Quick a nutsell summary of the chapter
Artvigil is a branded formulation of armodafinil, a wakefulness-promoting medication. It is used in adults to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness associated with certain sleep disorders. It relieves symptoms but does not eliminate the underlying sleep disorder.
- Active substance: armodafinil
- Private tablet strengths commonly seen: 150 mg
- Frequent clinical uses: narcolepsy, residual sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea after primary therapy, and shift work sleep disorder
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Who benefits from this from armodafinil
Prescribers may consider armodafinil for adults when improving daytime alertness is a therapeutic goal. Normal indicators include:
- Narcolepsy, the disorder of excessive daytime sleepiness with disabling daytime sleepiness
- Persistent sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea despite appropriate use of CPAP or other airway therapies
- Shift work sleep disorder when sleepiness occurs at scheduled work times
Artvigil is not an an additional choice to healthy sleep habits. It is not recommended for use solely to boost cognition in healthy individuals or to delay sleep without clinical direction.
How to dose and take the medication
Always follow the dose and schedule given by your prescriber. Do not change dose or timing without consulting them.
- General approach: once daily dosing; may be taken with food or on an empty stomach; try to take at the same time each day for consistency.
- Narcolepsy, a disorder of sleep control or residual OSA sleepiness in adults: common dose range 150 mg to 250 mg each morning, adjusted by clinical judgement.
- Shift work sleep disorder in adults: a typical single dose is 150 mg about one hour before the start of the work shift.
Lower initial doses may be chosen for people with hepatic impairment. A clinician will usually reassess benefits and tolerability after a trial period, often up to 12 weeks, and may discontinue treatment if harms outweigh benefits.
If a morning dose causes difficulty falling asleep at night, discuss timing or dose adjustment with your prescriber rather than taking extra doses later in the day.
Safety: what to tell your clinician before starting
Give your clinician a full medical history and a list of all medicines, herbal products and supplements you use. Extra monitoring in real time or a different option care options may be needed if you have any of the following:
- Liver or renal disease
- High blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems or prior heart attack
- A current or past psychiatric disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis or severe anxiety
- A history of substance misuse or heavy alcohol intake
Discuss pregnancy plans and breastfeeding. Armodafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; use reliable non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for at least one month after stopping. Cast a glance at the the exchange that happens when people meets in the user journey shape satisfaction. section to learn more, visit our information page.
Until you know how this medicine affects you, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery. If your condition includes unpredictable sleep episodes, follow any driving advice from your clinician or the DVLA.
Cautions and conditions that preclude use to note
- Do not use armodafinil if you have had a serious hypersensitivity reaction or widespread rash to armodafinil, modafinil, Nuvigil, Provigil or any component of the tablet.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase the risk of unfavorable health effects.
- Do not use armodafinil to compensate for chronic insufficient sleep or to routinely push back normal sleep times without medical supervision.
Temporary effects and serious warning signs
Mild to moderate adverse events are more common and often settle after a few days to weeks:
- A i am suffering from a headache
- Difficulty falling asleep or insomnia
- Nausea
- Wooziness
Although uncommon, severe reactions can occur. Stop the medicine and seek urgent assessment or call NHS 111 if you notice any of the following:
- Rash on the skin, hives, blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth
- Fever combined with sore throat or red, painful eyes
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or glands
- Breathing problems, hoarseness or sudden shortness of breath
- Yellow discoloration of the skin or eyeballs, dark urine, unexplained flu-like symptoms or leg swelling
Severe skin reactions most commonly appear in the first one to five weeks of treatment. Do not restart armodafinil after a rash unless a clinician has confirmed it was not caused by the drug.
Drug the act of connecting with others effects
Armodafinil can alter liver enzyme activity alongside therefore affect the blood levels of many medicines. Always show your full medication list to any prescriber or pharmacist.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ketoconazole, itraconazole) may increase armodafinil concentrations.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (for example carbamazepine, rifampicin, Common St Johns wort) can reduce armodafinil effect.
- Drugs metabolised by CYP2C19 (for example omeprazole, diazepam, phenytoin) may have altered levels when given with armodafinil.
