Armodafinil: Usage and Side Effects

The generic medication armodafinil, which is also sold under the brand name Nuvigil, is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness, a symptom of narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or shift work sleep disorder. Please continue reading to learn more about this medication’s uses and side effects.

Is armodafinil the same as Adderall?

No, armodafinil is not the same as Adderall, but it has similar effects. Both medications are classified as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, which work to improve wakefulness and alertness. Their exact mechanisms are unknown. However, it is believed that they affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, such as dopamine and epinephrine, in the CNS that take part in regulating sleep and wakefulness.

What is armodafinil used to treat?

Armodafinil is a prescription medication used in patients with excessive sleepiness caused by:

Narcolepsy (a neurological disorder in which the brain’s sleep-wake cycle is disrupted, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness).
Shift work sleep disorder (a condition that occurs in people who work non-traditional hours such as the graveyard shift).
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (a condition characterized by partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep due to an underlying obstruction, resulting in decreased oxygen saturation, frequent awakenings, and fragmented and non-restorative sleep). In patients with OSA, armodafinil is used along with breathing devices such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Does armodafinil improve memory?

Armodafinil can treat excessive sleepiness by increasing alertness. However, this medication does not improve memory. Studies on patients with excessive sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea who consistently use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) have shown that armodafinil does not increase brain activation or performance speed during working memory tasks.

How to take armodafinil?

Armodafinil comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth once a day in the morning or 1 hour before the work shift in people with extreme sleepiness due to shift work sleep disorder. You can take armodafinil with or without food.

Follow the directions on the prescription label and take armodafinil around the same time every day. Do not change the scheduled time for taking the medication without talking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose of armodafinil, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Armodafinil will treat excessive sleepiness but will not cure your condition. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for dose adjustments if necessary.

Remember, armodafinil is not a substitute for poor sleep habits. Maintain good sleep habits with a normal sleep routine. Try to maintain adequate hours of sleep while on this medication.

What is the armodafinil dose?

The usual armodafinil dosage for sleep disorders is as follows:

150 mg by mouth once a day in the morning for obstructive sleep apnea.
150-250 mg by mouth once a day in the morning for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.
150 mg by mouth once a day 1 hour before the work shift for shift work disorder.

Elderly patients may be started on a lower initial dose.

What are armodafinil side effects?

Common side effects of armodafinil are listed below. Stop taking the medication and call your doctor for medical advice if these side effects are severe or do not go away in a few days.

Headache
Dizziness
Sleep difficulties
Numbness, tingling, burning in the hands or feet
Uncontrolled shaking in a part of the body
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite
Dry mouth, thirst, sweating
Frequent urination

Some of the side effects of armodafinil are more serious. Call your doctor immediately if you develop skin rash, itching, hives, blisters, or mouth sores. Go to the nearest emergency department if you experience hoarseness, swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands, arms, legs, or feet, difficulty breathing or swallowing, pounding or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, abnormally excited mood, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or thoughts of harming or killing yourself.

Is armodafinil safe?

Armodafinil is generally safe for patients with excessive sleepiness when used as directed. However, it can be associated with the following risks and adverse reactions.

Allergic reactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever had an allergic reaction to armodafinil (Nuvigil), modafinil (Provigil), or any other medications. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a drug reaction with skin rash, skin sores, or any unusual symptoms while on this medicine. Go to the nearest emergency department if you experience trouble breathing, difficulty talking, or swelling in your limbs.

Drug interactions

Taking armodafinil with certain other medications can result in possible drug interactions, leading to unexpected adverse effects. Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your other drugs, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal products.

Medical conditions

Armodafinil may not be right for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse (street drugs or prescription drugs), severe hepatic impairment (liver disease), chest pain or heart problems such as mitral valve prolapse after using stimulant drugs, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or a mental illness such as depression, mania, or psychosis.

Decreased effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives

Armodafinil can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, including birth control pills, patches, implants, vaginal rings, injections, and intrauterine devices. Talk to your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control method while on armodafinil and for one month after stopping it. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on armodafinil.

Effects on thinking and judgment

Armodafinil can affect your judgment, thinking, and movement. Also, it may not completely treat your excessive sleepiness. Be careful while driving or doing any hazardous activities. Avoid drinking alcohol while on armodafinil.

Overdose

In case of an armodafinil overdose, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Seek immediate medical attention if a person has collapsed, cannot breathe, or has had a seizure. Overdose symptoms may include agitation, restlessness, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, sleep difficulties, chest pain, fast heartbeat, nausea, and diarrhea.

Note: This medication guide is for information purposes only. Talk to your health care professional for further information about armodafinil.

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