Modafinil for Narcolepsy User Reviews (Page 3)

• Anonymous
• May 2, 2010

Provigil (modafinil) "I was put on Provigil a year and a half ago and can no longer take it. I was one of the ones that had a horrible reaction to it. At first it was just a headache then I would crash around 5... the the headaches got worse, no medicines helped with the headache. Then I started itching. At first I didn't connect it to the Provigil, then I broke out EVERYWHERE with a rash that was like poison ivy just worse. So I am no longer on any medicines and lets just say that most days are very hard and I am so very tired."

• Sleep...
• July 23, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I took Provigil for 6 months with varying doses (100-300mg/day). It only took about 20-30 minutes to kick in and lasted roughly 7 hours. It gave me an incredibly high level of alertness. I also have mild cataplexy and sleep paralyzation, and it seemed to help keep both of these under control. However, it also gave me very bad nausea and an even worse headache. When the medicine wore off, my body reacted by immediately having a strong "sleep attack". If I didn't take my next dose before the first had worn off, the second didn't seem to work. Also, my urine smelled strange and the smell got even stronger when I drank more water. This stopped as soon as I changed my medication to Adderall."

• Narco...
• April 24, 2019

"Diagnosed with narcolepsy at 14 after Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) had me asleep in 40 seconds. My type is Severe Narcoleptic without cateplexy,. Provigil is gave me my life back so I can complete school!! On it for 7+ years. I take a high dosage in the morning (AFTER eating), sleep immediately afterward to get rid of dizziness/mental fog, wake up an hour+ later with massive energy for the day. Did well, but best results when I started doing a sport regularly along with Provigil (Not as effective when I was inactive). TIPS + Provigil increases alertness/energy level, not a full cure. I take 1-2 hour naps after eating/exercising/awake too long. Learned to plan sleep schedule around activities. + EXPENSIVE, but getting cheaper. Initially paid $1,200 a month. Insurance covered modafinil after Adderal, Xyrem, Ritalin, Nuvigil failed + "Midday fallout" happened during first few months because my dosage was too low. Doctor increased my dosage and I began keeping VERY consistent schedule, and it went away."

• Miche...
• January 24, 2010

Provigil (modafinil) "Effective, yet EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE for folks like me who don't have prescription coverage (insurance). Wish there was a generic form of this. This medicine has the least amount of side-effects and is very effective for me."

• Sleep...
• March 12, 2019

"I am on 200 mg of Modafinil, 20 mg of Adderall XR, 30 mg of Adderall IR and I am still falling asleep. Provigil is way too expensive even with insurance was over $3000.00. I am already having issues at work with meeting deadlines, with is causing the depression and anxiety. I just do not know how I am going to keep my job if I cannot stay awake. I am just wondering what happens when the medication will no longer work at the highest dosage."

• crabb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 23, 2012

Provigil (modafinil) "After the first 200mg dose, I experienced a powerful, irresistible and complete voiding of my bowel. It left me weak so I did not take any more for a full day. Then I took half a tablet (100mg) and experienced the same thing again. At a quarter dose (50mg) the same thing happened. I think Provigil is an excellent laxative. It gave (at all those doses) a moderate improvement in wakefulness for about two hours; it did not help with my cataplexy. Since then 40mg (4 x 10mg) of methylphenidate allows me to stay awake and alert and also eliminates attacks of catalepxy."

• Moham...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2023

"I have struggled with sleepiness, fatigue, lack of motivation, anxiety, lack of concentration, and procrastination. 100mg (I don't need more) Modafinil helped me very much. I have motivation to do the tasks and focus for a longer period without being drowsy. No anxiety, no headache, no mood changes, no tremor. Everything works great."

• Missy
• April 25, 2016

"I took Modafinil for a week and a half for narcolepsy and couldn't continue. I was wide awake for 2 days but practically manic. By the third was a waking zombie. My brain fog was significantly worse and my fatigue increased to the point of hardly being able to get out of bed. It became progressively worse each day."

