Provigil (Modafinil) 100mg/200mg Tablets Online
| Drug Name: | Provigil (Modafinil) |
|---|---|
| Tablet Strength: | 200mg x 30 Pills |
| Best Price: | $52.80 (Per Pill $$0.82) |
| Where to buy |
Modafinil, marketed as Provigil, is a central nervous system stimulant. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). Unlike traditional stimulants, Provigil promotes wakefulness with a lower risk of addiction and fewer cardiovascular side effects, making it a preferred option for many patients.
Uses of Provigil
Provigil is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
- Narcolepsy: A chronic sleep malady marked by exaggerated daytime sleepiness and abrupt sleep ailments.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Took as an adjunct therapy to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients who experience residual excessive sleepiness.
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD): Helps individuals working night shifts or rotating shifts stay alert during working hours.
Beyond its approved indications, Modafinil has been utilized off-label for the following:
- Cognitive enhancement
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Managing fatigue in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and other chronic illnesses
- Depression-associated fatigue
- Post-traumatic brain injury cognitive impairment
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action for Provigil (modafinil) is unknown, but studies suggest it affects several neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Contrary to classical stimulants, which primarily increase the release of dopamine, modafinil selectively enhances wakefulness through the following pathways:
- Dopaminergic System: Modafinil affects the reuptake of dopamine by inhibiting the dopamine reuptake. It blocks the dopamine transporter (DAT) which directly escalates extracellular levels of dopamine.
- Orexinergic System: It activates orexin (hypocretin) neurons, which are instrumental in maintaining wakefulness and arousal.
- Histaminergic System: Modafinil boosts histamine release in the hypothalamus by an action that helps to keep the patient awake.
- Norepinephric and Serotonergic Modulation: This indirectly affects the release of norepinephrine and serotonin, which enhance cognitive performance and vigilance.
Considerations for Using Provigil
Before prescribing Provigil, a healthcare professional will assess you to find out if this medicine is safe for you. The following factors will be considered:
- History of Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with heart conditions should use modafinil cautiously due to potential increases in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Psychiatric History: Those with a history of depression, psychosis, or bipolar disorder may experience worsening symptoms.
- Substance Use History: Modafinil has a lower abuse potential than other stimulants, but caution is advised in patients with a history of substance use disorder.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Limited data exist on its safety in pregnancy; it should be used only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage of Provigil varies based on the condition being treated:
- Narcolepsy and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 200 mg once daily in the morning, with a maximum dose of 400 mg if needed.
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder: 200 mg taken approximately one hour before the start of the work shift.
Provigil should be taken orally with a meal or none, depending on your preference. However, patients should note that consuming the medication too late in the day may cause insomnia.
Additionally, patients experiencing hepatic impairment should start with a lower dose (usually 100 mg/day). In elderly patients, a physician may adjust the dosage due to slower metabolism.
Potential Side Effects of Provigil
Modafinil is generally well tolerated, but some patients may experience adverse effects. The common side effects of Provigil include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
The serious side effects of Provigil are:
- Cardiovascular Effects: Hypertension, tachycardia, and palpitations in susceptible individuals.
- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Agitation, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation in rare cases.
- Severe Skin Reactions: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) have been reported, requiring immediate discontinuation.
- Allergic Reactions: Angioedema and hypersensitivity reactions.
Drug Interactions
Modafinil interacts with various medications, primarily through its effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. Hence, patients should consult their healthcare provider before using modafinil alongside other medications.
The significant drug interactions with Provigil include:
- Oral Contraceptives: Modafinil may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives by inducing CYP3A4 metabolism, necessitating alternative contraception methods.
- CNS Stimulants: Co-administration with other stimulants (e.g., amphetamines) may increase the risk of cardiovascular effects and overstimulation.
- Warfarin: Modafinil may affect the metabolism of warfarin, requiring close monitoring of INR levels to prevent the risk of bleeding.
- Benzodiazepines: May reduce the efficacy of benzodiazepines due to increased metabolism.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs): May alter the metabolism and efficacy of these drugs, requiring dose adjustments.
Missed Dose and Overdose
If you miss your daily dose of Modafinil, contact your doctor to know the next steps. However, you should avoid consuming it if it is your bedtime. Also, if you suspect that you have consumed an over dose of Provigil, call the poison control team in your area.
Storage Conditions
It is important to store Provigil at controlled room temperature (20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F). Keep the medicine away from moisture and direct sunlight. Also, store in a secure location to prevent misuse.