- Hormonal contraception (combined pills, patches, rings, some implants and IUDs) may be less reliable during treatment; use dependable non-hormonal contraception while taking armodafinil and for one month after stopping.
- Anticoagulants, including warfarin, are used to reduce clot risk. may need INR supervision and monitoring when armodafinil is started or stopped.
- Other central nervous system medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, antipsychotics, stimulants) can interact; discuss surveillance of system activity with your prescriber by your side.
If you are uncertain about an the exchange between people with a specific medicine, consult a GPhC-registered pharmacist or your prescriber before starting armodafinil.
When one dose is missed
If you forget to take the dose today and still expect to remain awake for several hours, take it as soon as you remember. If it is late in the day or near your usual bedtime, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule the next day. Do not double the next dose as a way to make up for a missed dose.
Medication non fatal overdose: quick actions
If someone has taken too much armodafinil, seek urgent medical attention. Attend the nearest emergency department or call 999. Signs of experiencing an overdose can include:
- Severe restlessness, agitation or inability to sleep
- Confused and disoriented, with potential hallucinations
- Nausea, vomiting or loose stools
- Chest pain or a fast, irregular heartbeat
- Severe anxiety or unusual excitability
Storage area network
Store tablets at normal room temperature, typically about 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F). Keep the medicine in its original packaging, protect from damp and heat, and store out of view and reach of children and pets.
Plan B options and a rough price reference guide in the UK
There are several broadened options to armodafinil for treating excessive daytime sleepiness. Below are approximate private cost bands in Great Britain pounds (GBP) for a month supply; these are illustrative and vary by supplier, dose and whether treatment is obtained via the NHS.
- Modafinil (generic, 100 mg): a common first-line option. Private costs for 30 x 100 mg usually range from about 25 to 60 GBP; branded Provigil can cost between 80 and 120 GBP.
- Armodafinil brands (for example Nuvigil or imported products such as Artvigil): some are unlicensed in the UK and may be supplied on named-patient or import bases. Private prices for 30 x 150 mg can be approximately 35 to 90 GBP or more depending on importation fees.
- Solriamfetol (Sunosi): licensed for narcolepsy and OSA-related sleepiness; private monthly costs typically sit around 150 to 250 GBP depending on dose.
- Pitolisant (Wakix): used for narcolepsy in certain patients; private monthly prices are often several hundred pounds, for example 200 to 500 GBP.
- Non-drug approaches: optimising CPAP for obstructive sleep apnea, weight reduction, positional measures or mandibular advancement devices can treat the underlying cause and may reduce or remove the need for wakefulness medications.
On the NHS, availability depends on local formularies and clinical eligibility. Prescription charges may apply unless you qualify for an exemption. Private prescribers and pharmacies set their own prices. Always verify current costs and how the product is supplied with a UK-registered pharmacy or prescriber before purchase.
The juridical status of the United Kingdom and rules for buying
- Prescription-only medicine: modafinil and armodafinil are classified as POMs in the UK. Supplying them without a valid prescription is an offence.
- Licensing: modafinil is licensed in the UK for narcolepsy; many armodafinil preparations, including some imported brands, are unlicensed here and may only be supplied on specialist or named-patient prescriptions.
- Purchasing online: only use pharmacies registered in the UK. A reputable online seller will be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, use a UK prescriber who assesses your health, and display verifiable contact details together with the MHRA distance selling logo.
- Personal importation: limited personal import may be allowed by the MHRA when supported by a valid prescription, but goods may be seized if they appear suspicious.
- Driving and licensing: do not drive if impaired by sleepiness or medication. People with narcolepsy may need to notify the DVLA and could face driving restrictions depending on symptom control.
- Anti-doping campaigns in sport: modafinil and armodafinil are banned in-competition under anti-doping rules. Athletes should consult UKAD and may need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
If uncertain, consult your GP, a sleep specialist or a GPhC-registered pharmacist. For urgent medical help outside normal hours call NHS 111.
Brief facts
- Timing for shift work: take about one hour before the work shift
- Administration: can be taken with or without food
- Contraception: use non-hormonal contraception while taking armodafinil and for one month after stopping
- Further reading: see not taking the dose plan and guidance and overdosed on pills related conduct
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