Armodafinil is the generic version of the brand name prescription Nuvigil. This drug is used to treat narcolepsy and other similar sleep disorders. Armodafinil is a mirror image compound of the prescription Provigil (modafinil), and it’s unclear exactly how armodafinil works in the body.

What Is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil is the generic version of the brand name prescription Nuvigil. This drug is used to treat narcolepsy and other similar sleep disorders. Armodafinil is a mirror image compound of the prescription Provigil (modafinil), and it’s unclear exactly how armodafinil works in the body. It’s believed, however, that armodafinil works by affecting the wake/sleep cycle and circadian rhythms, which determine when you sleep and when you wake.

This medication is taken orally in the morning and, as with other prescriptions, carries a risk of side effects.

Common side effects associated with the use of armodafinil include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Mood swings
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty sleeping

Serious side effects are rare but possible, such as fast/pounding heartbeat, irregular heartbeat or mental changes. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any side effects, so you can decide together if Nuvigil is the right medication choice for your condition.

How Is Armodafinil Used?

Armodafinil is prescribed to treat narcolepsy and other sleep disorders that arise from obstructive sleep apnea. It’s also prescribed to those seeking help to stay awake during work hours if they have a job that makes it difficult to develop a normal sleep routine.

Armodafinil is also commonly prescribed off-label to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome and major depressive disorder, although these aren’t the prescription’s primary intent.

If your doctor has prescribed armodafinil for sleep apnea, continue to use your other treatments (like your CPAP machine) at the same time. Any questions about your treatments should be presented to your doctor. He is there to help you and ensure the best care for your condition.

Armodafinil Addiction

Armodafinil is listed in the United States as a class IV controlled substance, which means it has a low possibility of becoming an addictive substance. Although the chance is low for addiction, it is possible.

Indications that you may be misusing armodafinil include the following side effects trouble sleeping, restlessness, confusion, disorientation, feeling excited, mania, hallucinations, nausea, diarrhea, severely increased or decreased heartbeat, chest pain and increased blood pressure.

The Importance Of Aftercare

If you are having trouble with the prescription armodafinil or if you and your doctor have decided you should stop taking armodafinil, do not abruptly stop taking the medication. Since you may experience withdrawal symptoms from the discontinuation of armodafinil, it’s important you work with your doctor or other trusted medical professionals to wean you off armodafinil.

The withdrawal symptoms you may experience are shaking, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting and confusion. You have a higher chance of experiencing these symptoms the longer you’ve been taking armodafinil. Since there’s no way of knowing how your body will react to the withdrawal of this prescription, it’s best to be under medical care during this time.

As mentioned, contact The Recovery Village anytime for help. Your doctor and we can be there to provide a safe environment for you to recover.

Visit the following websites to learn about The Recovery Village’s network of rehabilitation facilities. Call today for admissions. Each center is ready to help people learn how to cope with their Ambien addiction and uncover the root causes for their substance use disorder.

  • Orlando Recovery Center: A premier rehabilitation facility in Orlando, Florida that helps individuals recover from addiction and substance use disorders. The center also offers the opportunity to treat co-occurring disorders.
  • The Recovery Village Columbus: Located in Ohio, this facility provides inpatient, outpatient and aftercare treatment for people looking to begin detox. The center provides individualized plans to help patients through recovery while addressing their unique co-occurring disorders or any setbacks that may happen during recovery.
  • The Recovery Village Palmer Lake: In Colorado, this facility offers inpatient, outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for individuals looking to kick-start their journey to recovery.
  • The Recovery Village Ridgefield: Located right in southern Washington, this facility provides patients with outpatient and aftercare programs. Just 20 minutes outside of Portland, this facility assists individuals who are ready to begin treatment.
  • The Recovery Village: In Umatilla, Florida, this is a rehabilitation facility that provides resources for individuals seeking drug and alcohol treatment. There are inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization treatment programs available for those suffering from Ambien addiction.
  • IAFF Center of Excellence: Specializes in assisting firefighters who struggle with behavioral health problems and addiction. Members can enter the recovery process sooner so they can return back to work as quickly as possible. Inpatient, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs are all available at this facility, where patients can address their Ambien addiction in a safe, supportive environment.
  • Denver Mental Health & Counseling: Denver Mental Health and Counseling by The Recovery Village is a physician-led outpatient center specializing in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, offering services such as TMS, IOP, and personalized care for both ongoing and new patients, dedicated to fostering long-term recovery and overall well-being.
  • The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health: The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health is a premier physician-led treatment center in South Florida, offering a comprehensive spectrum of services from medical detox to outpatient programs for alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, with a commitment to rejuvenating lives, families, and communities, and facilitating same-day admissions.
  • The Recovery Village Atlanta: Located in Roswell just outside downtown Atlanta, is a 62-bed physician-led treatment facility offering a comprehensive range of services, from medical detox to outpatient care, specializing in alcohol, drug, and co-occurring mental health conditions, dedicated to transforming lives, families, and communities throughout Georgia.
  • The Recovery Village Kansas City: The Recovery Village Kansas City, an 80-bed facility in Raytown just 10 miles from downtown, offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments for addiction and mental health conditions, overseen by physician leaders, and is dedicated to revitalizing lives, families, and communities throughout the Midwest.
  • The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper Health: The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, situated just 20 minutes from Philadelphia, is a leading rehab facility in South Jersey providing comprehensive, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatments, ranging from medical detox to teletherapy, with a dedicated team committed to guiding adults on their path to lifelong recovery.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.