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The science of NUVIGIL

The NUVIGIL difference1-3

The chemical structure of NUVIGIL is different from classical stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidate. While the exact mechanism of action is unknown, NUVIGIL is believed to work in the central nervous system in a similar way.

Like classical stimulants, some effects of NUVIGIL on the brain may lead to abuse of or dependence on NUVIGIL. Before starting NUVIGIL, tell your doctor if you have ever abused drugs, including stimulant medicines.

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.


NUVIGIL (R-modafinil) is the longer-lasting isomer of modafinil.*

Modafinil contains only 50% of the longer-lasting R-isomer found in NUVIGIL. The other 50% is a shorter-lasting isomer called S-modafinil

NUVIGIL stays in the blood longer than modafinil

  • The amount of medicine in the blood does not necessarily reflect how well it works

*Available as PROVIGIL® (modafinil) Tablets [C-IV].


Modafinil contains only 50% of the longer-lasting R-isomer found in NUVIGIL.3

Also of interest:

Learn more about prescription assistance.

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


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.

What is PROVIGIL?

PROVIGIL 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 (SWSD), or narcolepsy.

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

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

What important information should I know about PROVIGIL?

  • PROVIGIL 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 PROVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.

Who should not take PROVIGIL?

  • PROVIGIL is not approved for use in children.
  • Anyone who has had a rash or allergic reaction to PROVIGIL or NUVIGIL® (armodafinil) 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 PROVIGIL?

  • Common side effects of PROVIGIL are headache, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, diarrhea, back pain, anxiety, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and upset stomach.
  • If you experience chest pain, depression, anxiety, hallucinations, psychosis, mania, thoughts of suicide, aggression, or other mental problems, stop taking PROVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency treatment.
  • These are not all of the side effects of PROVIGIL. For more information about other side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What should I avoid while taking PROVIGIL?

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

What should I tell my doctor before starting PROVIGIL?

  • Tell your doctor 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 PROVIGIL, and for one month after stopping. Talk to your doctor about other birth control methods while taking PROVIGIL.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or 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 PROVIGIL.

 

References: 1. NUVIGIL [prescribing information]. Frazer, PA: Cephalon, Inc; 2010. 2. Nishino S, Okuro M. Armodafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness. Drugs Today (Barc). 2008;44(6):395-414. 3. Data on file. Cephalon, Inc.