Nuvigil 150 mg

Nuvigil 150 mg is used to improve wakefulness in adults who are suffering with sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or shift work disorder (SWD). Armodafinil is its active ingredient. This is not a sleeping pill. It may help the sleepiness caused by these conditions, but it may not stop all your sleepiness because of stress, poor-quality sleep, and not getting enough sleep. While similar to stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, Nuvigil has a different chemical structure. Nuvigil belongs to the drug class called CNS stimulants.  

MECHANISM OF ACTION 

The mechanism of action of Nuvigil 150 mg is thought to involve dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibition. This medicine blocks DAT to increase dopamine levels in the brain. This stimulates the production of orexin neurons in the hypothalamus to stop sleepiness. It increases the levels of norepinephrine and histamine. Armodafinil also appears to enhance the activity of the norepinephrine system. This may increase the release of histamine in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in sleep-wake regulation.  

KEY FEATURES

USES

• Narcolepsy: This is a brain disorder that can make people fall asleep at any time.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This is a condition that causes breathing to repeatedly stop for short periods during sleep.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: This condition has typical sleep-wake patterns caused by working night, early morning, or rotating shifts.

DOSAGE

• The primary dose for OSA or narcolepsy is once a day in the morning. 
• The primary dose for SWD is once a day, taken approx. 1 hour before starting the work shift.  
• Dose can be varied because of the patient’s health condition. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

Common side effects are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sleep problems (insomnia)

Serious side effects are:

• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Multiorgan hypersensitivity
• Depression or thoughts of suicide
• Feeling anxious
• Aggressive behavior
• Seeing, hearing, feeling, or sensing things that are not really there. It is called hallucinations.
• An extreme increase in activity and talking. It is called mania.

INTERACTIONS 

• Nuvigil 150 mg interacts with birth control pills, Cyclosporine, Warfarin, CYP2C19 substrates (like diazepam, phenytoin, and omeprazole), amphetamines, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• This may interact with alcohol, energy drinks, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements. 
• It also interacts with chocolate, caffeine, and caffeine supplements. 

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

• Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant and breastfeeding. 
• This medicine is not for children. 
• Keep it away from children.
• Do not change the time of day you take Nuvigil 150 mg unless you have talked to your healthcare provider. 
• If you have an allergy to armodafinil, do not take it.
• If you see any side effect, stop it and immediately talk with your healthcare provider. 
• If you have heart/liver/kidney disease, do not take this. 
• Do not drive after taking this medicine.

CONCLUSION 

Armodafinil 150 mg is mainly used to manage excessive daytime sleepiness such as narcolepsy, OSA, and SWD. You may need to take a lower dose of armodafinil if your liver/kidney/heart is not working as well as it should be (you have to talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medicine). It is advised not to self-diagnose. It has some side effects, but these do not happen with all users. Side effects vary from user to user. 

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