Armodafinil decreases extreme sleepiness due to narcolepsy and other sleep disorders such as difficult/irregular breathing during sleep (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome-OSAHS). It is also used to decrease sleepiness due to work schedules that interfere with a normal sleep routine (shift work sleep disorder-SWSD).

It is not known how armodafinil works to increase wakefulness. It is thought to work by affecting certain substances in the brain that control the sleep/wake cycle. Armodafinil does not make up for lack of sleep. It should not be used to treat tiredness or hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.

How to use Nuvigil oral

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before your start using armodafinil and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If you are using armodafinil for shift work sleep disorder, take this medication 1 hour before you start your work shift or as directed by your doctor. If you are using this drug for sleep apnea (OSAHS), also continue your other current treatment (e.g., CPAP machine) unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication exactly as prescribed to get the most benefit from it.

Rarely, use of this medication can result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop this medication when so directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Nuvigil oral Side Effects

Headache, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, depression, hallucinations, rare thoughts of suicide), unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe abdominal pain, chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat.

Rarely, this medication may cause a serious (rarely fatal) rash. You may not be able to tell this serious reaction apart from a minor rash. Therefore, stop taking this drug and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any rash.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, stop taking armodafinil and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash/hives, skin blisters/peeling, sores in the mouth, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing/swallowing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at .

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at .

Befor Taking armodafinil

Before taking armodafinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to modafinil; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain heart problems (e.g., enlarged heart, mitral valve problem), history of problems (e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat) after taking stimulants such as amphetamines.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), liver problems, kidney problems, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, mania, psychosis), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.

Sleep disorders may decrease your ability to react quickly. Though armodafinil helps keep you awake, you still may not be able to safely perform tasks that require quick reactions (e.g., driving). This drug may also make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially serious rashes.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.