Generic Provigil (Modafinil) available in tablet formulations in strengths of 100mg & 200mg is used in the treatment of a chronic sleep disorder, Narcolepsy, that can manifest itself as:
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS),
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD),
- or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Generic Modafinil is readily absorbed by the system and is most effective after 2 hours of having been ingested. The FDA approved Modafinil in 1999.
Generic Provigil is a prescription medicine. It acts on neurotransmitters (histamine, hypocretin and dopamine) that transmit messages in the brain from one nerve to another, which modulate the sleeping and waking pattern for us. The exact methodology of Modafinil is unknown, but it enhances alertness, and is even used by pilots and soldiers in combat situations. Provigil is different from other traditional doparminergic or catecholaminergic-enhancing drugs, as it has fewer side effects.
Uses of Provigil (Modafinil) 100mg & 200mg
Narcolepsy is mostly identified in youngsters between the ages of 10 and 25, though it can occur at any stage in life, and 3-year olds have also been diagnosed with the problem, which tends to decrease with the onset of the 60s’. Researchers have recognized that certain behavioral problems in children, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be the result of narcolepsy, but Modafinil is not approved for use in any pediatric patient. Provigil is meant for treating sleeping disorders only in adults and children above 16.
A very large number of narcoleptics experience Cataplexy, which can occur independently as well. Cataplexy shows up as a suddenly sagging jaw, drooping of the head, feeling weak-kneed, slurring in speech, or a generalized weakness making people fall or drop things.
Two other symptoms that narcoleptics may experience are vivid hallucinations and sleep paralysis (which is not of a permanent nature). Both these symptoms happen at the onset of sleep or when the person is about to wake up.
Another reason why narcoleptics wake up frequently at night is because of a neurological disorder – Restless Legs Syndrome, when people have an uncontrollable urge to move while sleeping, tossing about, or tucking-in their legs.
If not treated, Narcolepsy can bring about dangerous consequences, when people who are driving or working with machinery, suddenly nod-off. There is a likelihood that an accident may occur.
EDS, the commonest symptom, can be because of sleep apnea, various bacterial or viral infections, depression, or chronic painful diseases like congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. Many medications can bring about EDS, as can consumption of alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine. It occurs in students, people who work in shift duties, sick or stressed-out people, or those who lead an over-active social life.
Generic Provigil is considered to be a safer drug than amphetamine-like stimulants, as patients do not feel the need to sleep extra when the effect of the drug has worn off. It doesn’t cause addiction, a “high” feeling, and there are hardly any withdrawal symptoms. To sleep better, along with medication, narcoleptics are recommended to follow a regular sleep schedule (or take short naps when they are sleepiest, depending upon employers/school/college authorities), avoid smoking, consuming alcohol/alcoholic or caffeine beverages before bedtime, exercise for a few minutes, and take a warm bath before sleeping.
How to use Generic Provigil 100mg & 200mg Tablets?
This is a once-a-day medication, given for a period of 12 weeks normally. Provigil has to be taken every morning to prevent EDS, or 1 hour before a shift duty commences to prevent SWSD. Some patients need treatment with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pump to clear the airways as they sleep, and can continue with it while on treatment with Modafinil, unless the doctor says otherwise. The medicine has to be taken with water. Carefully follow the instructions given on the prescription label. For any doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
What happens if I Miss a Dose?
Since the medicine is meant to help people to stay awake, it is important for you to remember to take the medicine at the right time. It has to be taken just once in a day.
In case you do forget a dose, take the next dose only if you plan to stay awake for many hours to come. If your bedtime is approaching, then leave out the missed dose and take your medicine at the right time the next day. You may consult your doctor for advice if you miss a dose of Generic Provigil.
Overdose
Modafinil acts on the central nervous system in the body, and insomnia is most likely to be the first outcome of an overdose of the medicine. Other symptoms likely to occur can include excitement, aggressiveness, confusion, nervousness, nausea, diarrhea, slight to moderate increase in hemodynamic parameters (related to the cardiovascular system), or a decrease in the prothrombin time (a measure used to determine the clotting tendency of blood). Patients may experience cardiac events such as tachycardia, bradycardia, chest pain, or hypertension.
Overdose of Modafinil, when combined with other drugs, can cause fatal results.
On its own, Generic Modafinil is not known to have caused any fatalities.
What should I avoid while taking Generic Provigil / Modafinil?
Before embarking on a course of this medicine let the doctor know about the ailments you have; the medications-nutritional supplements-herbal products you take; any known allergies you may have to any kind of food, dyes, or preservatives, and particularly if you are allergic to this medicine.
When taken with food, the assimilation of Modafinil may be delayed by an hour. Intake of alcohol should be avoided.
Provigil can interact with other medicines. When you inform the physician about any ailment you have suffered from, or the medicines you are taking, the doctor will be able to advise you regarding usage of various medicines with Modafinil, and prescribe the correct dose of this medicine for you.
Side Effects
The most common side effects reported with use of Provigil are insomnia, headache, stuffy nose, nausea, nervousness, or dizziness.
Serious side effects are rare, but can include:
- depression,
- anxiety,
- heart problems,
- hallucinations,
- suicidal ideation,
- aggressiveness,
- fever,
- sore throat,
- tingling sensation,
- or vomiting.
An allergic reaction may bring on hives, rash (that can be severe, or peels off), swelling in the face, in which case you should stop taking Provigil tablets and contact your doctor at once.
Storage
Provigil 100mg and 200mg tablets should be stored at a room temperature between 20°C-25°C, away from heat, light and moisture, and kept out of reach of children and pets.