Nuvigil is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed to improve wakefulness. Nuvigil contains the active drug armodafinil and belongs to the stimulant drug class.

Nuvigil improves wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by the following conditions:

Is Nuvigil a controlled substance?

Yes, Nuvigil is a controlled substance. It’s classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. A controlled substance is a drug the government regulates due to the risk of misuse and dependence. Schedule IV controlled substances have lower risks of misuse and dependence than drugs classified as schedule I, II, or III.

Misuse is when a drug is taken in a way or for a use that’s not prescribed by a doctor. Dependence can be physical or psychological. With physical dependence, your body relies on a drug to function as it typically would. With psychological dependence, it’s difficult to stop taking a drug. These drugs are described as being addictive.

To lower the risks of misuse and dependence, there are special rules for how controlled substances, such as Nuvigil, can be prescribed and dispensed. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Effectiveness

For information about the benefits and effectiveness of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil uses” section below.

Nuvigil is a brand-name drug that contains the active drug armodafinil. This active drug is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking the generic form of Nuvigil, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

Nuvigil can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Nuvigil. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Nuvigil, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Nuvigil. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Nuvigil’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Nuvigil can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Nuvigil, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Nuvigil aren’t common. However, they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

* For details about allergic reaction and Nuvigil, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Nuvigil. It’s not known how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare. However, it is possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Nuvigil, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Nuvigil dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Nuvigil to treat
  • your age
  • your liver function
  • other medical conditions you may have

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage schedule to fit your needs.

Drug forms

Nuvigil comes as an oral tablet.

Drug strengths (50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg)

Nuvigil comes in the following strengths:

  • 50 milligrams (mg)
  • 150 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 250 mg

Dosage for obstructive sleep apnea

For adults with excessive daytime sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea, the typical recommended dosage is 150 mg once per day. The dose should be taken in the morning.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage. This could be up to a maximum dosage of 250 mg once per day.

Dosage for narcolepsy

For adults with excessive daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy, the typical recommended dosage is 150 mg to 250 mg once per day. The dose should be taken in the morning.

Dosage for shift work disorder

For adults with excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorder, the typical recommended dosage is 150 mg once per day. The dose should be taken about 1 hour before the start of the work shift.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, it’s important to note that Nuvigil works by increasing wakefulness during your waking hours. So if it’s closer to your bedtime than your scheduled dose time, skip the dose. Then take your next dose at your typical time.

Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. And do not take extra doses to make up for missed doses. Doing this can cause dangerous side effects. (For more details, see the “Nuvigil side effects” section above.)

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to take this drug long term?

For excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, you may need to take Nuvigil as a long-term treatment. However, for excessive sleepiness due to shift work, you may only need to take Nuvigil for as long as you continue the shift work that causes your sleep problems.

Talk with your doctor about how long you should take Nuvigil.

For more details about Nuvigil’s dosage, you can refer to this article.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Nuvigil, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other drugs like Nuvigil that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are prescribed off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for obstructive sleep apnea

Examples of other drugs that may be taken to treat excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea include:

Alternatives for narcolepsy

Examples of other drugs that may be taken to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy include:

Alternatives for shift work disorder

An example of another drug that may be used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by shift work disorder is modafinil (Provigil).

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Nuvigil.

Is Nuvigil prescribed for depression? If so, what’s the typical dosage for this use?

Nuvigil is not approved* by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. However, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label to treat depression when antidepressants don’t fully treat the condition. (With off-label drug use, an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)

Some research shows that Nuvigil may help reduce the symptoms of depression, including fatigue or sleepiness associated with depression.

Since Nuvigil isn’t approved for depression, there’s no recommended dosage for this condition. If you’re interested in taking Nuvigil for depression, talk with your doctor.

* For more details about the FDA-approved uses of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil uses” section below.

Does Nuvigil cause long-term side effects?

It’s not likely for Nuvigil to cause long-term side effects. Most of Nuvigil’s side effects* ease as you continue taking the drug or soon after you stop treatment. However, the drug may rarely cause severe skin reactions. In rare cases, skin reactions might leave long lasting or permanent scars or cause disability.

