Provigil (Modafinil) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 26, 2012

Provigil

Sleep »

What is sleep?

There are over 20 definitions of "sleep" in several dictionaries. The first, a verb, seems most appropriate:

to take the rest afforded by a suspension of voluntary bodily functions and the natural suspension, complete or partial, of consciousness; cease being awake.

Physiologically, sleep is a complex process of restoration and renewal for the body. Scientists still do not have a definitive explanation for why humans have a need for sleep. We do know that sleep is not a passive process or "switching off" of body functions; sleep is believed to be important in many physiologic processes including the processing of experiences and the consolidation of memories. It is also clear that sleep is essential, not only for humans but for almost all animals.

The importance of sleep is underscored by the symptoms experienced by those suffering from sleep problems. People s...

Read the Sleep article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Provigil User Reviews >>

Provigil

Causes of Fatigue Slideshow

Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep Slideshow

Take the Sleep Quiz

font size

PROVIGIL®
(modafinil) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

PROVIGIL (modafinil) is a wakefulness-promoting agent for oral administration. Modafinil is a racemic compound. The chemical name for modafinil is 2-[(diphenylmethyl) sulfinyl] acetamide. The molecular formula is C₁₅H₁₅NO₂S and the molecular weight is 273.35.

The chemical structure is:

PROVIGIL®
(modafinil) Structural Formula Illustration

Modafinil is a white to off-white, crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water and cyclohexane. It is sparingly to slightly soluble in methanol and acetone. PROVIGIL tablets contain 100 mg or 200 mg of modafinil and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate.

What are the possible side effects of modafinil (Provigil)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using modafinil and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fever, sore throat, headache, and vomiting with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
easy bruising or bleeding;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Provigil »

What are the precautions when taking modafinil (Provigil)?

Before taking modafinil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain heart problem (left ventricle thickening), a history of previous reaction (e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat) to stimulants.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack, heart valve problem), liver problems, kidney problems,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Provigil »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/29/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.