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Provigil
Provigil, generic name of Modafinil, is a is a next generation stimulant, generally prescribed to treat narcolepsy, manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Cephalon Inc. It is not a typical stimulant, in that it is of a new class of drugs called eugeroics. These stimulants tend to increase alertness and may not have the peripheral (body) effects or addiction/tolerance/abuse potential of the traditional stimulants. They are alleged to have a minimal effect on sleep structure and do not cause rebound hypersomnolence or "come down" effects.
Provigil itself is often described as a "wakefulness promoting agent." The drug is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADD/ADHD. In mass-media advertisements and websites, Cephalon markets the drug for improving "alertness" and reducing "excessive daytime sleepiness." According to the Food and Drug Administration, provigil should be used only in patients who have had a complete evaluation of their excessive sleepiness, and in whom a diagnosis of either narcolepsy, Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS), and/or Shift-Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD) has been made. Unfortuately, there is a growing trend of cases where individuals, especially teenage students or those attempting to recover from some narcotic addictions, are taking Provigil for non-approved uses. These can include as a study aid, to counter some symptoms of drug addiction, or to aid with some symptoms of depression.
Recently, a class action suit was filed, claiming that Cephalon and other drug companies illegally conspired to keep generic versions of Provigil off the market, depriving class members the opportunity to purchase a lower priced generic. The case is pending in U.S. District Court for the District of Pennsylvania. Eligible class members for the Provigil lawsuit include all persons and third-party payors who paid some or all of the purchase price for Provigil from December 23, 2003 to present.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Provigil |
| Generic: | Modafinil |
| Manufacturer: | Cephalon |
| Date approved: | December 24, 1998 |
| Status: | Prescription only |
| Approved uses: | Provigil is used to improve wakefulness in people who have excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, have stopped breathing while sleeping or have difficulty breathing while sleeping (obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome), or have shift work sleep disorder. |
| Off-Label uses: | Suppresses need for sleep, cognitive enhancing "smart drug", allays symptoms of neurological fatigue associated with Multiple Sclerosis, also used as a treatment of ADD/ADHD |
| Side effects: | Common side effects include headache and nausea. More uncommon side effects can include nervousness, insomnia, anxiety, anorexia and dry mouth. Occasional severe dermatologic reactions requiring hospitalization can also occur. |
| Related topics: |
Provigil Side Effects: The Potential Danger
Provigil (Modafinil) is a prescription medication usually given to people who suffer from narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders that cause the sufferer to be unable to stay awake.... read more
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MSN Newsfeeds Related to Provigil
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News Articles Related to Provigil
Science/AAAS | Science Magazine: Sign In
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Wikipedia Entries Related to Provigil
View the Provigil Wikipedia Entries page here
Books Related to Provigil
Provigil.(New and Approved)(wakefulness-promoting agent) : An article from: Family Practice News
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