Provigil Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Provigil is the brand name for modafinil, which is classified as a wakefulness promoting agent. It is a prescription medication used to treat excessive drowsiness due to conditions such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy. When used to treat sleep apnea, it may be prescribed in conjunction with breathing devices. Provigil is also used by workers who need to stay up through the night and have difficulty staying awake, called shift work sleep disorder. The medication works by altering some of the natural substances in the brain, primarily those that control wakefulness and sleep.[1]
Provigil, which is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Cephalon, comes in tablet form and is typically taken once daily by mouth. Like many medications, Provigil may cause side effects. Some of the most common Provigil side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, heartburn, dry mouth, sweating, and back pain.[1]
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| Brand name for | Modafinil[2] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cephalon[3] |
| Uses | Treats narcolespy, shift work sleep disorder, and sleep apnea[2] |
| Common side effects | Headache, dizziness, upset stomach, and dry mouth[2] |
| Who should not take Provigil | Children under the age of 17[3] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Provigil Side Effects
The most common side effects that Provigil users may experience are headache, upset stomach, problems falling asleep, and feelings of dizziness. Some of the less common Provigil side effects may be severe enough to warrant the help of a medical professional as soon as they are noticed. These side effects may include mental changes such as depression, anxiety, hallucinating, agressive thoughts, thoughts of suicide, and signs of heart issues such as pain in the chest, altered heart rate, and breathing problems.[3]
Drug Side Effects
Provigil Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Provigil include skin rash, hives, mouth sores, blisters, peeling skin, dark urine, constricted breathing, yellowing of skin or eyes and fever. Provigil's active ingredient is modafinil, which might cause an allergic reaction in certain patients. Allergic reactions may also occur due to the inactive ingredients of Provigil, such as lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate.[3]
Provigil Precautions and Warnings
- Anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin), antidepressants such as amoxapine and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and seizure medications like carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin (Dilantin), may have interactions with Provigil.[1]
- Provigil may decrease the effectiveness of certain forms of birth control, including birth control pills, rings, injections, patches, and implants. Patients taking these forms of hormonal contraception are advised to use an additional form of birth control during and for one month after taking Provigil.[1]
- Provigil is not recommended for patients with some heart conditions, including left ventricle thickening.[3]
- Patients who have experienced adverse reactions to other types of stimulants may not be good candidates for Provigil.[1]
- Although Provigil will help users stay awake, it may not make up for the loss of alertness that occurs with lack of rest. It may be unsafe to operate a motor vehicle or perform other tasks that require the ability to react quickly.[1]
- Pregnant or nursing women are advised to consult a doctor before using Provigil.[4]
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Prescription Drugs, Provigil Coupons, Plan B Side Effects, Warfarin Side Effects
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