Generic Provigil

Provigil is commonly used in patients with sleep disorders who experience excessive sleepiness. It is most commonly used in patients with narcolepsy, but can effectively promote healthy wakefulness in patients with other sleep disorders or excessive sleepiness. Provigil can be generically prescribed as modafinil.

Provigil is not appropriate for all patients and a thorough medical history should be adequately assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes high blood pressure, psychosis or other serious psychiatric disorders, drug abuse, liver problems, kidney problems, mitral valve prolapse, or heart disease may not be able to take Provigil or may require special monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication, depending on the condition or the severity of the condition.

Provigil is not typically recommended for women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant unless the benefits are outweighed by the risks. It has yet to be determined whether or not this medication passes through the mother’s breast milk and affects a nursing baby. If possible, women who a pregnant or nursing should avoid this medication, however there are cases where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk factors.

Side effects are common with any medication, and some of the side effects associated with Provigil are potentially severe. Any serious side effect or serious allergic reaction requires immediate emergency medical attention. Serious allergic reactions include facial swelling, such as swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require medical intervention include symptoms such as irregular heart rate, shortness of breath, and high or low blood pressure.

Less serious side effects are more common and do not require immediate medical care but should still be reported to the prescribing physician. Less serious side effects may include dry mouth, headaches, infection, numbness, tingling, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, depression, dizziness, anxiety, chills, runny nose, sore throat, dizziness, and nervousness.

Provigil should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. Provigil can be habit forming. Taking too much Provigil in order to increase effectiveness can lead to serious health risks. On overdose requires critical attention via an emergency health facility. Symptoms of an overdose are likely to include tremor, palpitations, nervousness, agitation, aggressiveness, excitability, insomnia, sleep disturbances, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, and confusion.

Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician prior to taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies, as some medications can cause interactions or decreased effectiveness. Medications which should be avoided while undergoing drug therapy with Provigil include MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, additional CNS stimulant, phenytoin, phenobarbitol, carbamazepine, rifampin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, cyclosporine, theophylline, blood thinners, diazepam, and propranolol. Provigil may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods such as birth control pills. Provigil is not a substitute for proper sleep and should not be used in patients who do not have a disorder but simply do not exercise good judgment. The effects of alcohol have not been thoroughly studied, but alcohol should always be avoided when taking medications.