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Information on Tablets A-Z ProvigilPronounced: PRO-vi-jilGeneric name: Modafinil Why is this drug prescribed: Provigil is a stimulant drug used to prevent the excessive daytime sleepiness suffered by people with narcolepsy. Most important fact about this drug: Provigil, like other stimulants, has the potential for abuse. It can alter your mood, perception, thinking, and feelings, providing an artificial "lift" and potentially leading to a certain degree of dependence (although discontinuation of the drug does not produce physical withdrawal symptoms). Make a point of taking only the prescribed dose: Never increase the dose or take additional doses. How should you take this medication: Food does not reduce the effectiveness of this medication. However, it will delay the onset of action by approximately 1 hour. --If you miss a dose... Take it as soon as possible. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. --Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. What side effects may occur: Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Provigil. More common side effects may include: Anxiety, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, infection, loss of appetite, loss of muscle strength, lung problems, nausea, nervousness, prickling or tingling feeling, runny nose, sore throat Less common side effects may include: Abnormal ejaculation, amnesia, asthma, chest pain, chills, confusion, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, dry skin, face muscle spasms, fainting, fever, gum inflammation, herpes simplex, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, joint difficulties, low blood pressure, loss of muscle coordination, mood swings, mouth ulcer, neck pain, nosebleed, stiff neck, tense muscles, thirst, tremor, vision problems, vomiting Why should this drug not be prescribed: If Provigil gives you an allergic reaction, you'll need to avoid it. Special warnings about this medication: If you have high blood pressure, liver disease, or a history of psychosis or drug abuse, use Provigil with caution. Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before you begin this medication. Provigil should be avoided by people with certain types of heart disease such as mitral valve prolapse. If you've ever had a heart problem, be sure to check with the doctor before using this drug. Provigil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Oral and implantable contraceptives are less effective while you are taking Provigil. You should use an additional method of contraception while you are taking Provigil and for one month after discontinuing this medication. Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication: The effect of combining Provigil with alcohol has not been studied. It's considered wise to avoid alcohol while taking the drug. If Provigil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Provigil with any of the following: Antidepressants such as Effexor, Elavil, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, and Tofranil Carbamazepine (Tegretol) Clomipramine (Anafranil) Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) Diazepam (Valium) Itraconazole (Sporanox) Ketoconazole (Nizoral) MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Oral contraceptives and hormonal implants Phenobarbital Phenytoin (Dilantin) Propranolol (Inderal) Rifampin (Rifater) Theophylline (Theo-Dur) Warfarin (Coumadin) Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: The possibility of harmful effects during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Provigil is recommended during pregnancy only if the need for therapy outweighs the potential risk. It is not known whether Provigil appears in breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant. Nursing mothers should use Provigil with caution and only when clearly needed. Recommended dosage: ADULTS: The usual dose of Provigil is 200 milligrams taken as a single dose in the morning. CHILDREN: Not for children under 16. OLDER ADULTS: People over 65 may need a lower dose if they have liver or kidney disease, which reduce the body's ability to metabolize this medication. Overdosage: Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately. Symptoms of Provigil overdose may include: Aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, fluttering heartbeat, insomnia, irritability, nausea, nervousness, sleep disturbances, slow blood clotting, tremor |
