Active Drug Information

Modafinil, the active constituent present in Provigil was approved by the FDA in December 1998. The generic equivalent of this medication is also available for sale. As it is likely to develop a dependency, it is grouped as a schedule IV controlled substance in the US.

The action of Provigil Generic is observed within 20 to 60 minutes post oral consumption. While the effect of this smart drug can last up to five to ten hours on an average.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of Provigil medication is not clearly understood, however in vitro studies have revealed it to impede the reuptake of dopamine by attaching to the dopamine reuptake pump. This action leads to enhanced extracellular dopamine levels. The active constituent, Modafinil stimulates glutamatergic circuits while constraining GABA.

Provigil has less possibility for abuse than other stimulants due to the lack of any major pleasurable or euphoric effects.

Dosing Instructions

• Take this medication with or without food as directed by your physician.
• The dose of Provigil will depend on the severity of condition and response to treatment.
• Swallow this medicine with a glass of water orally.
• Consume this medication regularly to obtain best results.
• The most widely recommended dose is 200mg once in a day.
• The maximum dose that can be consumed in a day is Provigil 400mg
• Never stop taking this medication without asking your doctor.
• For narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, it should be taken in the morning and those with shift work disorder should consume it one hour before work.

Storage and Disposal

• Provigil Generic should be stored at room temperature, 15 °C – 30 °C (59 F – 86 F).
• This medication should be stored in a tightly-closed container, away from children.
• This smart drug should be kept away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Store it in such a place so that no one consumes it accidentally or purposefully.
• Always keep a track of tablets left, so that you will understand if any of those go missing.
• Tablets if not needed should be disposed of appropriately to ensure that the pets, children, and other persons cannot consume them.
• Never flush Provigil oral tablets down the toilet.

Precautions and Warnings

• Always tell your physician if you are suffering from any kind of hypersensitivity or if you have a history of allergy to its active component and inactive components.
• Before using Provigil Generic, if you are suffering from health issues such as liver cirrhosis or any other liver disorder, angina, kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, heart disorders, mental disorders like depression, mania, etc.
• This medication should not be used by anyone below 17 years of age.
• If this medication is used for a long duration, it may not produce any action. Consult your physician in such a case.
• Provigil Generic can decrease the efficacy of few birth control methods.
• Drinks containing alcohol should not be consumed while taking Provigil medication.
• Do not engage in any activity requiring mental alertness while using this medication as it is likely to induce drowsiness.
• Inform your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). It is not safe to use it with Provigil medication.

Drug Interactions

• Antidepressants- amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, and imipramine
• Anti-epileptics- carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin
• Anti-fungals- itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) -citalopram, escitalopram fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline
• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors- isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine

Contraindications

Provigil medication is not recommended for use in –

• Pregnancy
• Breast-feeding
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Hypersensitivity
• Individuals under 17 years of age

Common Side Effects

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Difficulty in sleeping

Remember, if any of the above mentioned commonly observed side effects aggravate or worsen over time, stop taking the medication and call your physician right away.

Majority of the users do not experience serious side effects with Provigil medication. However, if you any of the serious side effects such as pain in the chest, cardiac arrhythmia, depression, mood swings, intermittent thoughts of suicide, and hallucinations, inform your physician immediately.