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Nuvigil User Reviews & Ratings

Nuvigil has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 154 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Nuvigil

  • Watso...
  • August 5, 2013

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have been on Nuvigil for about one year. I have fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Before Nuvigil I couldn't stay awake. When I would have my morning coffee I would be fighting sleep. Although I am still very tired and weak I can stay awake for the entire day now. I feel this is the most important medicine I take. It works for both CFS and Fibromyalgia."

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  • Anonymous
  • February 27, 2010

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I began suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome about a year ago. Didn't know I had it, just knew I was sleeping more than I was awake. Just diagnosed in January and have been taking Nuvigil since then. Started at 150 mg a day, but it wore off by mid afternoon. Have since increased the dosage to two pills a day. I take the second pill in the afternoon and it keeps me going for another 6 hours or so. I haven't had to take a nap since I started taking the medication and I am able to concentrate more. I feel more alert and can get much more accomplished during the day. I don't have trouble sleeping or staying asleep. This medication has been a miracle that has given me back my life."

8 / 10
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  • BurtB...
  • April 9, 2013

For Depression "Provigil then Nuvigil (slightly less expensive) helped save my life. Took Provigil first, switched to Nuvigil (same effect), for 6.5 years now. Day one value, no side effects as far as I know. Still same dose (250mg Nuvigil, equivalent of 200mg Provigil), never increased or decreased. Effect same today as day one. Note: I've been on a "cocktail": 20mg Lexapro and 1mg Klonopin daily, plus daily mindfulness meditation and weekly CBT. But 6.5 years of lovely life after 3 terrible episodes of major depression in under 6 years. Certainly have ups and downs, but not severe and brief. If I run out for a few days I'm grumpier, less resilient but Nuvigil greatly clarifies my thinking and energizes me. It's not for all, but miracle for me."

10 / 10
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  • ZenZe...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 7, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "It comes down to a very basic choice: DO I want to remain semi-comatose, in pain from head to toe, or remain drugged up and semi-sentient from the cocktail of potions meant to ease my "depression"? NUVIGIL is a third, best option. NUVIGIL brings back your ability to focus, concentrate, persevere, work at whatever your body can handle that day... all the things that make living productive and rewarding. Before NUVIGIL, I was losing, or had lost so many parts of my personality to just EXISTING from one prescription of AMBIEN, CYMBALTA, LYRICA, AMITRYPTILINE, FLUOXETINE, DOXEPIN, ZOLPIDEM, HYOSCYAMINE SULFATE, CYCLOBENZAPRINE, HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, LISINOPRIL, METHOCARBAMOL, PROPANOLOL, etc."

9 / 10
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137 Report
  • Bigge...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 8, 2013

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have had 4 back surgeries ( pins, screws, plates, etc.) and both of my hips replaced, all before turning 43. Before this, I earned a Ph.D., became a Prof. in Accounting was rewarded multitudes of student-awarded, colleague-awarded, and superiors-rewarded accollades. Then, with all the narcotics, opiods, hospitalizations, etc, tenure was literally jerked from my grasp, and I have been forced out of three other universities since. The depression of repeated recoveries from surgery and then med withdrawals and job losses drove me into extreme depression. Got the pain under control but it got to where I was in bed 6 of 7 days full-time. I was taking Cymbalta, but when my Dr. tried Nuvigil, it brought me back to the happiness I had known before."

