Nuvigil 150 mg

Nuvigil 150 mg is a medication that consists of 150 mg of Armodafinil which is a wakefulness promoting medication. It belongs to the drug class called Central Nervous System Stimulant. It is generally used for the treatment of Narcolepsy, Shift Worker Sleep Disorders and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. 

MECHANISM OF ACTION 

Armodafinil binds to the dopamine transporter receptor (DAT) to mildly inhibit the reuptake of dopamine which increases the extracellular dopamine levels. It also increases norepinephrine and wake-promoting orexin neurons in the hypothalamus. Armodafinil elevates histamine release by reducing inhibitory GABA signals, increasing alertness. 

KEY FEATURES

INDICATIONS 

• Narcolepsy: Helps with sudden sleep attacks during the day.
• Shift Work: Keeps you alert when your work demands wakefulness or messes up with your sleep cycle.
• Sleep Apnea: Helps with tiredness caused by blocked breathing at night. 

DOSAGE 

The tablet should generally be taken by mouth with water usually in the morning for Narcolepsy and Sleep Apnea; an hour before the shift begins for Shift Worker Sleep Disorder. Avoid taking the medication late in the day to avoid insomnia. 

SIDE EFFECTS 

The most common side effects of Nuvigil 150 mg are:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Back pain 
• Drowsiness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Anxiety

INTERACTIONS 

Nuvigil 150 mg may interact with the following:

• Phenytoin, a medication to prevent seizures
• Diazepam, a medication for anxiety
• Birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, implants, injections or Intrauterine devices (IUD)
• Omeprazole, a medication to reduce stomach acid
• Warfarin, an anticoagulant
• Cyclosporine, a medication to suppress your immune system
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, a medication for depression or Parkinson’s disease

This may not be the whole list of medications that Nuvigil 150 mg may interact with. Always check with your healthcare provider. 

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS 

• Do not use the medication if you are allergic to Armodafinil or any other ingredient of the medication. 
• Armodafinil is a controlled substance and should be used with caution as it carries the risk of misuse. 
• Armodafinil can decrease the effect of hormonal birth control pills and thus a hormonal backup method should be used while taking Armodafinil or a month after stopping it. 
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine consumption to reduce the jittery feeling. 
• Do not operate heavy machineries or drive. 

CONCLUSION 

Nuvigil 150 mg is an excessive sleep disorder medication that is specifically used for Narcolepsy, Shift Worker Sleep Disorder and Sleep Apnea. The medication carries certain side effects like headache, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, etc and thus should be used with caution and under medical supervision. Do not exceed the recommended dose as it carries  the risk of potential abuse. 

FAQs 

1. What is Nuvigil 150 mg?
Nuvigil 150 mg is a medication consisting of Armodafinil used to treat excessive sleep disorder. 

2. How long does Nuvigil 150 mg show its effects in the body?
Nuvigil 150 mg shows its effects for 10 to 12 hours in the body. 

3. Is Armodafinil a dependent medication?
Yes. Armodafinil carries a potential for dependency and abuse. 

4. Does grapefruit juice affect Nuvigil 150 mg?
Yes. Grapefruit juice may decrease the breakdown of Nuvigil 150 mg in the body. This may increase the side effects of Nuvigil 150 mg.

5. Does Nuvigil 150 mg improve memory?
Nuvigil 150 mg can improve certain aspects of cognitive function such as working memory, attention, etc.