vigilant (ARMODAFINIL)

What is Vigilant?

Vigilant is a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy or shift work sleep disorder. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote wakefulness.

What is the usual dose of Vigilant?

Vigilant is a medicine that helps people stay awake. For adults with sleep apnea or narcolepsy (conditions that cause excessive sleepiness), the usual dose is 150 to 250 milligrams once a day in the morning. If someone works shifts, the doctor might prescribe 150 milligrams an hour before their shift starts. This medicine isn't for kids.

How do I take Vigilant?

You can take Vigilant tablets either on an empty stomach or with food.

For how long do I take Vigilant?

How long you take Vigilant depends on what your doctor says. Everyone is different, so there's no set time.

What is Vigilant used for?

Vigilant is a medication that helps people who have trouble staying awake during the day due to specific sleep disorders. These disorders can include: * **Narcolepsy:** A condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks. * **Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):** A condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, causing daytime sleepiness. * **Shift Work Disorder (SWD):** A condition that affects people who work irregular or rotating shifts, leading to sleep disruption and daytime fatigue. Vigilant works by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals that promote wakefulness. It helps people with these sleep disorders to stay awake and alert during the day, improving their overall quality of life.

How long does it take for Vigilant to start working?

Vigilant typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. Its effects, such as increased alertness and reduced sleepiness, may peak within 2 hours. The medication generally lasts for around 12-15 hours, depending on individual factors like metabolism and the condition being treated.

Is Vigilant effective?

Two studies show that Vigilant can help people with sleep apnea stay awake during the day. The studies lasted 12 weeks and included people who met the criteria for sleep apnea. In both studies, people who took Vigilant were more awake during the day than people who took a placebo.

How does one know if Vigilant is working?

You can tell Vigilant is working if you experience:

1. Increased Wakefulness: You feel less sleepy and more alert during the day.
2. Improved Focus: Better concentration and mental clarity, especially if you have trouble staying awake or alert.
3. Enhanced Energy: A noticeable reduction in fatigue or drowsiness.

If you don’t experience these effects or have side effects, consult your doctor.

How does Vigilant work?

Vigilant works by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine, to promote wakefulness and alertness. It enhances the release of these chemicals, which helps to reduce excessive sleepiness. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to stimulate areas of the brain that control sleep-wake cycles, helping people stay awake and focused. Vigilant is primarily used to treat conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

Who should avoid taking Vigilant?

Avoid Vigilant if you have allergies to it, heart problems, severe liver issues, or a history of mental health conditions. It should also be used with caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your doctor before use.

Can I take Vigilant with vitamins or supplements?

Yes, you can generally take Vigilant with vitamins or supplements. However, it's a good idea to avoid taking it with supplements that may affect sleep or energy levels, such as stimulants (e.g., caffeine), as they might increase side effects. Always check with your doctor to ensure no interactions with your specific vitamins or supplements.

Can I take Vigilant with other prescription drugs?

Vigilant may interfere with other medications that are processed by the same enzymes in the body, such as certain birth control pills, cyclosporine, midazolam, and triazolam. This can lead to lower levels of these medications in the body, which may reduce their effectiveness. If you are taking any of these medications, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage when you start or stop taking Vigilant.

Can Vigilant be taken safely while pregnant?

Vigilant should generally be avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as its safety has not been well established. It is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, which means there is potential risk to the fetus based on animal studies, but human studies are limited. Always consult your doctor before taking Vigilant if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to weigh the risks and benefits.

Can Vigilant be taken safely while breastfeeding?

It's not clear if Vigilant passes into breast milk. If you're nursing, talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

Is Vigilant safe for the elderly?

Older adults often need lower doses of medicine and more careful watching because their bodies process drugs differently. Their organs might not work as well as younger people's, so a normal dose could be too strong and cause problems. Doctors keep a close eye on them to make sure the medicine is working safely and effectively.

How should I store Vigilant?

Keep Vigilant tablets in a cool, dry place, away from children. The best temperature for storage is between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

Does Vigilant make people tired or drowsy?

No, Vigilant is a wakefulness-promoting agent and typically reduces tiredness. However, in rare cases, some people may experience fatigue or drowsiness.

Does Vigilant cause stomach upset?

Yes, Vigilant can cause stomach upset, including nausea, indigestion, or diarrhea, as a side effect.

Does Vigilant affect sleep?

Vigilant can sometimes cause trouble sleeping. This happens to a few people who take it, more often than it does in those taking a dummy pill. If you have trouble sleeping while on Vigilant, tell your doctor right away. Don't change how much you take without talking to your doctor first.

Does Vigilant make it hard to think or concentrate?

No, Vigilant is designed to improve focus and concentration. However, rare side effects like anxiety or dizziness could temporarily impair cognitive function

Does Vigilant affect mood?

Vigilant may affect mood, potentially causing anxiety, irritability, or, rarely, euphoria or mood swings.

Does Vigilant interfere with sexual function?

Vigilant typically does not interfere with sexual function, but rare cases of reduced libido or other changes have been reported.

Does Vigilant affect appetite?

Yes, Vigilant may suppress appetite, which can sometimes lead to weight loss.

Does Vigilant cause weight gain?

No, Vigilant is more likely to cause weight loss than weight gain due to its appetite-suppressing effects.

Does Vigilant cause headaches?

Vigilant can sometimes cause headaches. More people taking it got headaches (17%) than people taking a sugar pill (9%). The bigger the dose, the more likely a headache is. If you get a headache while taking it, see a doctor.

Does Vigilant limit driving?

Vigilant can make it harder to think clearly, make good decisions, and control your movements. This means it could be dangerous to drive or use machinery. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. If you have trouble driving, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Vigilant?

Alcohol should be avoided as it can increase the risk of drowsiness, impaired judgment, or other side effects when combined with Vigilant.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Vigilant?

Moderate consumption of coffee or tea is safe, but excessive caffeine can amplify side effects like anxiety, restlessness, or palpitations.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Vigilant?

Yes, exercising is safe while taking Vigilant. However, monitor for increased heart rate, dizziness, or dehydration during physical activity.

What are Vigilant possible harms and risks?

Vigilant tablets are used to treat sleep disorders. Headache, dizziness, and insomnia were the most common side effects. Serious reactions like serious skin problems and angioedema may also happen. Discontinuing use due to headaches was common (1%).