Improves daytime wakefulness in people with uncontrollable sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or sleep apnea. Also used in people who are sleep deprived from working odd hours such as a night shift.

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Provigil (modafinil) is a type of stimulant used to promote wakefulness in people who are suffering excessive sleepiness during the day, or who need to be awake during odd hours or for long periods of time.

The medication makes patients feel awake and alert without the jitteriness associated with caffeine or stronger stimulates, such as cocaine or amphetamines. Though it does produce a mild euphoric feeling in some individuals, addiction is considerably less likely than with similar drugs.

Note that this product should not be used in patients under 17 years of age.

Effects & Uses

Provigil commonly produces effects of:

• Feeling more alert
• Feeling more self-confident
• Feelings of well-being
• Improved mood
• Improved short-term memory
• Improved ability to concentrate
• Improved ability to perform complex tasks
• Improved ability to stay awake if desired
• Reduced "brain fog" or sleep inertia

Not all patients experience all the above effects, or experience them in the same strength, though most notice a considerable difference in at least several areas.

Provigil may be used as a long-term, daily treatment in patients who suffer excessive sleepiness resulting from a medical condition, most often:

• Narcolepsy
• Sleep apnea
• Neurodegenerative disorders
• Delayed sleep phase syndrome
• Chronic fatigue of unknown origin

In other cases the drug is used sporadically for just a few days at a time:

• Jet lag
• Working odd or unusually long shifts, or changing shifts
• Performing complex tasks or operating dangerous equipment with insufficient sleep
• Military/combat situations when sleep is not an option

Provigil also sees use in various other areas, though these are typically not approved by regulatory authorities:

• Weight-loss aid
• Cognitive enhancement aid
• ADHD treatment
• Performance-enhancing doping agent

In summary, Provigil allows users to stay awake, alert and focused enough to get through the day, no matter how long that day might be, without producing the noticeable, disruptive side effects associated with other stimulants.

Taking Provigil

The medication comes in 200 mg tablets, which may be taken with or without food according to preference. Tablets may be split to create smaller doses if desired.

Dosage and administration may vary somewhat, depending on the condition causing the sleepiness and user intent:

• For daily long-term use resulting from fatigue-inducing conditions, take 100 to 200 mg once daily in the morning.
• For sporadic schedule changes, take 200 mg an hour before before wakefulness is desired.
• For staying awake over long periods, take 100 to 200 mg every 4 to 8 hours, or a large dose of 400 mg once per day.
• Do not exceed 400 mg in one day without doctor instruction.

Provigil begins working about 1 hour after tablets are taken. Effects gradually diminish over the following 8 to 15 hours, with some variation between individuals.

Before Using Provigil

Some things to keep in mind to ensure treatment is trouble-free:

• Patients with a history of heart, liver or kidney disease are at greater risk of experiencing adverse effects.
• Provigil is known to interact with a wide variety of other medications; speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using it with other drugs.
• It may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control for up to a month after use.
• This product should not be used while pregnant or breast-feeding.

Most patients experience only mild side effects, if any at all, with nausea and vertigo being most common. Other relatively common effects include:

• Headache
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Taste changes
• Dry mouth or thirst
• Flushing or sweating
• Stiff muscles

There is a very small risk the medication will produce a potentially life-threatening reaction which can effect the skin and liver. Warning signs include:

• Any kind of unexplained rash or hives
• Sores in the mouth
• Peeling or blistering skin
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• High fever

Seek emergency medical attention if experiencing the above symptoms, even if they don't appear to be serious.