Provigil is the brand name for the prescription medication modafinil, which is designed to promote wakefulness. Doctors prescribe it to treat the sleepiness associated with conditions such as narcolepsy and sleep apnea. Patients typically take the medication each morning, but some, who are taking it because of sleepiness related to shift work, take it just before the start of a shift. Like any medication, Provigil can cause side effects.
General
Provigil has been tested for safety in 3,500 patients and shown to be generally well tolerated, according to the RxList website. Most adverse effects have been mild or moderate. Among the reported side effects of a general nature have been headache, fever, chills, chest pain, neck pain and rigidity of the neck.
Skin
Skin rashes, both minor and severe, can occur with Provigil use, Drugs.com reports. Some cases have required hospitalization, and some have even been life-threatening. Rashes may appear as early as a week after beginning treatment or they can be delayed, not showing up until after months of treatment. The medication should be discontinued immediately if a rash forms, unless the rash clearly has another cause, according to Drugs.com.
Psychiatric
Though Provigil can brighten mood, it may also cause negative psychiatric effects in some patients, sometimes severe enough to require hospitalization, Drugs.com reports. Among the effects that have been reported are mania, hallucination, delusions and suicidal thoughts.
Nervous System
Nervousness, anxiety and depression each affect a few patients who take Provigil, according to RxList. Among other nervous system side effects that have been reported are dizziness, insomnia, confusion, amnesia and tremor.
Cardiovascular
Provigil may cause cardiovascular side effects in a small number of people, Drugs.com says. Low blood pressure, high blood pressure, heart rhythm abnormalities and fainting have been reported.
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