Armodafinil Tablets

Armodafinil, sold under the brand name Nuvigil, is a prescription medication known as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by certain sleep disorders.

Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil, which means it is a purer form of the same compound. While the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is believed to work by affecting levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. It is thought to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, leading to increased levels of this neurotransmitter in some brain regions. This action is similar to other central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, but its overall pharmacological profile is distinct, as it is not considered to be as addictive as traditional stimulants like amphetamines.

Armodafinil is prescribed to improve wakefulness in adults with:

• Narcolepsy: A chronic sleep disorder characterized by an uncontrollable desire to sleep and sudden attacks of sleep.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. It is important to note that armodafinil is used to treat the symptom of excessive sleepiness, not the underlying cause of OSA, and it should not be used as a replacement for other treatments like a CPAP machine.

• Shift Work Disorder (SWD): A sleep disorder that affects people who work at night or on rotating shifts, causing sleepiness during their work hours and difficulty sleeping during their off-hours.

The dosage of armodafinil varies depending on the condition being treated:

• For Narcolepsy and OSA: The typical dose is 150 mg to 250 mg, taken once a day in the morning.

• For SWD: The typical dose is 150 mg, taken about one hour before the start of the work shift.

The tablets can be taken with or without food.

Common side effects of armodafinil include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

• Anxiety

• Dry mouth

Serious, but less common, side effects can occur, and if you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Serious Skin Reactions: A rash, blisters, or peeling skin, which could be signs of a life-threatening condition like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

• Cardiovascular Events: Chest pain, palpitations, or a sudden increase in blood pressure.

• Mental or Psychiatric Symptoms: Depression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, or unusual agitation.

• Dependence: Armodafinil has a low potential for abuse and dependence, but it is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. Do not take a larger dose or take it more often than prescribed.

• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, as armodafinil can interact with various drugs, including hormonal contraceptives (making them less effective), blood thinners, and certain antidepressants.

• Medical Conditions: Armodafinil should be used with caution in individuals with a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or mental health issues such as psychosis, mania, or depression.

• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medication may not eliminate all sleepiness. Until you know how it affects you, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking armodafinil, as it can increase the risk of side effects.