Actively composed of armodafinil, Nuvigil helps in reducing extreme daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea.
Nuvigil is also used for shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) because it helps you stay awake during work hours – thanks to its wakefulness-promoting effects. Remember, Nuvigil does not treat any sleeping disorders. The drug is believed to work by affecting certain neurotransmitters in your brain, which control your sleep/wake cycle.
Off-label, most people use Nuvigil for boosting concentration, attention, learning, motivation, and alertness. It is also used to improve focus and memory.
Dosage
The ideal dosage of Nuvigil for patients with narcolepsy or OSA is 150 mg to 250 mg once a day as a single dose in the morning. Studies have found that doses up to 250 mg a day, given as a single dose, have been well tolerated by patients with OSA or narcolepsy. The recommended dosage of this drug for patients with SWSD is 150 mg once a day approximately an hour before starting their work shift. Nuvigil is to be taken orally with a glass of water.
Price
Generic Nuvigil is much cheaper than the branded version. According to GoodRx, the lowest price for a generic version of Nuvigil is around $36.99 for 30 tablets of 250 mg, which is more than 90% than brand Nuvigil that costs you $448.52 for the same number of tablets and dosage. One can switch to generic Nuvigil medication if they cannot afford the brander version but they should look for a regulated source.
Side Effects
Nuvigil may cause a headache, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, or difficulty sleeping (insomnia). If any of these side effects aggravate or persist, tell your doctor promptly. Many people who use either brand Nuvigil or generic Nuvigil do not have serious side effects. However, get immediate medical attention if you experience palpitations, irregular pulse, fast/pounding heartbeat, or mood changes such as depression, anxiety, or confusion. Also, get immediate medical attention if you experience chest pain or breathlessness.
Precautions
Before using Nuvigil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to armodafinil or modafinil (Provigil); if you have any medical conditions; if you are taking any medications. Nuvigil helps keep you awake but you still may not be able to safely do things that require quick reactions, such as driving or operating machinery. Also, armodafinil may make you dizzy. So, avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol during treatment.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant if you are on Nuvigil medication. You should not become pregnant while using this smart drug. The drug may harm the fetus. During treatment, if you become pregnant, immediately seek medical attention. Similarly, check with your doctor to know whether you can use Nuvigil during breastfeeding. It is unknown whether the drug harms an infant through breastfeeding.
Reviews
Overall, Nuvigil has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 when it comes to its efficacy, according to Drugs.com. A survey has found that 65% of Nuvigil users reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect. For narcolepsy, the average rating is 6.6 out of 10 and for OSA, it is 8.4. For shift work sleep disorder, the average rating is 7.6, according to Drugs.com.
Nuvigil vs Provigil Provigil or Nuvigil is the first-line treatment for people with excessive sleepiness. They are non-stimulant medications and are similar in action. Nuvigil is the R-enantiomer of racemic Provigil, meaning Nuvigil is slightly different than Provigil as far as the chemical structure is concerned. They appear to be similarly effective. However, Nuvigil has a longer half-life than Provigil, which is why it is a good first-line choice of the smart drug.