10 / 10
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  • Life...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 8, 2017

For Shift Work Sleep Disorder "I work two full-time jobs in Information Technology on a high level at both jobs. I have to be razor sharp or the effects could be catastrophic. I have been using Nuvigil for almost 16 months. When I was younger I was diagnosed with ADD and took Ritalin which helped but as I got older taking that was not realistic. Nuvigil has been a godsend. I am able to articulate my thoughts clearly, finish tasks at hand efficiently and timely, and also having ADD with Nuvigil it almost propels me in some weird microcosm of being smarter than 90% of the people around me. I am not sure how or why but that is my story and I gain nothing from this except hoping to help someone else who is lost in the woods "

10 / 10
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  • wisdo...
  • August 14, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "My Bipolar II Disorder is horribly debilitating when my medications are not working or are in the middle of being adjusted. However, when the depression and sleep problems (racing thoughts as soon as I lie down, interrupted sleep, not sleeping at all, etc.) are added to the mix, my life becomes completely unbearable. As soon as my doctor gave me Nuvigil it was like I became myself again! The difference was phenomenal. I felt "normal." It is a total miracle that I can get up and do the dishes, fold laundry, shop...all the simple things that so many people take for granted. Nuvigil gives me the energy that Bipolar Disorder steals from me."

10 / 10
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123 Report
  • Luna
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 16, 2013

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy about 18 months ago after battling constant fatigue no matter how much sleep I received at night or how many naps I took throughout the day. Nuvigil has changed my life! I take one pill daily, and I am able to live a normal life outside of the fog that I was constantly living in before my diagnosis. I had a lot of side effects when I first started taking Nuvigil which included headaches, dry mouth, cramping, nausea, loss of appetite, and dizziness, but those were nothing compared to being able to finally live my life fully for the first time! I felt like before I was swimming in murky water unable to see or function, and after the medication I can actually experience life and interact with people!"

9 / 10
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  • Fibro...
  • October 19, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "Just as the previous person commented....I happened upon Nuvigil/Provigil while being treated for the ugly side effects of Fibromyalgia...such as sleep disorders, PAIN all over (in my muscles), and an overall sense of fatigue - every day. My Nuvigil ACTUALLY makes me WANT to move. And, any Fibromyalgia patient would know that it is crucial for us to maintain some sort of movement everyday, even exercise if we can. I think this is one of those medicines that were proposed (and approved) through the FDA for one primary condition. However, with time we find more uses for the medication that it may work even better on other conditions. If it weren't for my Doctor - I would not have found this amazing option for my condition."

10 / 10
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  • Lynne
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 2, 2018

For Narcolepsy "I have been on nuvigil for almost a year now, this has been the only stimulant to work for me. I have narcolepsy and ADHD. So adderall and it’s relative medicines actually make more more of a zombie, albeit a very focused zombie. Nuvigil does not cause my heart to race ( I also have mitral valve prolapse ) it does not negatively effect my anxiety. This medicine has been a life saver for me! It does effect my ability to feel hunger. I don’t get hungry until around 2 pm but honestly, this is a good thing bc when I eat I become very tired. This is due to the nature of Narcolepsy. We are low on orexin, so when we eat what little orexin we have gets ‘turned off’. Orexin is the chemical in the brain that helps regulate wake and sleep. Orexin on means awake, orexin off means asleep. Orexin is directly effected by food intake."

10 / 10
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  • Onnie...
  • April 4, 2013

For Depression "I found Nuvigal to bring my life back from depression. Before Nuvigal I couldn't keep my eyes open and live my normal life with 3 boys! Now, after Nuvigal I can actually play with my kids and be a normal mother. I don't know where I would be without it. It really turned my life around for the best!"

10 / 10
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  • SugrA...
  • July 4, 2011

For Fibromyalgia "I suffer from Fibromyalgia along with some sort of sleep problem. My doctor gave me a trial supply of Nuvigil to help keep me awake through the day so that I could get a full nights sleep. Even if I can keep awake all day, I still can only get 3-4 hours of sleep a night...even with sleeping pills. However, I am SO glad my doctor decided to give me Nuvigil. The pain in my legs is GONE! I've had crippling pain in my legs since the onset of my Fibromyalgia (among other places). The more I walk, the worse it gets. To my surprise, after I took my first Nuvigil, the pain in my legs disappeared. What a wonderful surprise. Helps my ADD too. Now I have to beg my doctor for a prescription."

