Understanding the Use of Artvigil Medication

Artvigil is particularly used in promoting wakefulness in patients who have extreme sleepiness related to obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD).

Artvigil is available as a 50 mg, 150 mg, or 250 mg tablet to be only taken by mouth. The suggested starting dose of the drug for OSAHS and narcolepsy treatment is 150 mg or 250 mg and is given as a single dose in the morning. The recommended beginner dose of the drug for the treatment of SWSD is 150 mg given daily about one hour before the work shift starts.

Working Mechanism

The exact mechanism of action of Artvigil is unclear. Armodafinil present in Artvigil is categorized under the class of drugs called eugeroics, which are neural stimulants that provide prolonged mental arousal. Pharmacologically, Armodafinil is not involved in the binding or blockade of various receptors and enzymes that are relevant for the control of the sleep/wake cycle.

Side Effects

Adverse events may include, but are not limited to:

· Headache

· Nausea

· Dizziness

· Insomnia

· Dry mouth

Artvigil is not allowed for use in patients with a known allergic reaction to Modafinil and armodafinil or its inactive ingredients. Armodafinil has not been studied in children with disorders and is not approved for use in children for any indication. 

One should be advised to stop the therapy and instantly report to their doctor in case of any signs or symptoms suggesting a severe allergic reaction (called Anaphylaxis; the symptoms for which include swelling of face, eyes, lips, tongue, or larynx; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; hoarseness). 

Things to remember before taking Artvigil

To ensure that armodafinil is safe for you, inform your doctor about the following:

· A history of or ongoing liver or kidney disease;

· A history of a heart muscle or valve disorder such as mitral valve prolapse;

· Medical and family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or prior heart attack;

· If suffering from or had mental illness or psychosis; or

· If having or had drug or alcohol addiction.

Using Artvigil Correctly

Artvigil is an addictive medicine. One should not share this medicine armodafinil with another person, particularly someone who has had drug abuse or addiction. Selling or giving Artvigil to someone is illegal.

All the patient information, medication guidelines, and instruction sheets provided should be read carefully before using this medicine. Talk to your doctor in case of any queries.

Artvigil 150mg is commonly taken at the same time in the morning to prevent daytime sleepiness, or almost one hour before the work shift begins for the therapy of work-time sleep disorders. 

It can be taken with or without food.

It is commonly given for up to 12 weeks. The doctor's instructions must be followed precisely.