Nuvigil Forums (Page 3)

Dr. started me on 150mg Nuvigil last week. I am chronically tired, unable to focus or concentrate, unmotivated and always feel somewhat "foggy". I started with 1/2 tablet (75mg), and first 2 days I felt simply amazing. Like a switch was flipped. I felt completely alert and focused, happier, energetic and motivated to do so much that I never have the drive to do! I tried a full dose on day 3 and it was not good- I had all the unpleasant side effects (rapid heart beat, dizziness, jitters) but instead of making me focused and alert, it made me feel jumbled and agitated. So I went back to 75 mg. I can still tell it's in my system b/c my heart rate still increases a little, but other than that I can't tell that it's working anymore. 2-4 hours in I feel that little bit of ...

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I've been on 150 mg Nuvigil for about 4 weeks and just starting to go to 250 mg because it didn't seem as effective during the day as when I first started using it. I'm continuing to have problems falling to sleep at night. It's like trying to get to sleep after taking a daytime cold medicine. I take the pill early in the morning (around 7AM) and don't go to bed till 9 PM. I toss and turn till around 1 or 2 AM. Any suggestions on how to sleep better? Would taking benedryl, melatonin, or some type of sleep aid help? ## It is very common to experience insomnia for the first 4 weeks, or so, after starting this medication or raising the dosage. However, after that, things should improve, once your body gets used to it. Other side effects, as listed by the FDA, may possib...

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I was placed on 150 MG of Nuvigil 6 days ago as major sleep apnea causes me to fall asleep at my desk or while driving. The second day I felt wide awake all day. The last 4 days I feel no benefits from the dosage. Does it take time to build the drug up in your system or do I need a higher dose right up front. ## Yes, it can take time to reach its full level of effectiveness in your body, so it's best to give it about 4 weeks, before deciding whether or not this dosage works for you, unless your doctor advises otherwise. The FDA classifies this medication as a stimulant, so it may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, anorexia, appetite loss, nervousness and insomnia. Is there anything else I can help with?

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I just was prescribed 150 MG to help with my daily sleepiness resulting from my battle with sleep apnea. I have been on the med about 6 days and see no reaction good or bad. I have read so much about how much different the side effects are on folks and the benefit / no benefit from a variety of patients using it. Is this drug just a roll of the dice and when should I feel any effect from the med? I read it deters hunger but I have seen no decrease in my appetite thus far. I need to lose weight as a side benefit. Any hope for that? Am I to expect in effect on libido? ## Hello, Alex! How are you? It may take about 4 weeks for this medication to reach its full level of effectiveness in your body. The FDA classifies this medication as a stimulant, so along with the possible side effects you...

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I've been on Nuvigil for a year. Worked my way up to 250mg 6 months ago. Like many, at first, 12 months ago, I was speeding, deep cleaned the house, yard work, etc. The effects leveled and then returned to daytime sleepiness even if I'm mentally engaged, which used to get me thru. But I've noticed over the last 6 months, even when alert, I've had trouble concentrating at work. I'll reread an email draft 10 times and find fatal flaws. Texting is very hard. I'll leave out "not" for example. Small display/monitor. Anyone else feel dumbed-down? Recently my sleep disorder doc wrote Rx for 2, 250m. Insurance declined and I got it filled in Canada, with his knowledge. Still struggling with timing. Waiting till noon for 2nd dose doesn't work. I'm trying 3...

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Just started on Nuvigil for daytime drowsiness from OSA, third day. First night I couldn't sleep; second night I took 3mg of melatonin and was able to sleep, but not quite as awake on third morning as prior day - haven't fallen asleep yet, but yawning. Is melatonin OK to use to make sure I get to sleep at night, or might that be counteracting the nuvigil into the next day? Should I expect some variability in the first couple of weeks regarding how awake I feel in the day and when it wears off in the evening? Should I not take melatonin at night if it's keeping me up? ## Hello, SleepyPete1 How are you? It should be okay, as long as your doctor approves of you taking it. I didn't find any dangerous problems or interactions listed between the two, but it's always best t...

