What is Provigil used for?  

Provigil is used to improve wakefulness in people who have:

·        excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.

·        stopped breathing while sleeping or have difficulty breathing while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome)

·        shift work sleep disorder

General Precautions with Provigil:

Provigil can decrease the effectiveness of certain contraceptives including birth control pills and implantable contraceptives.  If you are using these types of contraceptives while taking Provigil and for 1 month after you stop treatment with Provigil you should either use:

·        an alternate birth control method, or

·        another effective birth control method together with your current contraceptive.

Doses of your other medications may need to be adjusted or you may have to be monitored more closely.

Do not drive or operate other complex machinery until you know how Provigil affects your ability to function.

Avoid alcohol.

Call your health care provider if you develop a skin rash, hives, or any other allergic reactions.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you:

• have any heart conditions (including valve problems, irregular heart beat, recent heart attack, or unstable chest pain)
• have a history of mental illness
• have liver problems
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

Review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription, because certain other medications can interact with Provigil.

What are some possible side effects of Provigil? (This is not  a complete list of side effects reported with Provigil. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

• headache
• infection
• nausea
• nervousness
• feeling anxious
• trouble sleeping

For more detailed information about Provigil, ask your health care provider.

Date Posted: 2/23/99
Revised: 11/16/00, 5/26/04