Taking Nuvigil for long periods of time isn’t known to increase your risk of side effects. However, it may increase your risk of developing physical or psychological dependence on the drug. To learn more about this, see the “Nuvigil withdrawal and dependence” section below. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For details about Nuvigil’s side effects, see the “Nuvigil side effects” section above.

Will I take Nuvigil twice a day?

No, you won’t take Nuvigil twice a day. Nuvigil is meant to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness due to certain conditions.* So taking Nuvigil more than once per day may cause trouble sleeping.

For excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea, you’ll take Nuvigil once per day in the morning. For excessive sleepiness caused by shift work, you’ll take Nuvigil once per day, about 1 hour before your shift.

If you have questions about how often you’ll take Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more details about the FDA-approved uses of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil uses” section below.

Can Nuvigil be taken to treat chronic fatigue?

Nuvigil isn’t FDA-approved to treat chronic fatigue (ongoing low energy).

Chronic fatigue can be associated with many medical conditions, including cancer, menopause, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Nuvigil is approved to increase wakefulness in people with excessive sleepiness caused by certain sleep disorders.* However, it’s not known whether the drug is safe or effective for treating chronic fatigue.

Doctors might sometimes prescribe Nuvigil off-label for chronic fatigue. However, more research is needed to determine whether the drug can help with this problem.

If you have chronic fatigue, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best treatment options for you.

* For more details about the FDA-approved uses of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil uses” section below.

As with all medications, the cost of Nuvigil can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Nuvigil. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Nuvigil, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Nuvigil, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Nuvigil, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A prescription savings program is available for Nuvigil. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 833-378-7362 or view this program brochure.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, view this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Nuvigil may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. However, since Nuvigil is a controlled substance,* this option may not be available in all areas.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Nuvigil, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

* For more details about controlled substances, see “Is Nuvigil a controlled substance?” at the “beginning of the article.

Generic version

Nuvigil is available in a generic form called armodafinil. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of armodafinil compares with the cost of Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed Nuvigil and you’re interested in taking armodafinil instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Nuvigil treats excessive sleepiness caused by:

These conditions disrupt your typical sleep patterns, so you don’t get enough restful sleep. This makes you feel sleepy when you would typically be awake.

Nuvigil is a stimulant medication that works in your brain to increase wakefulness and reduce sleepiness. The exact way it increases wakefulness isn’t fully understood.

However, it’s thought that it enhances the activity of certain chemical messengers in your brain, such as dopamine. This may stimulate activity in the parts of your brain that control sleep and wakefulness. And this may make you feel more awake and alert, and less tired.

If you have questions about how Nuvigil works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How long does it take to work? And how long do its effects last?

If you take Nuvigil on an empty stomach, it’ll typically start working within 1 to 2 hours. However, if you take it with or after food, it may take slightly longer to start working.

How long Nuvigil lasts may vary from person to person. Based on the drug’s typical drug dosages, Nuvigil is meant to last for about a day.

Nuvigil has a half-life of about 15 hours. A drug’s half-life is the length of time it takes for half a dose to be removed from your body. So it would take 60 to 75 hours for Nuvigil to clear from your body once you stop taking the medication.

If you’re concerned about how long Nuvigil takes to work and how long its effects last, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Nuvigil to treat certain conditions. Nuvigil may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Nuvigil for obstructive sleep apnea

Nuvigil is FDA-approved to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

OSA explained

OSA is a condition that causes your breathing to stop repeatedly for short periods during sleep. This happens because your airway becomes temporarily blocked. The blockage may be due to various factors that can temporarily close your airway during sleep. Examples of these include swollen tonsils, nasal congestion, and excessive fat stores around your airway.

With OSA, your breathing problems stop you from getting a restful night’s sleep. This can make you feel tired and sleepy during the day.

Symptoms of OSA can include:

  • your breathing stopping for short periods while you’re sleeping
  • gasping or choking sensations when your breathing starts again
  • loud snoring
  • waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
  • feeling unrested after sleep
  • feeling excessively sleepy during the day
  • headache
  • trouble concentrating

OSA is typically managed with physical treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. CPAP therapy keeps your airway open at night by gently providing a constant stream of pressurized air through a mask.

