Is this a common side effect ?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Is this a common side effect ?
2
Sat, 11-19-2005 - 4:30pm

I don't know if it an actual side effect or not, but for the two months that i wasn't able to get my meds I had no problem, or at least minimal, maybe with the stress.

OK first the problem:

I have excessive, I mean EXCESSIVE leg bouncing. I don't feel *right* unless I can bounce my legs (don't want to call it "nervous leg syndrome- or whatever that is called), because it is just my legs when I'm sitting. If it is really bad then when I am laying on the bed watching TV, I lay with my feet against the wall so I can push the wall, and "bounce".

It is so bad that I can't get up to go out to do the shopping i need to do, well........ because..........ummmm...... it makes me calm and it feels good, (sort of like when you are scratching that "certain" spot in your ear) LOL I just don't want to stop...... it is interfering with my daily life, no house work has been done the last few days since I started back on my pills. BUT I need my pills or I will be blowing up at DD for no reason ( or very over-zealous with the explosions), and on them I can maintain my composure at little more and i'm a little more mellow.

Now the meds:

Morning:
Provigil 400 mg
Ativan 1 mg

Afternoon:
ativan 1 mg

Evening:
OTC knee relief for pain

Night:
Paxil CR 75 mg
Tricor (can't remember the dosage on that)
OTC sleeping aid
and another 1 mg ativan to help the sleeping pills

I am thinking that this might be from the provigil..

Does anyone here take these or has taken in the past, and has dealt with this side effect????

I REALLY need my meds to function back closer to a normal person..

TIA,
Diana




Edited 11/19/2005 4:31 pm ET by flyingcherub
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Sat, 11-19-2005 - 6:39pm

Hi, Diana! I am sorry to hear about this symptom. It must be very difficult for you. I am posting the drug info from the PDR site. Whether it's your anxiety, a reaction to the provigil or an interaction of the provigil with the other meds you're taking is something your dr. or pharmacist must decide. That isn't something we can do on the board. I do know that anytime we experience a symptom that interferes with our functioning, it's a redlight. It should be reported to your health care provider ASAP. Please take care & be sure to explain any vitamins, herbs or OTC meds you're taking. They all could potentially cause a reaction. Good luck! Keep in touch. We care & want the best for you. (((hugs))) jan


Provigil

Pronounced: PRO-vi-jil
Generic name: Modafinil








Why is Provigil prescribed?

Provigil is a stimulant drug used to treat unusually sleepy people who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, or shift work sleep disorder. You should be diagnosed with one of these sleep disorders before taking Provigil, since sleepiness can be a symptom of other medical conditions.


Most important fact about Provigil

Provigil will not cure any sleep disorder; it merely treats the symptom of sleepiness. This medication should not be used in place of getting enough sleep. You should follow your doctor's advice about maintaining good sleep habits.

Provigil, like other stimulants, has the potential for abuse. It can alter your mood, perception, thinking, and feelings, providing an artificial "lift" and potentially leading to a certain degree of dependence (although discontinuation of the drug does not produce physical withdrawal symptoms). Make a point of taking only the prescribed dose: Never increase the dose or take additional doses.


How should you take Provigil?

Food does not reduce the effectiveness of Provigil. However, it will delay the onset of action by approximately 1 hour.

--If you miss a dose...


Take it as soon as possible. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

--Storage instructions...


Store at room temperature.


Provigil side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Provigil.



  • Side effects may include:
    Anxiety, depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, infection, loss of appetite, loss of muscle strength, lung problems, nausea, nervousness, prickling or tingling feeling, runny nose, sore throat



Why should Provigil not be prescribed?

If Provigil gives you an allergic reaction, you'll need to avoid it.


Special warnings about Provigil

If you have high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or a history of psychosis or drug abuse, use Provigil with caution. Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before you begin this medication.

Provigil should be avoided by people with certain types of heart disease such as mitral valve prolapse. If you've ever had a heart problem, be sure to check with the doctor before using Provigil.

Provigil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery until you know how Provigil affects you.

Oral and implantable contraceptives are less effective while you are taking Provigil. You should use an additional method of contraception while you are taking Provigil and for one month after discontinuing Provigil.


Possible food and drug interactions when taking Provigil

The effect of combining Provigil with alcohol has not been studied. It's considered wise to avoid alcohol while taking the drug.

If Provigil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Provigil with any of the following:

Antidepressants such as Effexor, Elavil, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, and Tofranil
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Diazepam (Valium)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Oral contraceptives and hormonal implants
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Rifampin (Rifater)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Warfarin (Coumadin)


Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The possibility of harmful effects during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Provigil is recommended during pregnancy only if the need for therapy outweighs the potential risk.

It is not known whether Provigil appears in breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant. Nursing mothers should use Provigil with caution and only when clearly needed.


Recommended dosage for Provigil

ADULTS


The usual dose of Provigil is 200 milligrams taken as a single dose in the morning.

CHILDREN


Not for children under 16.

OLDER ADULTS


People over 65 may need a lower dose if they have liver or kidney disease, which reduce the body's ability to metabolize this medication.


Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.



  • Symptoms of Provigil overdose may include:
    Aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, fluttering heartbeat, insomnia, irritability, nausea, nervousness, sleep disturbances, slow blood clotting, tremor


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 09-16-2005
Sun, 11-20-2005 - 4:52pm

Ok so if it is the Provigil, what other med could be in place of it??

I really need the "jump" i get from it to get going in the day. Expecially now that I am on weak OTC sleeping pills. I am not getting the sleep I need. I get to sleep around 3 in the morning, and unless something wakes me up, I'm asleep until 2 in the afternoon. I have tryed in the past to stay awake all night to get tired enough to go to sleep at a good time the next night, but all that does is make me cranky during the day, and come night I still can't sleep!!! I am soooo screwed up. I just don't know what to do. It was suggested that I have a sleep apnea test done, the dr office was supposed to order it and call me. I haven't heard from them yet about that.

As it was today, I have been up for about 50 minutes, and it is already half the day gone!!!!!! I can't function like this! My DD needs me up. She is ok, and old enough to be able to be up for an hour or so before me, but she has no motivation to do what needs to be done.

ARGHHHHHHH ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,
Diana