What is Armodafinil?
Armodafinil is a drug that helps to increase the state of being awake.Armodafinil can be used to treat insomnia that is caused by sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or shift sleep disorder.Armodafinil can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Armodafinil
Seek medical attention immediately when you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of your throat or face) or an intense skin reaction (fever and burning sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, and the skin is red or purple, which spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling).Skin rashes that are severe enough to require hospitalisation have been reported in patients taking the same medication as armodafinil. These rashes are usually seen in the first five weeks after the initial dose.Stop taking armodafinil, and consult your doctor the moment you see the first signs of a skin rash, regardless of how small you believe it is.Get medical attention for symptoms of a severe drug reaction that may affect multiple areas of your body. The signs could include the appearance of a rash on your skin and fever, swelling of the glands, influenza-like symptoms, uncommon bruising, as well as jaundice (yellowing of your eyes or skin).
Armodafinil may cause serious side effects. Stop taking armodafinil immediately and consult your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Bleeding, intense tingling tenderness, numbness, weakness
- Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
- Blisters or skin sores;
- Mouth sores, difficulty swallowing;
- Chest pain, uneven heart beats,
- Depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and aggression. Unusual thoughts or suicidal ideas.
Common adverse effects of armodafinil could include:
- Headache, dizziness;
- Nausea;
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
This list does not constitute an exhaustive compilation of side effects associated with medication therapy. Others could happen. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Wakix, Xywav, Lumryz, Adderall, methylphenidate, Ritalin, and Concerta
Warnings
It is not recommended to use armodafinil in the event that you've ever experienced an allergic reaction or rash caused by armodafinil or modafinil (Provigil).Stop taking armodafinil and consult your doctor if you experience an allergic skin reaction, however mild. Other indicators of a serious reaction are swelling of your tongue or face, mouth sores, difficulty breathing, swelling of your legs, a yellowing of your eyes or skin, as well as a skin rash and blistering sores.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to use this medication if you have an allergy to armodafinil and modafinil (Provigil).
To ensure that armodafinil is safe for you, inform your doctor if you've previously had:
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- A heart muscle or valve issue like a mitral valve prolapse;
- High blood pressure, heart disease, or an earlier coronary artery disease
- Mental illness, or psychosis mental illness or psychosis
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs.
It is unclear if armodafinil can harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.Utilise a barrier type of birth control (condom or diaphragm that contains spermicide). Contraception with hormones (birth control pills, injections, implants, patches for the skin, and vaginal rings) is not always effective enough to avoid pregnancy during treatment.It is unclear if armodafinil is absorbed into breast milk or whether it can affect nursing infants. Informing a physician of your breastfeeding status is vitally important.Armodafinil is not permitted for use by anyone less than 17 years old.
How to take Armodafinil?
Follow the directions on the prescription label. Don't take armodafinil in greater or lesser quantities or for longer than prescribed.Armodafinil could be addictive. Do not share armodafinil with anyone else, particularly someone who has a history or background of substance abuse or addiction. Selling or giving armodafinil away is a violation of the law.Check all information about your patient, such as medication guides and instructions sheets that you receive. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for assistance if you have concerns.Armodafinil is typically taken every morning to avoid sleepiness during the day, at least 1 hour prior to the beginning of a shift, to treat sleep problems.Armodafinil can be taken in combination with food or not.Armodafinil is typically prescribed for 12 to 12 weeks. Follow the instructions of your physician.If you're using armodafinil to treat insomnia caused by sleep apnea with obstruction, it is possible to be treated using an airway continuous pressure (CPAP) machine. This is a pump that is connected to a mask that gently blows pressurised air through your nose while lying down. The machine does not breathe for you; however, the gentle force of air keeps your airway open and prevents obstruction.Don't discontinue using the CPAP machine while you sleep unless your physician tells you to. Combining treatment using CPAP and armodafinil might be needed to help cure your condition.The use of this medication should not interfere with sleeping enough. Consult your physician when you are experiencing an excessive amount of sleepiness despite taking armodafinil. Armodafinil is not able to treat sleep apnea with obstruction or address its root causes. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding all other treatments for this condition.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.Make sure you keep track of your medication. Armodafinil is a substance of abuse, and you must be aware if someone is taking your medication improperly or without a prescription.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy:
150 to 250 mg taken orally every day in the morning
Comments:
In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dosages of up to 250 mg/day are well-tolerated; however, there isn't any conclusive evidence of any additional benefits beyond 150 mg/day.
This drug does not treat the obstruction that causes OSA.
In the event that constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) will be your preferred treatment to treat excessive insomnia, the maximum effort to treat it with CPAP for a sufficient duration of time must be taken prior to the start of the medication.
utilised to improve the quality of wakefulness for patients suffering from excessive sleepiness caused by OSA and narcolepsy.
Usual Adult Dose for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome:
150-250 mg taken every day, taken orally in the morning
Comments:
In the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), dosages as high as 250 mg/day have been tolerated; however, there isn't any consistent evidence that suggests additional benefits over that 150 mg/day.
It is not a cure for the cause of obstruction in OSA.
In cases where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) will be your best treatment option in the case of excessive sleeping, the maximum effort to treat the problem with CPAP for a suitable amount of time should be considered prior to the initiation of the medication.
Benefits: Improves the quality of wakefulness for patients suffering from excessive sleepiness caused by OSA and narcolepsy.
Usual Adult Dose of Shift Work Sleep Disorder Medication:
150 mg once orally, every day for approximately half an hour before the commencement of the work shift.
Use: To improve the quality of wakefulness in patients who have excessive sleepiness caused by shift work disorders.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not miss the dose you missed as quickly as you remember. However, do not take the medication if you don't intend to stay awake for a few hours. If you are nearing your normal time to go to bed, you might be required to take a break from the missed dose and then wait for the following day to start taking the medication next time.Consult your doctor about the best course of action if you missed a dose of armodafinil. Do not double up on doses to make up for missed ones.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.The symptoms of an overdose can consist of nausea, vomiting, anxiety, feeling agitated or agitated, a fast as well as a high heartbeat, as well as chest pain and sleep disturbances, as well as illusions (seeing or hearing sounds that aren't true).
What should be avoided?
Armodafinil could affect your reaction or thinking. Be cautious when driving or doing things that require that you be aware.Do not engage in any other risky activity until you are aware of the effects this medication has on the level of alertness you experience.Beware of drinking alcohol while taking armodafinil.
Interaction with other drug
Armodafinil, taken in conjunction with other medications that cause you to sleep, could make you more sleepy. Consult your physician before taking a narcotic or sleeping pill, medicine, muscle relaxer, or medication to treat depression, anxiety, or seizures.Other medications can interfere with armodafinil. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about the medicines you are taking in the present and any medication you stop or start using.
