Modafinil for Narcolepsy User Reviews (Page 4)

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I was recently diagnosed with narcolepsy and started on Provigil. I started with 100 mg in the morning and then 100 or 150 mg in the afternoon. The first few days I was a little dizzy at first, a little nauseous, lost my appetite, had a mild headache every night (ibuprofen took care of that), and tense jaw/neck muscles. It was working great, but once I started classes (i.e., inactivity), I was falling asleep sometimes before my noon dose, and everyday around 6pm or 8pm. So, my doctor upped it to 200 in the morning and 200 after noon. For all 3 days of it, I was awake, only crashing around 8pm, but I was having problems with my memory and concentration. Just switched to Ritalin. "

• Coach
• August 17, 2021

Provigil (modafinil) "Diagnosis with Narcolepsy at 23 yrs old and now I am currently 41years old. Saved me from quitting college. I now have 3 college diplomas. I run about 30+ miles a week. Fall asleep no problem and can still take naps if need to. My dose is 200mg am and another 200mg at lunch. Will often supplement with caffeine beverage as long as it’s not after 4pm. I have slight cataplexy, anxiety, and both are treated with Effexor XR which goes nicely with provigil. There is a weird side effect, if I am not hydrated enough I will have itchy legs. No rash or hives just uncontrollably itchy especially after a run in the summer. So if that happens and dermatologist can’t figure out, that’s your problem is you are not drinking enough. Sleep well y’all"

• Free...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 15, 2014

"I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy while ago and have been started on Modafinil. This does work, but with some side effects, which I tend to find only if I take the whole 100mcg at one go, rather than have it in two's. By separating the whole dose it has helped with the headaches and increased heart rate. I don't take it on a daily basis, but only when I am at work or at Uni. Another brownie point for this medicine is that it definitely curbs my appetite for hours."

• Doxy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2016

"Was diagnosed with narcolepsy 30 years ago at age of 40 years old. For the last 10 years have been on Adderall ( 2 x 20 mg at 8am, 2x 20 mg and 2x 20mg at 1 pm.) & Ritalin ( 2 x 10 mg at 9am, 12pm &2pm) Reason for Ritalin was to augment the Adderall "peak and fall off". I had tried Provigil when it first came on the but it didn't work, Now at 70 yrs old it seemed that I had developed a tolerance Adderall. After a lengthy discussion with health care provider, I agreed to give Provigil another try ( 200 mg once daily). At next doctor's appointment, I complained of the "afternoon fall off" and the dose was changed to 200mg twice daily ( morning and early afternoon), Issue solved and Provigil is working GREAT!!!"

• Jacki...
• May 9, 2018

"I’ve tried everything in the books, still on a desperate, [feels like] never ending search to find something that keeps me awake and functional for a day. I’ve been on Dexedrine for the past 5 years, and it’s by far my favourite, no side effects, prevents my cateplexy from occurring, however after a certain amount of time (I would say a year) I have to switch off of it for a few months because my body becomes used to it. Ritalin makes my heart go nuts + anxiety. Modafinil, I’ve been on it for four days and I hate it, I am so exhausted, doesn’t help at all with sleepiness, and it’s giving me INSANE mood swings. I’m a pretty happy, positive person, however this medication gives me bad anxiety, including an intense panic attack last night, makes me want to cry at everything, also feeling depressed. It’s like PMS times a million! Pay attention to your moods if you are trying it out. Good luck with all your narcoleptic journeys, one day we will feel awake!"

• Joelben
• December 13, 2017

"Been taking modafinil for 2 years. When I don't take this drug I'm more prone to taking involuntary naps, dozing, and falling asleep early in the day. This drug had allowed me to live a normal life with exceptional benefits and no withdrawal /side effects. On the off day I decline to take it so my tolerance does not build. I sometimes get angry that recreational users with no prescription write reviews about this drug because they have no experience with sleep disorders and thus have a skewed idea of what this drug can do for those that do."

• Anonymous
• June 13, 2012

"Modafinil has changed my life. I am 50. I have probably suffered with narcolepsy for about 35 years. It has worsened with age. I was diagnosed 15 months ago. Initially prescribed dexamphetamine, initially I thought it was marvelous but I eventually realized it made my life almost unbearable. I have been taking Modafinil for 6 weeks, the first 2 weeks were difficult, mainly due to stopping the dex, since then life has slowly improved to the point where I have never felt better. Everything has suddenly become easy. I never realized how easy life can be. I wish I could meet the man who first produced modafinil to say "You have changed my life, THANK YOU. XX""

• teek
• August 8, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "For several years, I have been on Provigil, with a small dosage of Ritalin as a supplement. The Provigil was not enough for me, but it was much better than being on Ritalin alone. Ritalin had a tendency to make me anxious and talk constantly. Life is good now as a narcoleptic."