• Lucy...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 8, 2020

"I have been taking 400 to 600mg of modifinil, each day for 20 years, due to narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. The Only side effect I have ever noticed, was a decrease in falling asleep during the day. Which is exactly what I need. It took nearly 20 years to get diagnosed with this sleep deprivation. I had many encounters with the law, and driving both before and after being diagnosed. However far less, after. I still have to have Ritalin, or some amphetamine, in the event, the current dose of 400mg a day wears off. Ritalin helps me on a shorter duration, such as in the evening, when an hour or two of wakefulness is needed, rather than the 12 hours typically provided to me by provigil/modifinil. Modifinil is a life saver for me. I was a danger to myself and others, without it. However, $5, 249 for 180 pills, a 90 day supply, is ridiculous.My fixed S. S. I is less than$3000 for 90 days.Thank God for Hip insurance in Indiana."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2010

Provigil (modafinil) "Ever since I was age 13, I would have sleep attacks almost everyday; about 5 days out of a week. It really affected my school work, because I just couldn't force myself to stay awake. Two years ago, when I age 18, I finally investigated of why I was having these sleep attacks. I was eventually diagnosed with Narcolepsy from a Neurologist. He put me on Provigil, 200mg in the morning and 100mg in the afternoon. Within a week I noticed a huge difference. I've never felt so awake and refreshed in years. Now I'll only have around 10 sleep attacks per year. The only flaw this drug has is its price. MAKE SURE your insurance covers it. They may not at first, but give them documentation on your condition and they will."

• Kay
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2021

"I experienced Narcolepsy symptoms my entire life (without cataplexy). I would fall asleep while driving, take naps in the bathroom floor at work, sneak off to sleep in my car during events. The sleep attacks were debilitating. I haven't been on this med long (only a few weeks) but I've felt incredibly better. It took about 4 days for it to work fully. I don't feel jittery or unnaturally focused, both of which Adderall causes. I simply feel like "me" just more awake. Don't even need my coffee. I take 100mg in the morning and 100mg in the afternoon. Some reviews say it has increased mood/ reduced depression but that hasn't been the case for me. Regardless, it is truly a life changer. Use GoodRX: It costs me $25 for a 30 day supply of 200mg pills"

• thelu...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 4, 2018

"My experience with modafinil has varied widely based on the manufacturer. Mylan generic is the only one that will work even a little bit for me, but it’s getting harder and harder to find. It cuts through that swimming narcoleptic feeling and allows me to be awake enough to function reasonably well. I felt a bit “driven” when I first started on it, but now I take quite a big dose with no side effects except possibly dry mouth. Other manufacturers’ products, especially Alembic’s, do nothing for me—meaning, I constantly feel like I’m trying to walk through a swimming pool the whole time I’m “awake.” In order to get a more consistent product at the pharmacy, I’m trying to get switched over to name-brand Provigil. I can’t really afford that, but I really can’t afford not to function."

• Sleepy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2024

Provigil (modafinil) "I take it first thing in the morning. It has definitely solved my problem of excessive sleepiness during the day! One side effect that I'm dealing with is a daily headache. If that goes away, this drug has been a lifesaver for me."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I have used Provigil for about 4 years now and I really like it. I feel completely normal when I take it. In fact the only time I notice the drug is when I forget to take it. However, it is costly but I did find a substantial discount in my insurance's mail order program. Also, for someone who asked earlier, I stopped taking Progivil as soon as I found out I was pregnant. There is too little known yet and my kid was not going to be the Gineau Pig. Surprisingly, something changed because of being pregnant and I did surprisingly well for thoes 8 months. I just made sure to take regular naps."

• sttkl...
• July 19, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "This is the first prescription I have taken for Narcolepsy. It has been 3-years now while taking 200mg's 3x a day. It turns out that naps are going to be a part of life. More particularly for the peak periods just to get over that tough time during the day. I would highly recommend letting your employer know about this condition. Narcolepsy is a handicap, of which you are protected. In other words, if you are caught sleeping on the job, they can not fire you for it. They need to make considerations for this condition and develop a work schedule that allows you ability to work a full shift. Provigil has worked well for me. I wouldn't want to go back to the way it used to be."

• corsys
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 8, 2017

"I have taken Provigil off and on since 2000, for narcolepsy/apnea. I started with the 200mg per day, but discovered that my brain required more. Since increasing my dosage to 400mg per day, I have fewer daytime sleep concerns. I have not experienced any appetite changes, and have certainly not lost any weight. This medication allows me to function, just enough to keep my job, and have a somewhat normal social life. No matter what dosage I take, my brain/body will shut down at approximately 6:00pm, and on the days I don’t take the medication; I pretty much sleep all day. I’ve made life style changes, such as, eating better, increased cardio, and strength training; just as a supplement to the medication and CPAP therapy. "

• Exhau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 21, 2022

Provigil (modafinil) "I have been prescribed Provigil for excessive daytime sleepiness. Originally 100mg twice a day. I honestly thought I’d been given a placebo. It did nothing. No side effects but also no reduction in sleepiness. Still fighting to stay awake during the day. My doctor doubled the dose. Still not working! My mental health is declining. What’s the point of living if this is life."