10 / 10
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  • vr_ti...
  • July 6, 2009

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Got a trial prescription for Nuvigil 150mg tablets, first day was incredible, but after a few days the effectiveness was greatly diminished. Still worked but did not have the same effect as day one. Worried about using it regularly since it is not covered by insurance and without that the cost is outrageous ($330/30 tablets). Does not leave you nervous like Ritalin, and lasts longer than Provigil. Worth trying if your health care plan covers it."

9 / 10
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  • Melan...
  • November 26, 2010

For Depression "I have suffered from clinical depression for years. I barely have enough energy to get out of bed. My house is a mess and so am I. My MD put me on 75 mg of Nuvigil and the effects were amazing and instant. The only side effect I had was a mild headache and sleeplessness which both went away after a few days. I am gradually getting more energy and feeling more optimistic. I can see why the Caphalon is investigating this drug for treatment of depression by the FDA. My biggest problem is the cost, as I have no insurance. I can't pay 1/3 of my income each month for a pill. I qualify for the patient assistance program, so will try that. Otherwise I don't know what to do, as the MD has only given me perhaps a month of samples."

9 / 10
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100 Report
  • Anonymous
  • January 21, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "It's been a rough 29 years discovering, living with and losing things because of bipolar, ADHD,and OCD! Tried literally every medicine under the sun, (ours and prob a couple other solar systems too.). So many my doc looked me in my eye and told me that I might "just have to learn how to live" with my head, mind, thoughts, and lack of actions, or intestinal fortitude as your father calls it, he's Air Force retired after 22 yrs. Suicidal thoughts all the time. Given all my possessions away. Stood on the bridge, the roof, and had the gun in my hand, but I always held on, cause I knew their was something like NUVIGIL out there somewhere, I just had to hang on long enough. If not for NUVIGIL I wouldn't have been able to focus long enough to write this!"

10 / 10
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  • Kris
  • December 7, 2013

For Narcolepsy "I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia with long sleep time. Before Nuvigil, I would sleep 16-20 hours per day, and nothing could keep me awake. This medicine has completely changed my life. I am on the highest dosage (250mg). At first, the medicine gave me a terrible headache and made me feel somewhat sick to my stomach. After about two to three weeks, the side effects almost completely subsided. I feel like a normal person now. I take the medicine early in the morning when my first alarm goes off. Sometimes, I fall back to sleep, or I can stay up and relax watching T.V or something. An hour or two later it is easy to wake. Energy throughout the day, and doesn't keep me up at night. This allows me to live "normally". I feel little to no side effects and get sleepy before bedtime, energized all day."

10 / 10
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  • RosyR...
  • October 30, 2014

For ADHD "I GOT A 30 DAY SUPPLY OF 150 MG FOR FREE!!! It would have been $500 as I have no insurance. But my doc gave me a Nuvigil Savings Card!! Plus I get refills for $5! Can't believe my luck! So, please ask your doc for a card or coupon. It's good for both insured and uninsured. This promotion expires at the end of the year though. Not sure if they'll offer it in 2015. I've only been on it for two days but the results have been fantastic. I switched to this from Adderall, which gave me energy and made me more social but made me jittery and did not help with my concentration or organization. Nuvigil helps me stay focused, motivated and clear headed throughout the day."

10 / 10
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  • GMoro...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 4, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "I've have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and neuro-musculoskeletal disease as well as Multiple Sclerosis and depression. I was told of Nuvigil by a friend who also suffers with MS and fibromyalgia. I found myself in a deep depression with so much pain I was sleeping 18 hrs a day. But since I've been on Nuvigil I am able to stay awake more alert and have been able to get my life back. It doesn't whack me out like Adderall did. I feel happier and more alert thanks to Nuvigil. This has been a wonderful experience and I thank my friend for suggesting it. What a life saver!"

