Key Points about Modafinil: Uses, Doses, Side Effects
Provigil is a brand of Modafinil manufactured by Cephalon. It comes in two different doses: 100mg and 200mg. Modafinil Provigil helps improve memory and alertness in healthy adults. It also helps users stay awake, so that they can function normally and optimally.
Provigil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and work sleep disorder. It is designed to promote wakefulness in people suffering from sleep disorders. In 1998, the FDA approved Modafinil Provigil for the treatment of narcolepsy. The medication was approved for the treatment of shift work sleep disorders, as well as sleep apnea in 2003. The mechanism of work of Provigil is not yet established. However, it is believed that it enhances the dopamine levels in the human brain through the inhibition of reuptake of dopamine that controls the way chemical signs functions from nerve cell to nerve cell in the brain.
Precautions: Important to Know
Modafinil Provigil falls under a class of drugs referred to as controlled substance and should be taken under a prescription by a medical practitioner. When you receive a prescription, it is important that you keep to the dosage and do not share your drug with another person. The medication is not approved for usage for children less than 17 years of age, irrespective of the medical condition. For individuals suffering from sleep apnea, Modafinil is usually prescribed with other forms of the treatment. It is important to note that Provigil does not cure sleep apnea or any other sleep disorders, as the medicine is designed to help patients manage sleepiness caused by these sleep disorders. Individuals using this medication are able to keep awake during the day, so that they can function optimally in their daily activities. You should not use Modafinil if you are allergic to Nuvigil, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and povidone. There are some adverse effects that you can experience during the course of taking this drug. Some of these side effects include allergic reactions affecting blood cells or liver. You can also experience serious rash while taking this medication. In case you notice any serious side effects while taking Provigil, it is important that you seek an urgent medical attention.
Instructions on Taking
Before you commence a course of the treatment with Modafinil Provigil, it is important that you discuss your medical history with your doctor. It is essential to let your doctor know if you have ever had a case of mental health condition such as psychosis. You should also inform your physician if you have any heart problem, high blood pressure, heart attack, kidney or liver condition. It is also important that you inform him about any history of alcohol or drug addiction or abuse. You should also disclose if you are pregnant, or you are planning to be pregnant within the period of taking the medication. It has not been established whether or not Provigil can pass into breast milk. It is therefore important that you let your doctor know if you are nursing a baby. Before starting your medication, you also need to let your doctor know of all the drugs you are using (both prescription and non-prescription). Your health provider should also be aware if you are taking herbal supplements and vitamins.
Dosage
When you buy Provigil comes in two different doses: 100mg and 200mg. It is recommended that you start the medication with a dosage of 100mg as a new user. You can increase it later when you become more comfortable with the medication. Modafinil should be taken in the morning to treat daytime sleepiness. If you are using it for work shift, you should take your dose about an hour before you start work. Be careful when you Provigil, as it should not be used to replace a proper night rest. In case you overdose on the drug, you should immediately seek medical attention. You should also seek medical help if you experience diarrhea, or nausea.
Common Side Effects
It is important to mention that many users of this medicine do not experience serious side effects that will require medical attention. Some of the common side effects of Modafinil Provigil include nervousness, anxiety, headache, and nausea. There are also some side effects that are not common among users. It is important that you inform your doctor immediately if you experience some of the uncommon adverse reactions of Provigil. Some of such effects are loss of appetite, diarrhea, back pain, problem with bowel movement, flushing, dryness of mouth or skin, heartburn, indigestion, muscle stiffness, vomiting, and redness of skin.
Uncommon Side Effects
Some other less common effects of this drug include somnolence, increased blood pressure, burning sensations on the skin, insomnia, and uncontrollable movement of body part. You need to stop the medication immediately and seek a medical help urgently if you experience heart palpitation, chest pain, fever, trouble breathing, depression, easy bleeding or bruising, sore throat, suicidal thoughts, increased activities, mental problems, or aggression.
Provigil works by affecting the central nervous system. It is therefore important to take cognizance of your thoughts and actions when using this medication. Using machinery or driving during a course of the Modafinil treatment is not advisable until you are sure of your reaction to the drug. You should also try to avoid consuming alcohol when using the medication as it can impact on your reaction to the medicine.
Conclusion
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Modafinil Provigil is a prescription drug and as such, it should be taken based on your doctor’s prescription. In case you miss a dose, do not take a double dosage to make up for the lost time. Continue taking the medication at the normal time and discuss your missed dose with your doctor. If you remember about your dose close to your bedtime, skip it and continue the following day.