Other treatments include oral devices that hold your jaw in a position to keep your airway open while sleeping. Surgery may also be recommended to remove enlarged tissue near airways.

If physical treatments don’t reduce excessive daytime sleepiness, your doctor may recommend Nuvigil. Nuvigil is a stimulant medication that helps you stay awake during the day. However, it doesn’t cure the main breathing problem that’s disrupting your sleep.

You can learn more about your condition in our hub, the science of sleep.

Effectiveness OSA

Nuvigil is an effective treatment for improving wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by OSA. To find out how the medication performed in clinical trials, see Nuvigil’s prescribing information.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends modafinil (Provigil) for people with OSA who still have excessive sleepiness when using CPAP therapy. Nuvigil is a very similar drug to Provigil. However, Provigil contains a mixture of two structures of the same chemical, while Nuvigil contains just one structure.

Nuvigil for narcolepsy

Nuvigil is FDA-approved to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy.

Narcolepsy explained

Narcolepsy is a long-term condition in which your brain can’t control your sleep-wake patterns. This causes “sleep attacks,” where you suddenly, unexpectedly, and uncontrollably fall asleep during times when you would typically be awake.

Symptoms of narcolepsy can include:

  • disrupted sleep patterns at night, such as dreaming excessively and waking up a lot at night
  • feeling excessively sleepy during the day
  • suddenly falling asleep at any time without warning
  • vivid dreams or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) when falling asleep or waking up
  • sleep paralysis (being unable to move while falling asleep or waking up)
  • cataplexy (sudden temporary muscle weakness in your neck or limbs that can make you collapse)

Nuvigil is a stimulant medication that helps you stay awake during the day. However, it doesn’t cure the underlying cause of your narcolepsy.

You can learn more about your condition in our hub, the science of sleep.

Effectiveness for narcolepsy

Nuvigil is an effective treatment for improving wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy. To find out how the medication performed in clinical trials, see Nuvigil’s prescribing information.

Nuvigil is often one of the first medications doctors recommend for treating excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy.

Nuvigil for shift work disorder

Nuvigil is FDA-approved to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by shift work disorder.

Shift work disorder explained

Shift work disorder is a sleep disorder caused by working night, early morning, or rotating shifts. With shift work, you may need to sleep at unusual times, such as during the day. This can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake patterns. You may have trouble sleeping when you need to. As a result, you may feel excessively sleepy during your shift.

Symptoms of shift work disorder can include:

  • trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • feeling unrested after sleep
  • feeling excessively sleepy during your working hours
  • tiredness and low energy
  • trouble concentrating
  • headache
  • irritability
  • low mood

Treating shift work disorder typically involves trying various methods to help improve your sleep. These may include improving your sleep hygiene or avoiding caffeine and other stimulants.

However, if you still have excessive sleepiness when you need to be awake, your doctor may recommend Nuvigil. The drug is a stimulant that you can take before your shift to improve wakefulness and alertness. However, it doesn’t cure the main sleep disorder.

You can learn more about your condition in our hub, the science of sleep.

Effectiveness for shift work disorder

Nuvigil is an effective treatment for improving wakefulness in adults with excessive sleepiness caused by shift work disorder. To find out how the medication performed in clinical trials, see Nuvigil’s prescribing information.

Nuvigil and children

Nuvigil is not approved for use in children. It’s not known whether the drug is safe or effective in children.

If you drink alcohol, you should not drink it during Nuvigil treatment. It’s not known how alcohol may interact with Nuvigil.

Also, alcohol can make you sleepy, so it may reduce the effects of Nuvigil. Nuvigil is taken to increase wakefulness. (For more details about the approved uses of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil uses” section above.)

You may wonder how Nuvigil compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. To find out how Nuvigil compares with Provigil, see this article.

Nuvigil can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Nuvigil precautions” section below.

Nuvigil and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Nuvigil. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Nuvigil.