8 / 10
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76 Report
  • Nunwi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 2, 2017

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I just started taking Nuvigil. Today is day 2. Before Nuvigil I have been suffering for the past 3 years or so with marked fatigue. First I decided I should do a sleep study. They discovered that I have sleep apnea and I stop breathing about 50 times an hour. I got the CPAP machine and used it every night for the past 3 months. It didn't make the difference I was hoping. So, I talked to my Dr again and since I have young children I didn't want a sleeping medication and so he prescribed Nuvigil. Its been a life changer. I have the energy I used to have when playing with the kids and taking them outside instead of laying on the couch everyday."

10 / 10
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  • TRWRN
  • November 19, 2013

For Narcolepsy "During a yearly checkup, my doctor impressively picked up on my sleep disorder (personally, I thought he was nuts; I felt it was just all the crazy stress in my life that made me want to sleep at any chance I got). Well, my sleep study came back severely abnormal. What?? Are you kidding me??? He was right! I was diagnosed with excessive daytime sleepiness/narcolepsy without cataplexy. Since then, I have been on Nuvigil 250mg. I cannot begin to tell you the difference it has made! The response was immediate for me, and I'm so glad I no longer have to sleep my days away! What an interesting field of medicine! I believe what they know about sleep now is just a scratch on the surface on how it impacts our health and well being."

10 / 10
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72 Report
  • Joan...
  • September 17, 2010

For Shift Work Sleep Disorder "I have now been on Nuvigil since mid July, 2010. My doctor was initially hesitant to prescribe it to me because he was of the opinion that I could just 'will away' my sleep disturbance. I have sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. He prescribed this begrudgingly as he figured all I needed was more self control. If that was all I needed, somewhere in the 20 years I was struggling with this, I should have had success. I tolerated his belittling because I needed his help. Starting on DAY 1, I began to tell a real difference with using Nuvigil. To me, it was a miracle medicine. I could finally stay awake in the daytime without feeling sleepy ALL THE TIME. Since starting this, I have had the energy to be highly productive everyday ever since."

9 / 10
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  • fibro...
  • October 23, 2009

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "So far I love Nuvigil. I can actually go all day without needing to lay down in the afternoon. I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I may need to bump it up as 150 mgs. does not seem to make me as awake as it did the first week. I like the way it makes me feel awake but not nervous and jittery like Ritalin did. I can now work a shift and actually come home and do chores around the house instead of lay down. I have had no side effects so far and have been on it a month."

8 / 10
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  • wpcj
  • September 8, 2014

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I was undiagnosed with severe Otructive Sleep Apnea/Hyponea Syndrome for 10 years. I would sleep from 9 to 11 hours a night and was still tired. I also had terrible headache whenever I woke up. I had surgery for a deviated septum and had my uvula removed. CPAP was a huge improvement but I still woke up tired and foggy. Still had to nap during the day. My doctor and I fought for 2 years with the insurance company to get approved for Nuvigil. Without insurance I would have to pay $719 per month for 30 pills 150mg. With insurance my copay is $50. Since taking Nuvigil my life has changed for the better. I wake up without the fog and can stay active for 15 hours without taking a nap. Nuvigil gave me my life back!"

10 / 10
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  • Jenni...
  • February 27, 2012

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I had to fight with insurance to cover my Nuvigil but finally got them too. I have battled to get my hypothyroidism optimized for years and even when I had it at a pretty good level, I was always tired. The Doc labeled it chronic fatigue and the Nuvigil has made a hug difference. I feel like I can finally keep up with everybody else and don't have to stand up at the back of meetings at work to stay awake. Nuvigil did have some strong side effects at first (headache, nauseous, lack of appetite) but they were pretty much gone after a week or so."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 17, 2011

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have struggled significantly with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome since 2007. I am mid 30s. The CFS is much more debilitating than the fibromyalgia. Nuvigil has been the only treatment making a significant difference. I can now function much more than 3 hours a day. Nuvigil is changing my life."

10 / 10
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71 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.