Armodafinil, sold under the brand name Nuvigil, is prescribed by doctors to improve wakefulness in people experiencing extreme sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift work disorder.
Doctors prescribe Armodafinil tablets to treat the following conditions:
Obstructive sleep apnea: A disorder that happens when the breathing stops and starts when you sleep because your airways get blocked.
Narcolepsy: A condition when the brain's control of your sleep-wake cycle stops working.
Shift work disorder: It is a condition which involves trouble sleeping when you want to or extreme sleepiness when you wish to be awake.
Armodafinil helps to modulate the levels of chemical messengers in your brain and employs a stimulant effect to decrease extreme sleepiness.
You should use the Armodafinil tablet along with other medical treatments to manage obstructive sleep apnea.
If you are currently using a breathing machine or any other treatments, continue to do so when taking Armodafinil.
Armodafinil tablet is taken only once a day. Do not take this medicine in large or small amounts or longer than prescribed.
Armodafinil is taken every morning to prevent the problem of daytime sleepiness or 1 hour before you begin a work shift to treat work-time sleep disorders.
You can take Armodafinil with or without food as prescribed. Swallow the tablet; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Do not change the time of day you take the Armodafinil tablet unless the doctor recommends it. If you take this medicine too close to bedtime, sleeping might become difficult.
Generally, an Armodafinil tablet is given for 12 weeks. Never share this medicine with another person, especially if they have a history of drug abuse or addiction.
Most side effects of Armodafinil do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
However, following your doctor's recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
Some common side effects of Armodafinil include:
Common side effects
Other side effects
Serious side effects
Get emergency medical help if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
Armodafinil might interact with certain medicines or supplements. Tell the doctor about all other medicines or supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
Using Armodafinil with the following medications is not prescribed. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor might change the dosage or how often you take one or both.
Do not take Armodafinil if you are allergic to it or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
To make sure the Armodafinil tablet is safe for you, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
Armodafinil tablet might affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or be involved in other activities which demand attention unless you know how this medicine affects you.
Stopping the Armodafinil tablet can increase your risk of seizures or withdrawal reactions like chills, trouble sleeping, sweating, and nausea. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult the doctor before taking the Armodafinil tablet.
Yes. Taking the Armodafinil tablet under a doctor's or healthcare provider's supervision is safe.
No. Armodafinil tablet is not a narcotic. This medicine has a low potential to be considered a habit-forming drug. Make sure to follow the doctor's direction for the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment. Do not take Armodafinil for longer than recommended. Also, do not discontinue your treatment abruptly.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Avoid taking Armodafinil if you do not plan to awake for several hours. You should skip the missed dose if you are close to your normal bedtime hour. Wait until the next day to take this medication again.