The drug is prescribed to adults who experience excessive sleepiness due to one of three major sleep disorders: sleep apnea, shift work disorder, or narcolepsy.
Nuvigil will not treat your sleep disorder, but it may help with the sleepiness caused by your condition.
It does not, however, take the place of getting a proper night’s rest.
Nuvigil is manufactured by Cephalon Pharmaceuticals and was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009.
Nuvigil Warnings
Nuvigil is a federally controlled substance and should be used only as directed.Store it in a secure place to prevent misuse and abuse.
It’s against the law to sell or give Nuvigil to another person.
Nuvigil is not approved for children for any condition, and it's unknown whether it's safe or works in children under the age of 17.
Nuvigil may be habit-forming. Before starting Nuvigil, tell your doctor if you have ever abused drugs, including stimulant medication.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a motor vehicle, or perform other activities that require quick reaction time until you know how Nuvigil affects you.
If you take Nuvigil and have an abnormal level of sleepiness, talk to your doctor.
You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Nuvigil.
Nuvigil Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Nuvigil (Armodafinil)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
These effects may lead to abuse or dependence on Nuvigil. You should consult your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Serious Side Effects of Nuvigil
Nuvigil may cause serious side effects. If you experience any of the following, stop taking Nuvigil and call your doctor right away.- Any mental (psychiatric) symptoms, including depression, thoughts of suicide, aggression, or other mental problems
- A serious rash (Nuvigil can cause a life-threatening skin reaction that may affect other organs in the body, including your liver or blood cells.)
- Fever
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
Nuvigil Interactions
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any drugs you take, including other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins, dietary supplements, or herbal remedies you're taking. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nuvigil with the following:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Ethyl estradiol (Estinyl)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC)
- Phenobarbital (Solfoton)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
Nuvigil can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods, including pills, shots, implants, patches, vaginal rings, and hormone-releasing intrauterine devices.
Women who use hormonal birth control with Nuvigil may have a higher chance of getting pregnant while taking Nuvigil, and for one month after stopping Nuvigil.
Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that are right for you while using Nuvigil.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Nuvigil.
Nuvigil Dosage
Take Nuvigil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will prescribe the dose of Nuvigil that is right for you and tell you what time you should take it.Do not change your dose of Nuvigil without talking to your doctor.
Nuvigil comes in tablets of 50, 150, 200 or 250 milligrams (mg). A typical dose for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy is 150 mg or 250 mg, once in the morning.
The recommended initial dose of the drug for the treatment of shift work disorder is 150 mg, one hour before you start your work shift.
Nuvigil Overdose
If you feel you have taken too much Nuvigil or may have overdosed, call 9-1-1 or a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.An overdose of Nuvigil may cause:
- Insomnia
- Central nervous system symptoms such as restlessness, disorientation, confusion, excitation, and hallucination
- Digestive changes such as nausea and diarrhea
- Cardiovascular changes such as tachycardia, bradycardia, hypertension, and chest pain
Missed Dose of Nuvigil
If you miss taking your regular dose, take it as soon as you remember.If it’s close to bedtime, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time.