• Anonymous
• July 26, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I was given Provigil for my narcolepsy, with dosage of 200mg/3 times daily. For the first 3 days it was amazing I had forgotten what it felt like to be 'awake'. Unfortunately, after just 3 days it was not effective at all. My neurologist nodded knowingly when I told him. He said that's how long it takes to metabolize. Apparently that's when you can tell if it will work for you or not. I'm now on Aderall, 20 mg/3 daily and it is working much better for me."

• Pretty...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2021

"I have struggled with mental health issues stemming from insomnia for years. I've been through a revolving door of prescribers and tried at least 12 different sedatives. After a sleep study I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and prescribed modafinil, while being taken off ambien CR. (Stay far far away unless blacking out and sending insane messages to old colleagues is your thing) I'm up to 200mg modafinil once a day and 100mg wellbutrin sr twice a day, and it feels as though I've been given my brain back. I'm exhausted when I go to bed and fall asleep quickly. I don't take sedatives to sleep for the first time in at least 6 years. My family and friends all tell me that I've completely changed; become more "with it." I honestly don't notice a difference or side effects. I'm simply not tired from a lack of sleep and able to set and achieve goals again. I can't believe how something so subtle has had such a profound impact on my life."

• SL8pi...
• September 18, 2011

Provigil (modafinil) "I'm a 36 year old female and I've been living with narcolepsy for over 20 years and was just diagnosed about 2 months ago! I have been on Provigil for 1 week. 200mg twice a day with that I still feel like a walking zombie. I have not noticed a change with no side effects. I was taken off of Nuvigil 150mg 1x/day. I did notice a huge difference with that. I remember feeling..wow this is what it feels like to be awake. But it would die out by noontime and barley get me through the rest of my day. I also experienced a dull constant headache and random nausea. It now seems almost worth going back to it and dealing with the side effects."

• Malia
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2021

"Started taking Modafinil about a week ago at 100mg and noticed a big difference. I stayed awake the whole day without any naps and was able to drive 1.5 hrs which is unheard of. Day 3 I got tired midday and took another 100mg. Day 4 I tried 200mg at once in the morning and I was groovy. Day 5 I did the same thing but got tired in the afternoon. Consulted my Dr. again, he told me I may need higher dose. Today I did 200mg in the am, and a dose noon, still feel tired. Currently laying in bed because I don't have the energy to do anything else at this point. The wakefulness only lasts about 5 hours before I'm ready just knocked out. I desperately wanted this to work for me. The side effects are minimal, heavy chest the first 2 days; now just dry mouth. But it does very little for cognitive improvement, focus, and memory function for me. Sometimes it feels like I'm stoned on caffeine. I am envious of the people that it is consistently working for."

• Ketura
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 9, 2017

Provigil (modafinil) "Hi, I have taken this medicine for a year. I have found that it works, but it takes a lot of work (if that makes any sense.) I I am on 400mg a day for narcolepsy. I have found with this medicine if I take it and then eat, almost no effect, if I eat wait about an hour, take the pill then that's fine. If I don't drink a lot of water then it doesn't matter, because it doesn't work. For a person that always wants to sleep, scheduling this little pill twice a day is almost not worth it."

• Furry...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 30, 2022

Provigil (modafinil) "Was prescribed it first at 100 mgs about 5 years ago, only for when necessary Worked for the first couple years, jumping between a dose of 100mg and 200mg when necessary, but it really didn't do much. Helped my energy management but I never really felt awake at all. Honestly just feels like a slightly more pronounced version of coffee, but even that stuff barely does anything for me at all. No longer taking it. Note, the taste isn't great and I've almost spat it out a couple rare times"

• dozy
• July 28, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy about 2 weeks ago. For 2 months I had been nodding off at work and at home, it got really bad when I nodded off while at a stoplight driving and when I got "written" up for sleeping at work. I was given Provigil to help me out which when I started taking it, it was like a miracle drug. I felt alert and not drowsy all the time. After 5 days I started feeling nauseous and then 2 days later out of the blue it stopped working. My Doctor put me on Ritalin but I'm still having problems later in the day, on my way to see a sleep specialist."

• LucyA...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 15, 2017

"My insurance wouldn’t cover it without a prior authorization & it would’ve cost me $780 cash at other pharmacies. I shopped around & found it at CostCo for $35 (that’s correct: THIRTY-FIVE DOLLARS!) so don’t lose hope! My insurance has now approved it & my co-pay is $50 so I STILL get it at CostCo! This is an amazing drug that helps me stay awake for 8 hours, without euphoria or building a tolerance. It’s helped me reclaim my life from Narcolepsy & Fibromyalgia - no longer exhausted, but productive!"