Artvigil 150 mg

How does it Work?

Artvigil 150mg contains armodafinil. It belongs to the group of most common stimulants. Stimulants are the kind of medicine that can make a person feel more awake and alert.

The medicine works by decreasing the reabsorption of dopamine into nerves. Dopamine is a chemical messenger. Nerves use dopamine to send messages (signals) between the brain and body. Dopamine plays an important role in controlling sleep, mood, learning and focus. Armodafinil increases the level of dopamine in the brain. This improves wakefulness, alertness and performance in sleep-deprived patients. It helps manage excessive daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy.

Uses

• Narcolepsy

A disorder that makes people extremely sleepy or drowsy during the day

• Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)

A breathing disorder that affects the upper airway during sleep

• Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD)

A sleep disorder that affects people who work at night or often rotate shifts

Recommended Dose

Take 1 Artvigil 150mg tablet orally, an hour before the work shift begins. You can take it with or without food as directed by your physician. For treatment of narcolepsy or OSAHS, you’ll probably be advised to take it in the morning. Make sure to take your doses at regular prescribed intervals.

The dosage depends on your condition and how well your body responds to the treatment.

Missed Dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, leave out the missed dose. Continue with your next doses as usual. Do not take 2 doses or extra doses at the same time. Do not change, start, or stop the doses without consulting a doctor.

Overdose

Like any medication, armodafinil should not be taken in excess. Some symptoms of overdose can be a fast/uneven heartbeat, restlessness, etc. It can also cause serious symptoms such as fainting or trouble breathing. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention at once.

Side Effects

Some common side effects of armodafinil include:

• dizziness
• stuffy nose
• nervousness
• stomach upset
• aggression
• headache
• heart palpitations
• rash
• dry mouth
• loss of appetite
• agitation

In rare cases, severe side effects may occur. Stop taking the medicine and get medical help if you experience any serious symptoms including:

• depression or anxiety
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• shortness of breath
• trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• chest pain
• skin rash
• hives
• swelling of face, itching

This is not a complete list of side effects that may occur. Consult your doctor for further information.

Safety Advice

• Artvigil 150mg is generally safe when taken as prescribed.
• Tell your doctor if you have or had:

1. depression or other mental disorder
2. heart problems
3. hypertension
4. psychiatric disorders
5. liver problems
6. kidney dysfunction
7. seizure disorders
8. or any other health conditions

• Also let them know if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Do not take the medicine if you’re intolerant to armodafinil.
• Learn about potential drug interactions including the ones listed above.
• Call your doctor if any side effects bother you.
• Artvigil may make you feel drowsy or affect your vision. Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery whilst on this drug.
• Do not take Artvigil 150mg more often than directed. Not taking more than your recommended dose can protect you against side effects.

Drug Interactions

Artvigil 150mg may interact with certain other medications. This may change the way this drug works and increase the risk of side effects. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking:

• prescription drugs
• over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• vitamins
• herbs or any other supplement

Possible interactions with Artvigil 150mg may include:

• other stimulant medications such as amphetamine or pemoline
• other medications to treat sleep problems like triazolam
• MAO Inhibitor medicines used for depression e.g., Nardil, Parnate, or Marplan
• antifungal medicines like itraconazole or ketoconazole
• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• birth control pills
• chemotherapy medications like carbamazepine
• immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders like diazepam
• seizure medications like phenytoin
• beta-blockers like propranolol
• blood thinners like warfarin

This is not an all-inclusive list of drug interactions. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the medications you take.

Storage

• Store Artvigil 150mg at room temperature.
• Do not leave the pills in warm or humid places. Avoid storing them in the bathroom cabinet or near a sink. Heat, air, and steam can spoil the medicine.
• Do not repack the medicine. Store it in the original packaging until you consume it.
• Place the medicines in a locked cabinet where children and pets cannot reach.
• Do not take medicines that have expired. Even if you have bought it recently, check the label. If you’ve taken expired pills by mistake, inform your doctor.
• Discard any pills that have gone past their expiry date. Follow your local regulations and laws for their safe disposal.

FAQs

1. What does Artvigil 150mg do to you?

   Artvigil 150mg contains armodafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent. It works by altering certain chemicals in the brain that control sleep, helping people with narcolepsy or other sleep disorders stay awake.

2. Is Artvigil 150mg a stimulant?

   Artvigil contains armodafinil, which is a wakefulness-promoting agent that stimulates the brain to stay alert and awake.

3. How many hours does Artvigil 150mg last?

   You can expect Artvigil 150mg to last for about 15 hours.

4. Is Artvigil 150mg safer than modafinil?

   There are no studies confirming that one is more effective or safer than the other. Both medications are generally safe for patients with sleep disorders.

5. Can Artvigil 150mg help ADHD?

   Research shows that armodafinil can increase focus, but more data is needed to confirm its effects on patients with ADHD.

6. What to avoid when taking Artvigil 150mg?

   Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol and beverages with caffeine (coffee, tea, colas). Do not use any other medicines that may interfere with your response to it.

7. Does Artvigil 150mg increase dopamine?

   Artvigil may inhibit the reuptake of dopamine, leading to increased dopamine levels in some areas of the brain. The exact mechanism is still unknown.

8. Can Artvigil 150mg cause depression?

   It may cause agitation or unusual behavior, and in rare cases, patients may think about harming themselves. It can increase symptoms of depression and mania. If you notice any such changes, inform a healthcare provider right away.

9. How much armodafinil can I take?

   Patients are generally advised to take 150-250 mg once a day.

10. Does Artvigil 150mg give you energy?

    Artvigil is used to reduce excessive sleepiness. A good diet and exercise can help increase your energy levels.

References

• Garnock-Jones KP, Dhillon S, Scott LJ. Armodafinil. CNS Drugs. 2009 Sep;23(9):793-803. doi: 10.2165/11203290-000000000-00000. PMID: 19689169. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11203290-000000000-00000
• Bogan RK. Armodafinil in the treatment of excessive sleepiness. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2010 Apr;11(6):993-1002. doi: 10.1517/14656561003705738. PMID: 20307223. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1517/14656561003705738?journalCode=ieop20
• Chapman JL, Vakulin A, Hedner J, Yee BJ, Marshall NS. Modafinil/armodafinil in obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir J. 2016 May;47(5):1420-8. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01509-2015. Epub 2016 Feb 4. PMID: 26846828. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/47/5/1420
• Nishino S, Okuro M. Armodafinil for excessive daytime sleepiness. Drugs Today (Barc). 2008 Jun;44(6):395-414. doi: 10.1358/dot.2008.44.6.1195861. PMID: 18596995.
• Ghaffari N, Robertson PA. Caution in Prescribing Modafinil and Armodafinil to Individuals Who Could Become Pregnant. JAMA Intern Med. 2021 Feb 1;181(2):277-278. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.4206. PMID: 33074296. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/2771814