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Provigil (moe-DAF-i-nil) is used to help people who have narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hyponea, or shift work sleep disorder to stay awake during the day. Provigil does not cure these conditions and will only work as long as you continue to take it. Provigil is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S.)
Provigil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness) or shift work sleep disorder (sleepiness during scheduled waking hours and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during scheduled sleeping hours in people who work at night or on rotating shifts). Provigil is also used along with breathing devices or other treatments to prevent excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS; a sleep disorder in which the patient briefly stops breathing or breathes shallowly many times during sleep and therefore doesn't get enough restful sleep). Provigil is in a class of medications called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness. Provigil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. If you are taking Provigil to treat narcolepsy or OSAHS, you will probably take it in the morning. If you are taking Provigil to treat shift work sleep disorder, you will probably take it 1 hour before the beginning of your work shift. Take Provigil at the same time every day. Do not change the time of day that you take Provigil without talking to your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Provigil exactly as directed. Provigil may be habit forming. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you take more than your prescribed dose, you may find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Provigil may decrease your sleepiness, but it will not cure your sleep disorder. Continue to take Provigil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Provigil without talking to your doctor. Provigil should not be used in place of getting enough sleep. Follow your doctor's advice about good sleep habits. Continue to use any breathing devices or other treatments that your doctor has prescribed to treat your condition, especially if you have OSAHS. Brand names: - Modafinil - Provigil |