Before taking Nuvigil, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with Nuvigil include:

  • Hormonal birth control. Taking Nuvigil with hormonal forms of birth control, such as the pill or patch, can make the birth control less effective. Your doctor may recommend using a backup or different form of birth control while taking Nuvigil. And they’ll recommend this for 1 month after you stop Nuvigil treatment.
  • CYP3A4 substrates. CYP3A4 substrates are drugs that are broken down by an enzyme (a type of protein) in your liver called CYP3A4. Nuvigil increases the action of this enzyme. Taking Nuvigil with drugs that are CYP3A4 substrates can make these drugs less effective. Examples of these drugs include:
  • CYP2C19 substrates. CYP2C19 substrates are drugs that are broken down by a liver enzyme called CYP2C19. Nuvigil slows down the action of this enzyme. So taking Nuvigil with drugs that are CYP2C19 substrates can make these drugs build up in your body. This could increase the risk of their side effects. Examples of these drugs include:
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs include certain drugs used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease. Taking Nuvigil with MAOIs hasn’t been studied. However, it may cause dangerous side effects, such as very high blood pressure. Your doctor will likely not prescribe Nuvigil with an MAOI or if you’ve taken one in the last 14 days. Examples of these drugs include:
    • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
    • linezolid (Zyvox)
    • phenelzine (Nardil)
    • selegiline (Eldepryl)
    • tranylcypromine (Parnate)
  • Warfarin (Jantoven). Warfarin is a blood thinner used to treat and help prevent blood clots. Taking Nuvigil with warfarin may change warfarin’s blood-thinning effect. Your doctor will likely monitor your blood clotting time more frequently if you take these drugs together.
  • Other stimulants. Nuvigil is a stimulant drug. Taking it with other stimulants could increase the risk of side effects* such as nervousness and trouble sleeping. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Nuvigil with other stimulants. Examples of these drugs include:
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL). Bupropion is an antidepressant drug. Taking Nuvigil with bupropion may increase the risk of seizures.

* For details about the side effects of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil side effects” section above.

Nuvigil and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Nuvigil. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Nuvigil.

Nuvigil and foods

Nuvigil can interact with caffeine. Nuvigil and caffeine are both stimulants. So taking Nuvigil with foods or drinks that contain caffeine may increase your risk of certain side effects. These include trouble sleeping, irritability, nervousness, and others.

Examples of foods and drinks that contain caffeine include:

  • tea, including green tea
  • coffee
  • cola
  • energy drinks
  • chocolate

Your doctor may recommend limiting your caffeine intake or avoiding caffeine altogether during Nuvigil treatment.

If you have any questions about consuming other foods or drinks with Nuvigil, talk with your doctor.

You should take Nuvigil according to the instructions your doctor gives you. They’ll advise the best way to take Nuvigil.

Nuvigil comes as a tablet that you swallow.

When to take

For excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy or sleep apnea, you’ll take your dose of Nuvigil in the morning.

For excessive sleepiness due to shift work disorder, you’ll take your dose of Nuvigil about 1 hour before starting your work shift.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist whether they can put Nuvigil in an easy-open container. They also may be able to recommend tools that can make it simpler to open lids.

Taking Nuvigil with food

You can take Nuvigil either with or without food. Keep in mind that the drug may take slightly longer to start working if you take it with food.

Note: Taking Nuvigil with foods or drinks that contain caffeine may increase your risk of certain side effects. For more details, see the “Nuvigil interactions” section above.

Can Nuvigil be crushed, split, or chewed?

Nuvigil tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. This may be easier if you take them with a non-caffeinated drink.

The manufacturer doesn’t give advice on whether Nuvigil can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

It’s possible to become physically dependent on Nuvigil, especially if you take it for long periods of time.

With physical dependence, your body relies on a drug to function as it typically would. As a result, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking the drug. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Suddenly stopping Nuvigil if you’ve been taking it for a long time may cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

Withdrawal symptoms can often be avoided by slowly stopping Nuvigil treatment. If you want to stop taking Nuvigil, your doctor will typically recommend gradually reducing your dosage over time. Talk with your doctor about how to do this.

It’s also possible to become psychologically dependent on Nuvigil. However, the risk of this occurring is low. With psychological dependence, you rely on the effects of the drug to feel as you typically would. So you may feel unable to stop taking the drug.

You’re more likely to develop psychological dependence if you misuse Nuvigil. With misuse, you take a drug in a way that’s not prescribed by your doctor. This includes taking higher doses than your doctor prescribes.

