The manufacturer doesn't say whether you can cut armodafinil (Nuvigil) tablets in half. In general, it's good practice not to cut certain pills that aren't scored. This is because you might not cut the tablet evenly and you could take the wrong dose of your medication. You could also get hurt trying to cut the tablet. If you have trouble swallowing the table whole, speak to your prescriber. They might be able to adjust your dose or find an alternative treatment option.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) can interact with several medications. For example, it can make hormonal birth control work less well. It can also weaken medications like cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf). In addition, armodafinil (Nuvigil) can raise the levels of omeprazole (Prilosec), phenytoin (Dilantin), and diazepam (Valium) in the body. This can lead to more side effects. It might also affect blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin). Tell your care team and pharmacist about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can check for drug interactions and help keep you safe.
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) and modafinil (Provigil) are very similar. They're used for the same conditions, work the same way, and are taken once a day. The main difference is their chemical structure, which changes how long they last in the body. Studies suggest that armodafinil (Nuvigil) stays at higher levels in the body later in the day. This means that it might last longer and work better throughout the day than modafinil (Provigil). Talk to a healthcare professional to compare the two and see which one is best for you.
No, armodafinil (Nuvigil) isn't the same as Adderall (amphetamine salt combo). They're similar in that they can both improve wakefulness and alertness. But they work differently in the brain and affect different chemicals. They're also classified as controlled medications differently. Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is a schedule IV medication while Adderall is a schedule II. This means the FDA believes that Adderall has a higher risk of misuse and dependence than armodafinil (Nuvigil). It also means that there also stricter rules to prescribe and dispense Adderall. Talk to a healthcare professional to compare the medications.
How to save using GoodRx
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 30 tablets | $19.43 | $0.65 |
| 150mg | 30 tablets | $31.98 | $1.07 |
| 250mg | 30 tablets | $34.93 | $1.16 |
| 200mg | 30 tablets | $34.93 | $1.16 |
Typical dosage for Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
- Narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea: The recommended dose is 150 mg to 250 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.
- Shift work disorder: The typical dose is 150 mg by mouth once daily about 1 hour before the start of a work shift.
Your dose might differ if you're an older adult or if you have liver problems.
More on Armodafinil (Nuvigil) dosage
Interactions between Armodafinil (Nuvigil) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Alfentanil
- Amiodarone
- Benzhydrocodone
- Buprenorphine
- Codeine
- Desogestrel
- Dienogest
- Dihydrocodeine
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Etonogestrel
- Fentanyl
- Gestodene
- Hydrocodone
- Iobenguane I 131
- Levonorgestrel
- Lumateperone
- Medroxyprogesterone
- Meperidine
- Mestranol
- Methadone
- Nifedipine
- Nomegestrol
- Norelgestromin
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Oxycodone
- Pentazocine
- Piperaquine
- Segesterone
- Sufentanil
- Tacrolimus
- Tramadol
- Ubrogepant
- Ulipristal
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.
How much does Armodafinil (Nuvigil) cost?
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Armodafinil (Nuvigil) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to modafinil (Provigil)
What are alternatives to Armodafinil (Nuvigil)?
News about Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) images
