Provigil, the brand name of the medication modafinil, works by altering the neurotransmitters in the brain to promote wakefulness. Doctors typically prescribe the medication to treat the sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders. Although the medication often works in reducing sleepiness, it also may cause serious side effects. Those interested in Provigil should talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of the medication.
Time Frame
Doctors typically prescribe Provigil for the short-term treatment of sleepiness, generally for 12 weeks or less. Most patients take the medication in the morning to prevent daytime sleepiness, but night-shift workers take it one hour before the start of their shift to promote wakefulness at night. People should take the medication only as prescribed by a doctor and never take more than the recommended dosage. The Food and Drug Administration does not approve this medication for children.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Provigil may include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, nervousness, agitation, headache, dizziness and insomnia. Serious side effects include chest pain, uneven heartbeat, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, numbness, pain, severe tingling, muscle weakness, fever, vomiting and white patches or sores on the inside of the mouth or on the lips. People who experience any of these serious side effects should call a doctor immediately. Medication similar to Provigil caused life-threatening skin rashes serious enough to require hospitalization, explains the FDA, so people should stop taking the medication and call a doctor if they develop any type of skin rash. In addition, those taking Provigil should watch for signs of an allergic reaction to the medication, which include hives, trouble breathing and sudden swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. Seek immediate medical attention for an allergic reaction to Provigil.
Considerations
People with certain medical conditions may require a dosage adjustment or monitoring to minimize the risk of potential complications while taking Provigil. Those with chest pain, kidney disease, a valve disorder or heart muscle disorder, high blood pressure or a history of heart attacks should talk to a doctor about their condition before taking Provigil. Those with a history of drug addiction should also talk to a doctor before taking the medication.
Drug Interactions
To avoid negative drug interactions, patients should always tell their doctors about any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and daily vitamin and mineral supplements they take on a regular basis before taking Provigil. Those taking cyclosporine, propranolol, rifampin, diazepam, midazolam, triazolam, itraconazole, ketoconazole, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagliline, selegiline or tranylcypromine should be particularly conscientious about reporting these medications, as they react negatively with Provigil. In addition, people should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Provigil is included in pregnancy category C, which means it is not known whether it harms unborn babies. It is also unclear whether this medication can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby, so breastfeeding women should talk to a doctor before using Provigil. In addition, Provigil can make birth-control pills less effective. Those interested in taking this medication should talk to a doctor about alternative forms of birth control.
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