 Using armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Dear Patient,
Your health care provider has prescribed armodafinil, a nervous system stimulant, for the treatment of excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea or hypopnea, narcolepsy, or shift work sleep disorder. This medication acts in the brain, possibly by altering dopamine levels, to stimulate the brain and help keep you awake and alert. The brand name of this medication is Nuvigil
How you’ll use Nuvigil
You’ll take Nuvigil once a day, by mouth. You’ll take it in the morning if you have narcolepsy or sleep apnea disorders. You’ll take it about one hour before your work shift begins if you have shift work sleep disorder.
What to do if you miss a dose
If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your usual routine the next day. Don’t make up doses; don’t take more than the prescribed dose in any given day.
What to do about side effects
Notify your health care provider if you experience side effects from this medication.
Common: headache, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping.
Less common: serious rash or allergic reaction, depression, anxiety or other mental problems, heart problems including chest pain.
What you must know about other medications
This medication may interact with other medications. Tell all of your health care providers about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and nutritional and herbal supplements. Don’t drink alcohol when using this medication; this might increase your risk of drowsiness and falling asleep suddenly. This medication can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; use of barrier contraceptives is advised. Tell all of your health care providers that you’re taking this medication so appropriate dosage adjustments can be made if needed.
Special directions
- Your health care provider will want to run tests to accurately diagnose your sleeping problem.
- This medication is a controlled substance with potential for abuse; keep it in a secure place. It’s illegal to sell or give this medication to other people.
- Take your prescribed dose only; don’t change your dosage or the time of day you’re taking the medication without consulting your health care provider.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while you’re taking this medication.
Keep in mind
- This medication doesn’t take the place of sleep; you should follow recommendations for improving your sleeping habits and using other treatments such as a CPAP machine if prescribed.
- It isn’t known how this medication might affect an unborn baby. If you wish to become pregnant or are pregnant, consult your health care provider.
- This medication can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; use of barrier contraception is advised while you're taking this medication and for one month after you have stopped the medication.
- It isn’t known how this medication could affect a breast-fed baby. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects on an infant, you should breast-feed cautiously.
- Tell your health care provider or family members if you have any unusual thoughts, thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety.
- Report rash, hives, peeling skin blisters; swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat; trouble swallowing or breathing; hoarse voice; chest pain or palpitations; thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, depression, or anxiety.
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