REDISCOVER WAKEFULNESS

CPAP support

Using CPAP but still feel tired?

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is an effective way to treat the underlying sleep disorder of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it does not always resolve excessive sleepiness (ES). You may still struggle to stay awake when you need to be awake.

Ask yourself, are you…

  • Still sleepy, tired, or fatigued?1
  • Always struggling to stay awake during the day?2,3
  • Often too tired to spend time with family and friends?2,3

If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, it may be time to talk to your doctor about the effect your excessive sleepiness is having on your life. Many people mistakenly think it's normal to live with impaired wakefulness, but there are options.

Take confidence in knowing there is help.

But first, you have to talk to your doctor about the impact excessive sleepiness is having on your life. Don't just let your excessive sleepiness become a way of life.

  • Start by measuring your level of sleepiness with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
  • You can use your score to talk with your doctor about how ES may still be affecting your life

Are you struggling with your CPAP therapy?

Don't try to cope alone. It's important to tell your doctor if you are having problems with your CPAP therapy or are still experiencing excessive sleepiness. Keep in mind that it is very common for people to struggle with their CPAP therapy.

Here are some tips to discuss with your doctor that can help you get the most out of your CPAP therapy4:

  • Make sure your mask fits properly and is comfortable. There are lots of different sizes and styles available. Don't just settle for the first device you try if you are having problems
  • Use your CPAP therapy routinely, night after night, as many hours as possible, as your doctor prescribed. Doing so will give you the best chance at getting a healthy night's rest
  • If you have a dry, stuffy nose, ask your doctor if using a CPAP device with a heated humidifier built in could help
  • Stay patient and committed. It may take a while to find the right fit and get used to sleeping with a CPAP device. There are a number of Web sites that can help you adjust to CPAP therapy, click here
  • Your doctor will help you to ensure that your CPAP therapy is properly titrated, which means adjusting the air pressure so it's right for you

Keep in mind that a study has shown that even people who use their CPAP regularly—for 6 or more hours per night—still often experience excessive sleepiness.5

Discuss with your doctor how NUVIGIL can help.

It's important to make sure you are following your doctor's instructions on how to use your CPAP treatment. If you are still experiencing excessive sleepiness, NUVIGIL could help improve your wakefulness.4

If you and your doctor decide NUVIGIL is right for you, your doctor can give you a prescription that could help improve your wakefulness throughout the day. That way, you can continue to treat your OSA with your CPAP therapy and directly treat your ES with NUVIGIL at the same time.

In people 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.

While NUVIGIL is used to improve wakefulness in patients with treated OSA, it is not used to treat OSA itself or its other symptoms or consequences.

References: 1. Chervin RD. Sleepiness, fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy in obstructive sleep apnea. Chest. 2000;118(2):372-379. 2. Reishtein JL, Pack AI, Maislin G, et al. Sleepiness and relationships in obstructive sleep apnea. Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2006;27(3):319-330. 3. Mulgrew AT, Ryan CF, Fleetham JA, et al. The impact of obstructive sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness on work limitation. Sleep Med. 2007;9(1):42-53. 4. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Health Care Guideline: Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 6th ed. Bloomington, MN: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement; 2008. 5. Weaver TE, Maislin G, Dinges DF, et al. Relationship between hours of CPAP use and achieving normal levels of sleepiness and daily functioning. Sleep. 2007;30(6):711-719.

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Important Safety Information

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.

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, 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.