Nuvigil Side Effects

Severe side effects of Nuvigil

• Extreme fits of anger or rage.
• Severe rash or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is due to an infection or allergic reaction.  If this occurs, it is advised to discontinue taking Nuvigil.
• Allergic reactions including hives, blisters, facial swelling, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and dark colored urine.
• Heart problems including abnormal heart beat and chest pains.

Common side effects of Nuvigil

• Gastrointestinal side effects include nausea or indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Nervous system side effects include headaches and migraines, lack of focus, and vertigo.
• Mental side effects include depression, anxiety, nervous spells, restlessness or insomnia, and increased agitation or anger.

Warnings & Recalls for Nuvigil

Recalls

Warnings

• If the patient has renal or hepatic impairment, Nuvigil should be administered at a lower dose than the normal recommended amount.
• Nuvigil is a pregnancy category class C drug and may be harmful to take during pregnancy.  Animal studies revealed an increased occurrence of birth defects and miscarriages in rabbits and rats.  Nuvigil may also decrease birth control (hormonal contraceptives) effectiveness.  The medication may also pass through breast milk during breastfeeding.
• The patient should wait to see how the medicine affects him before operating dangerous machinery or undergoing hazardous tasks.
• Nuvigil may be addictive in some patients and therefore has potential for abuse.  Patients should be monitored for signs of drug abuse and dependence.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Nuvigil.
• Nuvigil may not be safe for those under 17 years of age.

Nuvigil Treatment and Use

Nuvigil | armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent prescribed for sleep problems such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and disruptions that occur in the sleep cycle, such as shift work disorder, narcolepsy, or sleep apnea.  Nuvigil has a stimulant-like effect and generally helps patients stay alert and awake.  Nuvigil is manufactured by Cephalon, Inc.

How does Nuvigil work?

Nuvigils exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is thought to stimulate the central nervous system to help patients achieve wakefulness.  The effect is similar to amphetamines, however, Nuvigil activates neurons in the hypothalamus.

Recommended Dosage

Nuvigil comes in 50 mg,  150 mg, and 250 mg tablets.  The initial dose is 150 mg once a day in the morning, or one hour before a workshift.  If needed, the dose may be increased up to 250 mg a day.

Other Names for Nuvigil

Brand name:

• Nuvigil

Generic

• armodafinil

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Nuvigil