Nuvigil (Armodafinil)

Description

Sleep disorders are caused by numerous conditions, but while your doctors are working on treating the cause of your disorder, they may prescribe you medications that promote wakefulness.

Nuvigil, also known as armodafinil, is prescribed to individuals with sleep disorders in order to induce wakefulness throughout the day. In particular, Nuvigil works especially well for individuals who are suffering from narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or any other severe sleep disorders. In addition, some doctors may prescribe this medication to treat off label conditions.

When Should Nuvigil Not be Prescribed?

Before prescribing Nuvigil, your doctor may test you for a number of health conditions. If it is found that you have any of the following health conditions, your doctor should not prescribe Nuvigil, since the consequences can be dire or even fatal.

 High blood pressure
 Alcohol addiction or a history of alcohol addition
 Heart disease
 Risk of heart attack
 Muscle disorders
 Kidney disease
 Liver disease

While there is no information regarding whether or not Nuvigil is safe during pregnancy, most doctors do not advise taking it while you are pregnant. Therefore, if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant, you should notify your doctor.

Dosage Information

Nuvigil and other medications should only be taken with a prescription and at the dosage amounts that your doctor prescribes. Since Nuvigil can lead to dependency, it is vital that you reserve the use of this medication to yourself. Never give anyone who is not prescribed Nuvigil this medication.

In most instances, your doctor will prescribe this medication to you in pill form. One pill is usually taken each morning to prevent drowsiness throughout the day. It is not necessary to take Nuvigil with food or water, although you may find it to be easier. All in all, the main timeframe for this medication is 12 weeks. If you require Nuvigil for longer, your doctor will extend your prescription.

Nuvigil Side Effects

As with all other medications, there is always the chance of side effects. If you experience any of the following common side effects, then there is nothing to be alarmed about:

 Nausea
 Headache
 Dizziness
 Insomnia

Nuvigil can also cause severe side effects in some people. If you exhibit any of the following severe side effects, then seek medical attention and call your doctor immediately:

 Skin rash
 Chest pain
 Uneven heart beat
 Hallucinations
 Suicidal thoughts
 Mouth sores
 Difficulty swallowing
 Bruising

Missing a Dose or Overdosing

If you miss a dose, you should take the missed dose as soon as possible if you aren’t planning on going to sleep. If you do plan on going to sleep, then simply take your next dose in the morning as you would regularly.

If you overdose, then you must call the emergency Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Those that overdose usually experience symptoms such as a quick heart rate, trouble sleeping, and hallucinations.

In addition, before you take any over the counter medications, you should consult with your doctor. Not all medications are compatible with Nuvigil, therefore it is best to verify compatibility before taking anything.