Armodafinil (Nuvigil) Uses

Armodafinil is used to improve wakefulness in people with narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder. It is also used, along with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, to treat daytime sleepiness in people with sleep apnea. 

Narcolepsy is a condition in which there is excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep disorders related to shift work occur in people who work night shifts or rotational shifts. They are associated with sleepiness during scheduled waking hours and trouble sleeping during scheduled sleep hours. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which there are periods of shallow or stopped breathing at night and daytime sleepiness due to lack of enough sleep.

There may be other uses of armodafinil—your doctor or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Armodafinil (Nuvigil) Mechanism of Action

It is unclear exactly how armodafinil works, but it is believed to prevent dopamine reuptake, leading to increased extracellular dopamine levels. Dopamine is a natural substance in the brain that plays a role in controlling sleep and wakefulness. Armodafinil has similar properties as modafinil (Provigil). The wakefulness-promoting effects of modafinil and armodafinil are similar to stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate.

Armodafinil (Nuvigil) Doses

Armodafinil is available as 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg tablets for oral administration. The usual dose range is as follows:

For sleep apnea or narcolepsy: 150 mg to 250 mg once a day in the morning. 

For shift work sleep disorder: 150 mg once a day to be taken approximately 1 hour before the work shift. 

A dosage adjustment (dose reduction) may be necessary for elderly patients and people with hepatic impairment (reduced liver function).