If you have concerns about withdrawal and dependence while taking Nuvigil, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

It’s not known whether Nuvigil is safe to take during pregnancy. The drug hasn’t been studied in people who are pregnant. Slow fetal growth and pregnancy loss have been reported in pregnant people who took Nuvigil during pregnancy. However, it’s not known for sure whether Nuvigil was the cause.

In animal studies, Nuvigil had some harmful effects on the fetus when given to pregnant animals. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risk and benefits of taking Nuvigil. If you decide to take Nuvigil during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend you sign up for the pregnancy registry for this drug. This registry records health information about pregnant people who take Nuvigil and their children. To find out more, talk with your doctor or call 866-404-4106.

It’s not known whether Nuvigil is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Nuvigil.

It’s important to note that Nuvigil can make hormonal birth control less effective at preventing pregnancy.* (Hormonal forms of birth control include birth control pills, patches, implants, injections, and vaginal rings.)

Your doctor may recommend using a backup or different nonhormonal form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking Nuvigil. You should also use this for 1 month after stopping Nuvigil.

For more information about taking Nuvigil during pregnancy, see the “Nuvigil and pregnancy” section above.

* For more details about Nuvigil and interactions with birth control, see the “Nuvigil interactions” section above.

It’s not known whether Nuvigil can pass into breast milk or whether it can affect a child who’s breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while taking Nuvigil.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are known as drug-condition interactions.

Before taking Nuvigil, talk with your doctor about your health history. Nuvigil may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nuvigil or any of its ingredients, or to a very similar drug called modafinil (Provigil), your doctor will likely not prescribe Nuvigil. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
  • Mental health problems. Nuvigil may rarely cause mental health side effects, such as depression or anxiety. If you’ve ever had a mental health problem, such as depression, mania, or psychosis, you may have an increased risk of these side effects. Talk with your doctor about whether Nuvigil is right for you.
  • Past drug or alcohol misuse or dependence. Nuvigil is a stimulant drug that has risks of misuse and dependence. Although these risks are low with Nuvigil, you may have an increased risk if you’ve misused or been dependent on alcohol or drugs in the past. Talk with your doctor about whether Nuvigil is right for you. You can also refer to the “Nuvigil withdrawal and dependence” section above.
  • Liver or kidney problems. Your liver and kidneys are responsible for breaking down and removing Nuvigil from the body. If you have liver or kidney problems, Nuvigil could build up in your body. This could raise your risk of side effects. Due to this risk, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Nuvigil that’s lower than is typical.
  • Heart problems. Nuvigil may rarely cause heart-related side effects such as chest pain and irregular heart rhythm. If you have a heart problem, talk with your doctor about whether Nuvigil is right for you.
  • High blood pressure. Nuvigil may increase your blood pressure in rare cases. If you already have high blood pressure, your doctor may check your blood pressure more often than is typical while you take Nuvigil.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known whether Nuvigil is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Nuvigil and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Nuvigil can pass into breast milk. For more details, see the “Nuvigil and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil side effects” section above.

Driving warning

Nuvigil reduces sleepiness. However, it might not increase your wakefulness and alertness to your typical levels. Also, Nuvigil might make you feel dizzy. So you should not drive or operate machines until you know how Nuvigil affects you and you are sure you can do such activities safely.

If you have concerns about driving while taking Nuvigil, talk with your doctor.

Taking more than the recommended dosage of Nuvigil can lead to serious side effects. Do not take more Nuvigil than your doctor recommends. (For information on the recommended dosages of Nuvigil, see the “Nuvigil dosage” section above.)

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • fast or slow heart rate
  • shortness of breath
  • trouble sleeping
  • restlessness
  • feeling confused or disoriented
  • anxiety
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • chest pain
  • increased blood pressure
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Nuvigil from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid taking expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist about how to properly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to take can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Nuvigil tablets should be stored at room temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C) in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Nuvigil is a controlled substance that has a risk of misuse. For more information, see “Is Nuvigil a controlled substance?” at the beginning of the article. You should keep Nuvigil in a safe place to help prevent its misuse by people it’s not been prescribed for.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Nuvigil and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Nuvigil Images