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I have been taking Nuvigil pretty consistently for about a 2 month period now for OSA, and have noticed what look like bug bites or hives popping up here and there on my body. I have anxiety disorder as well, and have had allergies since I moved to this area. I have had hives in the past due to both of these conditions, so I am not sure if it is just related to allergies or anxiety. Naturally, after reading the potential side effects for Nuvigil, I have some concern. It is not SJS (From the pictures I have seen), but I am not sure if the Nuvigil is contributing to the hives that have been popping up randomly. Has anyone else experienced this? Any help is greatly appreciated. ## Hello, Sandman! How are you? If they are similar to the ones you've gotten before, then it this is most li...

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Looking for some real life experiences to hear about. I'm new to nuvigil as of today, and like to have the occasional cocktail. I've read warnings saying not to combine, so am I going to have to quit drinking? Anyone with experience I'd love to hear from you. ## Hi James, I'm not one to speak from personal experience, but according to umm.edu, there are no drug interactions listed between Nuvigil (armodafinil) and Alcohol. Based on these findings alone, I have no reason to believe that you'd experience complications upon using the two together in a responsible manner. Other drug interaction checkers I've come across do not list anything discrepancies either, so depending on where you read those warnings suggesting otherwise, it seems to me like the best thing to ...

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I take an older antipsychotic and in addition have sleep apnea. Nuvigil 250 mg 2 times a day makes me feel like a new person, yet most doctors are too timid to prescribe anything beyond what it says on the box. I feel it's actually way more dangerous to be sleepy and driving around saying and doing dumb things, but I can't seem to get any MD's to think even a little bit 'outside the box'. Off-label they can write for whatever strength they want. ## Hello, Based on my research, Nuvigil is a federally controlled substance because it has the potential to be abused or lead to dependence. (250 mg) is the highest dose of Nuvigil and is usually prescribed for oral administration once a day. Since the dose you're comfortable with is 2 (250 mg) pills a day that probably m...

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i just started 50mgs of nuvigil like 6 days ago. is this a drug that works right away? i lefted a message for my doc to see if he would increase it and he lefted me a message saying i was to stay on the 50mgs till i see him which is 6 weeks.and then he said something like he wants to see the long term effects.. will i feel better on it in the next 6 weeks or will it stay the same as i feel on it now? ## Hi sparky, Because these medications can affect each person differently, unfortunately there's probably very little one can tell about how you might end up feeling six weeks from now on this 50mg dosage. Some patients in other related threads have reported experiencing more wakefulness within the first few doses. And based off that information, I don't think there's an actual...

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Can you take cold eeze while taking nuvigil for narcolepsy? ## Hello, Minnie! How are you? Cold Eeze just contains the nutritional supplement Zinc, which is believed to support immune response and I didn't find any interactions or problems listed between it and Nuvigil, but you should always double check such information to be sure. Nuvigil is a stimulant, so it may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, irritability, anorexia, weight loss and insomnia. Is there anything else I can help with?

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I happened upon this forum when I did a search on whether Nuvigil causes sweating and decided to share my experience. I've been taking 250mg Nuvigil for about 5-6 yrs. As others have said, one needs to start at a low dose. Severe, unrelenting headaches are the main side effect for most people when starting this medication. This was what my doctor had told me & I found it to be true. Starting at a low dose helps this and the headaches stopped after about 2 wks, as my doctor had also said. After 2 weeks, I had no side effects. This med has literally changed my life. Before taking it, I slept most of the time. Once I slept for 36 hrs straight, only waking to use the bathroom! Now I am awake and can function. It's the only reason I'm able to get out of bed most mornings. It ...

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No withdrawal side effects. If you have been awake and had no sleep for a long time you may feel extremely tired. The worst effects I had would be severe muscle pain, espesciall in the neck and chest. They were bad enough to make me stop taking it. These were not withdrawal effects but were an adverse reaction to the drug itself. They continue for about a week after the onset of pain and stopping the Nuvigil. ## Hey Richard, sorry to hear about the severe muscle pain you experience while taking Nuvigil. Hopefully this can at least help other patients know what to watch out for, or in this case, "feel" for. Also, thanks for clarifying that what you experienced were not withdrawal effects, but actually side effects... I know you had mentioned that these symptoms lasted for an enti...

