provigil..

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
provigil..
2
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 11:36am

any experiences with this med??

hi,

i have been taking paxil for about 6 years and do very well with bad weeks here and there.
i try to wean probably once a year due to tiredness/mind fog and the like. i always wind up with too much anxiety and never completely come off. i've accepted that i should stay on it!

anyway, when i would complain to pdoc about my minor effects he would suggest provigil, after a year i decided to try it. i just took 1/2 100mg........hoping it will help my mental fog. will work up to 200mg/daily per pdoc.
really not happy about taking one pill to offset another, but i really beleive my chemistry NEEDS a paxil.

thanks for any insight,
kris

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: basal1999
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 11:39am

one more thing, i have not smoked in 16 days!! this is my 4th attempt since nov.
sooo, there is ALOT of mental confusion going on right now!!

kris

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
In reply to: basal1999
Mon, 02-05-2007 - 11:52am




Hi, Kris! I am posting this info straight from the PDR on this med. As you can see, this is not a med generally associated with anxiety. I have not seen it discussed on the board. Hopefully, someone with experience will lend you their thoughts. I wish you the best of luck with this new med. Let us know how it works for you. Also, you are doing great as far as quitting smoking. That is awesome! I was a heavy smoker & after many attempts, I finally quit *cold turkey* & it stuck! You can do it! Just remind yourself of how much healthier you will be! Good luck on nicotine-free living! (((hugs))) jan
Brand name:
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 Provigil.

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 cause serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (blisters on the skin, mouth, and eyes) and erythema multiforme (a type of herpes that may cause bumps or blisters).

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 Provigil.


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

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