Nuvigil: Some Facts About This Wonder Drug

History of Nuvigil:

Nuvigil, which comes under the generic version of Armodafinil, is only the latest in line as compared to other smart medications. The Lafon Laboratories in France was conducting a series of experiments to develop benzhydryl sulfinyl compounds, one of which was Adrafinil. During the process of understanding how Adrafinil works, Modafinil was discovered as an active element of Adrafinil.

Modafinil contained two identical mirror isomers, namely, the R-enantiomer and the S-enantiomer. Lafon continued to experiment with the development of this drug. Eventually, the production of Adrafinil stopped.

Later, Lafon Laboratories sold its rights to produce Modafinil to another company called Cephalon, another company within the United States. Cephalon was later acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in 2011.

 Cephalon, in order to save its patent on Modafinil from expiring, decided to develop and sell a new formula which would be a refined product that contained only the R-enantiomer of Modafinil, the faster and more effective isomer. That is how Armodafinil joined the smart drug market and is now sold under the popular brand name of Nuvigil.

About Nuvigil:

Nuvigil is a smart drug which is generally used to promote wakefulness in people suffering from various sleep disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work-related disorder. It is a popular brand version of an even more popular generic version, Armodafinil.

Although the exact working mechanism of Nuvigil is not yet known, it has been found that it affects the natural chemicals in our brain called neurotransmitters that help carry signals to and from our brain. It increases dopamine in the brain by reducing its reuptake into the nerves. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is responsible for our speech and movement. It is also associated with our emotions like excitement or joy. However, too much dopamine can also be associated with addictive habits.

Common Side-Effects:

If you come across any of the following side effects, please make sure to consult the doctor immediately.

•    High body temperature

•    A sore throat

•    A headache

•    Dizziness

•    Skin rash

•    Easy bruising or bleeding

•    Vomiting

Dosage Guide:

Nuvigil should be taken exactly as prescribed by a trusted and qualified doctor. The following is the set of ideal dosing instructions-

•    The ideally recommended dose is 150 to 250 mg which needs to be taken orally.

•    People with narcolepsy and sleep apnea should take Nuvigil once in the early morning.

•    People with shift work disorder can take Nuvigil 1 hour prior to their shift work.

•    Do not increase or decrease the dose without informing the doctor.

Warning before you take Nuvigil:

The following key points should be taken into consideration before taking Nuvigil:

•    Read the drug-related information carefully so as to avoid unwanted interaction with other drugs. Avoid taking Nuvigil with medications for high blood pressure, antifungal medicines, birth control pills or any other drug which your doctor might prohibit. Nuvigil can make the other drugs less effective.

•    Let your doctor know about your medical history (if any) relating to cardiovascular problems as this medication can lead to increased blood pressure or irregular heart rate.

•    Do not take this drug if you have any kidney or liver-related disorder. If the liver and the kidneys are not functioning properly, the drug will not be well-processed or properly drained out and it might worsen your conditions further.

•    Pregnant women are not recommended to take this smart pill as there are no well-established results of its use during pregnancy. So, one should better avoid this pill in order to prevent any chances of miscarriage.

•    Lactating mothers should also not use Nuvigil as it might pass into the breast milk and have a harmful effect on the baby. It might harm the mother herself.

•    Smart drugs like Nuvigil are not meant for use by children or young adults under the age of 16.

•    Avoid alcohol consumption while on this medication as it might lead to severe side effects like irregular sleep cycles, difficulty in breathing, nausea and even vomiting.

Nuvigil  Overdose:

Nuvigil’s active element is Armodafinil which poses serious addictive symptoms, similar to that of Modafinil. Like any other smart pill, Nuvigil too has high chances of being misused. Some serious symptoms of Nuvigil overdose include-

•    Dizziness

•    Insomnia

•    Anxiety

•    Hallucination

•    Nervousness

•    Headache

•    Chest pain

•    Seizures in extreme cases.

Doctors should be careful in prescribing Nuvigil to patients with a long history of drug abuse and addiction so as to prevent them from getting physically dependent on these smart pills. Smart pills are a smart and effective way to promote wakefulness and boost energy but they are not always your first option. You should bring about lifestyle changes first. Drink lots of water and exercise regularly to stay fit. Have a talk with your doctor first before you resort to smart medicines.