Armodafinil
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
None
Controlled Drug Substance
YES
Armodafinil
Summary
Armodafinil is used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD). These conditions cause excessive daytime sleepiness and disrupt normal sleep patterns.
Armodafinil works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals promote wakefulness and help you stay alert during the day.
The usual dose for adults with sleep apnea or narcolepsy is 150 to 250 milligrams once a day in the morning. For shift workers, 150 milligrams is taken an hour before the shift starts. This medicine is not recommended for children.
Common side effects of Armodafinil include headache, dizziness, and insomnia. Some people may also experience stomach upset, weight loss, and mood changes.
Armodafinil should be avoided 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.
Indications and Purpose
How does Armodafinil work?
Armodafinil 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. Armodafinil is primarily used to treat conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
Is Armodafinil effective?
Two studies show that armodafinil 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 armodafinil were more awake during the day than people who took a placebo.
What is Armodafinil?
Armodafinil 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.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Armodafinil?
How long you take armodafinil depends on what your doctor says. Everyone is different, so there's no set time.
How do I dispose of Armodafinil?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.
How do I take Armodafinil?
You can take armodafinil tablets either on an empty stomach or with food.
How long does it take for Armodafinil to start working?
Armodafinil 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.
How should I store Armodafinil?
Keep armodafinil tablets in a cool, dry place, away from children. The best temperature for storage is between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).
What is the usual dose of Armodafinil?
Armodafinil 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.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Armodafinil be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It's not clear if armodafinil passes into breast milk. If you're nursing, talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
Can Armodafinil be taken safely while pregnant?
Armodafinil 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 Armodafinil if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to weigh the risks and benefits.
Can I take Armodafinil with other prescription drugs?
Armodafinil 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 armodafinil.
Does Armodafinil have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur when taking any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they happen, but they are generally not severe. However, there are serious adverse effects that, although rare, need immediate medical attention. These might include severe allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing or swelling, or signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting with a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.
Does Armodafinil have any safety warnings?
This medicine, which is a type of medication, may have several safety warnings. First, it may cause drowsiness, which means it can make you feel sleepy or less alert. This is important because it can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. If you feel unusually tired or have trouble concentrating, you should avoid these activities. Another warning is the risk of allergic reactions, which are responses by the immune system to a substance. Symptoms to watch for include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical help immediately. Lastly, this medicine may interact with other medications, which means it can change how other drugs work or increase side effects. Always inform your doctor about any other medicines you are taking to avoid harmful interactions.
Is Armodafinil addictive?
To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know its name. If the medicine has habit-forming potential, it means it can cause dependence, which refers to a condition where the body or mind feels a need for the drug. This can happen because the medicine affects brain chemicals that control mood or pain. Warning signs of dependence include needing more of the medicine to feel the same effect, using it more often than prescribed, or feeling anxious without it. To prevent addiction, follow the doctor's instructions carefully, do not increase the dose on your own, and talk to your doctor if you feel you need more of the medicine. If the medicine has no known potential for dependence or addiction, it means it is safe to use as prescribed without the risk of developing a habit.
Is Armodafinil 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.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Armodafinil?
Alcohol should be avoided as it can increase the risk of drowsiness, impaired judgment, or other side effects when combined with Armodafinil.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Armodafinil?
Yes, exercising is safe while taking Armodafinil. However, monitor for increased heart rate, dizziness, or dehydration during physical activity.
Is it safe to stop Armodafinil?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it might lead to worsening symptoms or complications. For medicines providing symptomatic relief, stopping could result in the return of symptoms. If it's for a temporary condition like an infection, stopping early might not fully resolve the issue. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects if stopped suddenly. In some cases, abrupt discontinuation can be life-threatening. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's safe and to discuss a proper plan for discontinuation if needed.
What are the most common side effects of Armodafinil?
A side effect is an unwanted symptom caused by medical treatment. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. The frequency of these side effects can vary, but they are generally not experienced by everyone. It's important to remember that when starting a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you understand the risks and benefits.
Who should avoid taking Armodafinil?
Avoid Armodafinil 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.
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