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Learn more about improving wakefulness with NUVIGIL

Wakefulness and treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

If you are currently being treated for obstructive sleep apnea but are still experiencing excessive sleepiness (ES), NUVIGIL may be able to help improve your wakefulness. Learn more about NUVIGIL and OSA

Wakefulness and shift work disorder (SWD)

Do you work shifts and always feel sleepy or tired? If so, you may be suffering from a medical condition called shift work disorder. If you are suffering from excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorder, NUVIGIL could help improve your wakefulness. Learn more about NUVIGIL and SWD

Wakefulness and narcolepsy

Is your excessive sleepiness causing you to fall asleep suddenly during the day? If the answer is yes, you may be suffering from an underlying sleep disorder known as narcolepsy. If you have narcolepsy and experience excessive sleepiness, NUVIGIL may be able to help improve your wakefulness. Learn more about NUVIGIL and narcolepsy

NUVIGIL does not replace sleep and may not stop your ES completely. Only you and your doctor can decide if NUVIGIL is right for you, so make an appointment to see your doctor today.

While NUVIGIL is used to improve wakefulness in patients with treated OSA, SWD, or narcolepsy, it is not used to treat the sleep disorders themselves or their other symptoms or consequences.

Also of interest:

Share your story and tell us about your experience with NUVIGIL.

Find out how sleepy you are with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.


What is NUVIGIL?

NUVIGIL is a prescription medicine used to improve wakefulness in adults who experience excessive sleepiness (ES) due to one of the following diagnosed sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), shift work sleep disorder, or narcolepsy.

In patients with OSA, NUVIGIL is used along with other medical treatments for this sleep disorder. NUVIGIL is not a replacement for your current treatment. Consult your doctor about the importance of continuing your current OSA treatment while taking NUVIGIL.

NUVIGIL is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) because it has the potential to be abused or lead to dependence. Please use NUVIGIL only as directed and keep in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse.

Important Safety Information

What important information should I know about NUVIGIL?

  • NUVIGIL may cause you to have a serious rash or a serious allergic reaction that may result in hospitalization or be life-threatening.
  • If you develop a rash, hives, sores, swelling, or trouble swallowing or breathing, stop taking NUVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.

Who should not take NUVIGIL?

  • NUVIGIL has not been studied in children under the age of 17. NUVIGIL is not approved for children for any condition.
  • Anyone who has had a rash or allergic reaction to NUVIGIL or PROVIGIL® (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV], or is allergic to any of the following ingredients: modafinil, armodafinil, croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, or pregelatinized starch.
  • Anyone with mitral valve prolapse who has experienced mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

What are possible side effects of NUVIGIL?

  • Common side effects of NUVIGIL are headache, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping.
  • If you experience chest pain, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, thoughts of suicide, aggression, or other mental problems, stop taking NUVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.
  • For more information about other side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I avoid while taking NUVIGIL?

  • Do not drive a car or do other dangerous activities until you and your doctor know how NUVIGIL affects you.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

What should I tell my doctor before starting NUVIGIL?

  • Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions including if you have: history of mental health problems (including psychosis), heart problems or had a heart attack, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Women who use hormonal birth control may have a higher chance of getting pregnant, while taking NUVIGIL, and for one month after stopping. Talk to your doctor about other birth control methods while taking NUVIGIL.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, call 1-800-FDA-1088, or by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

For more information, ask your doctor or call 1-800-896-5855.

This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your condition or treatment.

Please see the Patient Information in the full prescribing information for NUVIGIL.