The Facts Of Provigil (Modafinil)

Brand Name: Provigil

Active Ingredient: Modafinil

Strength(s): 100mg and 200mg

Dosage Form(s): Tablets

Company Name: Cephalon, Inc.

Availability: Prescription only, Schedule IV Controlled Substance

Date Approved by the FDA: December 24, 1998

What is Provigil (Modafinil) used for?

Provigil (Modafinil) is used to improve wakefulness in people who have:

excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy

stopped breathing while sleeping or have difficulty breathing while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea / hypopnea syndrome)

shift work sleep disorder

Off-Label Uses of Provigil (Modafinil):

Provigil (Modafinil) it also being used by some people off-label to treat fatigue symptoms in conditions such as:

arthritis

fibromyalgia

rheumatoid arthritis

lupus

According to Wikipedia, "Modafinil is not indicated for complaints of lack of energy or fatigue; but it appears to be very helpful for some patients."

General Precautions with Provigil (Modafinil):

Provigil (Modafinil) can decrease the effectiveness of certain contraceptives including birth control pills and implantable contraceptives. If you are using these types of contraceptives while taking Provigil (Modafinil) and for 1 month after you stop treatment with Provigil (Modafinil) you should either use:

an alternate birth control method

or another effective birth control method together with your current contraceptive

Doses of your other medications may need to be adjusted or you may have to be monitored more closely.

Do not drive or operate other complex machinery until you know how Provigil (Modafinil) affects your ability to function.

Avoid alcohol.

Call your health care provider if you develop a skin rash, hives, or any other allergic reactions.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you:

have any heart conditions (including valve problems, irregular heart beat, recent heart attack, or unstable chest pain)

have a history of mental illness

have liver problems

are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription, because certain other medications can interact with Provigil (Modafinil).

What are some possible side effects of Provigil (Modafinil)?

Note: This is not a complete list of side effects reported with Provigil (Modafinil). Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.

headache

infection

nausea

nervousness

feeling anxious

trouble sleeping

For more detailed information about Provigil (Modafinil), ask your health care provider. Please see:

Provigil (Modafinil) Approved Labeling and Patient Information

Related Resources - Provigil / Modafinil

Provigil (Modafinil)

Fatigue (Chronic Fatigue)

Sleeping Problems

_{Source: FDA Consumer Information: Provigil, FDA/Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Rev 12/29/04}