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Started taking nuvigil 250 mg 2 weeks ago. Today noticed bloody stool is this a common side effect? Can't find any info on it. 45 year old female. ## Based on my research, dark urine and/or clay-colored stools, are both listed as severe side effects of Nuvigil (Armodafinil) that should be reported to your doctor immediately. Although I'm personally not aware of just how serious these types of side effects can be, it is likely that it may not go away until you stop taking what's causing it in the first place. So the sooner you're able to contact your doctor, he or she can then recommend other alternative medications in the meantime. You can learn more about this drug on the page for Nuvigil Details I hope this helps! ## Thanks for your reply. I have since contacted my pha...

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emergency came up, lost 2 viles of pills, Nuvigil and Lexapro,, Thank god not the KLONOPIN OR SUBOXONE. I have 5 refills on the Nuvigil. Last fill was March 13. Will they fill NUVIGIL EARLY? ## Hi Karemia, I'm sorry to hear that. There's no way I can accurately answer your question because what your pharmacy will fill and when, is based solely on the pharmacy's discretion as well as their policies for your specific medications. I suggest giving them a call! ## I recently lost a new bottle of nuvigal. My insurance Aetna, has a policy for lost and stolen drugs. After my dr's authorization I was able to refill the script the following day. I hope you have the same luck. ## Can unused prescriptions of expensive meds like nuvigil be given to others? Through charity etc? Reali...

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I have been taking half of a 250 for 30 days . I can't afford it anymore.what side affects should I expect. ## Hello, Blonde! How are you? Have you discussed it with your doctor? There are generics of Adderall available that are cheaper, which you may be able to switch to. Learn more Adderall details here. The withdrawal effects from the Nuvigil will most likely involve a rebound crash, such as being extremely tired, unable to concentrate and other similar effects.

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I've used a discount card for Nuvigil and gotten the first month free, and then the next month came out to $25 or so. This last month it was $120! Wishful thinking, but is it possible to just use a new discount card from my doctor at a different pharmacy? ## Hi Mell, Going to a new pharmacy is always a viable option in my opinion, especially if you're trying to weight out costs. But another thing I would also recommend, is trying to compare a different discount card at the same pharmacy you're used to going to. This way you can determine which one of those cards offers you a greater discount, in relationship to those price fluctuations that have been occurring each month. Do you think that your card just could've expired after your second time using it? Something that co...

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nuvigil and methadone do not mix. nuvigil blocks the methadone. In current PDR. ## I believe you are correct. I take Nuvigil for narcolepsy and have started over past few weeks with low dose 20mg methadone for pain. When recently I got my new Nuvigil prescription, the past few days, I have felt dizzy, nauseas after two to four hours of taking it. It may be do to extremely fast elimination of methadone and because of the low dosage I am taking(20mg of methadone) which isn't alot but used for pain, it seems to block almost all of the analgesic, and pain activating mechanisms of methadone. Why this isn't discussed more and should be? Underground world of pharmaceutical industries, greed, money making machines that could care less about understanding and COMMUNICATING with cephalon ...

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I have been on 150mg Nuvigil per day for several years. Previous to that, I was on Provigil , but the insurance co. made the dr. switch me over to Nuvigil because it was supposedly less expensive. I am chronically ill and disabled with many health issues and have been this way for 10 yrs. I am also on 12-14 other meds. daily, many which make me drowsy - thus the need for Nuvigil. Recently , one of my other prescriptions(that has drowsy side effects) was increased, I don't know if it's a result of that or it's because I have been on it for so long, but it's not working as well as it used to. It may be a combination of both. I plan on calling my dr. first thing tomorrow, because I cannot keep my eyes open starting around approx 8 hrs. after taking my dose. I cannot stand b...

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I am disabled live on a VERY limited income and NEED nuvigil to stay awake. I take medication for seizures and the medication makes me sleep all the time, nuvigil is the ONLY thing to date that I have found that works for me and gives me some Awake time. I applied for help from the manufacturer they denied it because I don't have a sleep disorder, I would say I do if I can't stay awake! 15 pills is over $200I guess they have the market so why not stick to people like myself. This isn't a drug for pleasure and I wish I didn't have to take it, I've run out of ideas other than going to Canada to get what I need. If anyone knows anything different pls tell me ## I am just going this right now. My dr. upped me to 250 mg.When I got the first prescrtion I got 30 days free a...

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