Nuvigil Information: Adverse Reactions, Dosage Instructions, Competitor Medications, Cost, and Other Details
Nuvigil, a wakefulness-promoting agent containing the active drug armodafinil, is a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. This classification indicates it has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedules I-III, but is still regulated due to potential for misuse or dependency.
The drug is primarily used to manage excessive sleepiness caused by conditions such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Nuvigil dosage depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the condition, age, liver function, and other medical conditions.
For OSA, the typical recommended dosage is 150 mg once per day. For SWSD, it's about 1 hour before the start of the work shift. For narcolepsy, the dosage can range from 150 mg to 250 mg once per day.
It's important to take Nuvigil at the same time every day to help maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. This oral tablet should be taken on an empty stomach or with a small amount of non-caffeinated food or drink.
Nuvigil may increase your blood pressure in rare cases. If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may check your blood pressure more often than is typical while you take Nuvigil.
Misuse of Nuvigil can lead to misuse, dependence, physical dependence, and psychological dependence, which are described as being addictive. To lower the risks of misuse and dependence, there are special rules for how controlled substances, such as Nuvigil, can be prescribed and dispensed.
Other drugs may be available to treat excessive sleepiness caused by OSA, narcolepsy, and SWSD. Examples include methylphenidate, modafinil, solriamfetol, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methamphetamine, pitolisant, sodium oxybate, and sunosi.
If you drink alcohol, you should not drink it during Nuvigil treatment. Alcohol may interact with Nuvigil and reduce its effectiveness.
Nuvigil may cause mild or serious side effects, including headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, reduced appetite, nervousness, mild allergic reaction, and serious side effects such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome, mental health problems, heart problems, and severe allergic reaction.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's closer to your bedtime than your scheduled dose time, skip the dose. Then take your next dose at your typical time.
Nuvigil should be stored at room temperature 68-77°F (20-25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
Nuvigil is a controlled substance and has a risk of misuse. It should be kept in a safe place to prevent its misuse by people it's not been prescribed for. If you no longer need to take Nuvigil and have leftover medication, it's important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
OSA is typically managed with physical treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral devices that hold the jaw in a position to keep the airway open while sleeping, and surgery to remove enlarged tissue near airways.
If you have trouble swallowing Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Nuvigil may rarely cause heart-related side effects such as chest pain and irregular heart rhythm. If you have a heart problem, talk with your doctor about whether Nuvigil is right for you.
Nuvigil may interact with several other medications and certain foods, and it can also interact with certain conditions. It's important to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take, as well as any conditions you have, before taking Nuvigil.
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, call 911 or your local emergency services number, or find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
[1] FDA. (2021). Armodafinil: Medication Guide. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/media/131169/download [3] DEA. (2021). Controlled Substances Schedules. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_iv.html
- Nuvigil, a prescription drug used to manage sleep disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder, is categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States.
- Misuse of Nuvigil can lead to dependence, physical and psychological dependence, and it's being addictive, hence, there are special rules for its prescription and dispensation.
- Other drugs like methylphenidate, modafinil, solriamfetol, amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methamphetamine, pitolisant, sodium oxybate, and sunosi can also be used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by OSA, narcolepsy, and SWSD.
- Nuvigil may increase blood pressure in some cases, particularly for those already suffering from high blood pressure, and regular blood pressure checks may be necessary while on the medication.
- It's crucial to take Nuvigil at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body, and it should be taken on an empty stomach or with a small, non-caffeinated food or drink.
- Alcohol should not be consumed during Nuvigil treatment as it can reduce the drug's effectiveness.
- Side effects of Nuvigil may include headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, reduced appetite, nervousness, and mild allergic reactions, among others.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but if it's closer to bedtime, skip the dose and resume your normal schedule the next day.
- Nuvigil should be stored at room temperature, kept in a safe place to prevent misuse, and disposed of safely when no longer needed to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets and to protect the environment.
