Know The Facts: What Are Some Provigil Side
Effects?
Author: Rory Herts

Whether you've recently been prescribed Provigil for the
treatment of your narcolepsy or hypersomnia, or you are just
looking for more information on the drug before pursuing it as a
means to treat what ails you, it's important to consider what
effects it can have on your body before you start taking it.

What is Provigil?

Provigil is commonly prescribed for patients who suffer from a
wide variety of ailments relating to hypersomnia. These ailments
include narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and obstructive
sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. It treats these illnesses by
providing a stimulant to the patient that increases alertness
and enhances the mood. Unlike other types of stimulants, like
amphetamines, Provigil will not cause anxiety, irritability or
moodiness.

Provigil has also been prescribed more recently in the
treatment of ADD/ADHD and severe depression. These uses are not
yet FDA approved and the relationship between depression and
Provigil use in the long term is not yet known.

Is Provigil Right for You?

If you suffer from one of the illnesses that Provigil treats,
it's important to consider the side effects of the drug before
taking it, just like with any other type of medication. Provigil
side effects vary from person-to-person, but a few appear
regularly in a wide variety of patients. Common Provigil side
effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.

Provigil side effects increase when the drug is taken before,
during or after alcohol consumption. Like with any potent
medicine, doctors will advise you to stay away from alcohol
while on this medication. Other lesser known Provigil side
effects include the inability to reason or control reaction time
and motor skills. This is why doctors also recommend that
patients avoid this drug while driving or operating heavy
machinery.

For women, Provigil side effects can prove to be very
problematic if sexually active. Provigil can alter the
effectiveness of some forms of birth control. Women are advised
to use a second, non-hormonal, method of birth control to avoid
unwanted pregnancies. Women who use Provigil and are trying to
get pregnant should stop using the medication and still use a
second form of birth control for a month after stopping. This
allows the medicine to completely work its way out of the body
and will avoid any effects on the developing fetus.

Where to Turn for Answers

If you still think this medication is right for you after
seeing potential Provigil side effects, it's important to visit
with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor
understands this drug better than anyone and can advise you
whether it's a good option for your ailment. Your pharmacist
will also be able to answer questions pertaining to potential
(and possibly) serious drug interactions.

Seeking treatment for your illness, whatever it may be, is a
great step toward your overall health. Visit your doctor as soon
as possible to discover your options with Provigil. Don't let
your illness keep you from enjoying the life you deserve.


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