• neuro...
• November 12, 2008

Provigil (modafinil) "This is a wonderful medicine. Costly, but great. However, I have found that it is best to take it an hour before eating or if need be an hour AFTER eating. This medication changed my quality of life. Future downfall....if I decide to have kids. Then what? Consider this if you are thinking about having kids."

• Lolabee
• March 17, 2017

"I've been taken for 2 years for excessive day time sleepiness and suspected narcolepsy. It's changed my life, I'm a single mom, in full time uni, working two jobs, my days are long and exhausting but I'm reaching heights unimaginable before. Just a few weeks from my 2nd degree!! I've experienced few effects, it's hard on my stomach, curbs appetite & sometimes jittery & Babbling. Also having considerably more migraines, but my lifestyle is hectic and I'm sure it doesn't help. Positives far outweigh...thanks to provigil I now have a normal life, with a steady awakeness & I'm alert with insane durations of concentration. I'm so grateful, I'm scoring it 10/10, something I rarely do! Also, I'm lucky to get it for free on Irish medical card system"

• Juliu...
• April 13, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "Provigil works great for me, at 200 mg once in the morning. I usually feel dull-witted and fatigued, but I don't suddenly "switch off". After about a week of steady doses, however, I often develop a bad headache and have to quit taking the stuff for a few days. Maybe that's a good thing, if it keeps me from getting habituated. Ritalin did nothing except make my hands shake."

• Vandam
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2020

"I was diagnosed type 2 narcolepsy and prescribed 100mg Modafinil. The first two weeks were riddled with side effects: dizzy, unbelievably dehydrated with drinking 48 oz of water daily, miserably red, dry eyes, but marginally awake for a few hours. Months later, I was up to 200 mg 2x/daily, and I found that so long as I drink at least 64 oz of water and get 90 minutes of rigorous exercise each day, I feel more like myself. Once it built up in my system and the side effects subsided, it's kind of like a small cup of coffee running in the background for seven or eight hours. So long as I get plenty of exercise before and after work and stay hydrated throughout the day, it generally gets me through most of the work day."

• Haloguy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2016

"I was put on provigil at the age of 12 and it worked sometimes but I lost Insurance after hitting 18 then was able to get back on it at 20. Now I've been taking for 3 years and going. 2 200 milligrams 1 time when I wake up.some times 3 due to tollarence. I do road construction and operate heavy machines like Bob cats and trucks and rollers but I still fall asleep when we move to next job(not driving) I also use marijuana to help balance the shakes. It works wonders for me. You might just have to bump up dosage. I do this at 50mg plus until it works. Never went past 600 mg tho. Only bad effect is aloft of aggression and mania list of appetite"

• Anonymous
• October 1, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, for that I got a CPAP. But I also had trouble with zombie episodes and uncontrollable sleepiness (at work, while driving, very scary). I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy several years ago (not formally tested though). I have all the symptoms (night terrors, sleep paralysis.), but I have not been tested for it. Anyway, my Sleep Doctor put me on it primarily because of several driving issues. It seems to work well, I have not dozed off or had a zombie episode since I have been on it. I still feel tired, and I can sleep if I want to, so I feel a little more in control. I also don't feel like a speed freak, like Adderal. I am on 200 mg in the morning for the past 2 weeks. So far I am pleased with it."

• NotCo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 7, 2020

"I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy, specifically excessive daytime sleepiness in the 90's. I was prescribed Ritalin twice a day for more than a decade. After moving and changing doctor's was switched to Pemoline, which was the closest I ever felt to "normal", until it was pulled off the market for being linked with liver failure. By then Modafinil had been approved by the FDA for use in treating excessive daytime sleepiness in Narcolepsy. It has been very helpful for daytime, though I can still fall asleep (nap) during the day and I notice that if I forget my 2nd (afternoon) dose, I'm not able to stay asleep through the night."

• Metat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2017

"I am diagnosed with Bipolar, ADHD Inattentive Type and Narcolepsy without Cataplexy. Modafinil generic or Brand name is very effective in uncontrolled daytime sleepiness without disturbing nightime sleep as long as it is not taken too late in the day. Helps with depression and focus and general energy. It literally saved my life by stopping me from falling asleep while driving and saved the lives of others. Generic is still pricey and the Insurance will not want to pay for it."

• Vicki...
• March 19, 2019

"I was diagnosed with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy when I was a freshman in high school. I am now 26 years old with a 3 year old daughter. While I was in high school, I was prescribed Ritalin, which did help. Recently I was prescribed Adderall and it worked GREAT. I was taking a 20mg tablet twice a day (one in the morning, once at noon or 1 pm). I went and saw a new Sleep Disorder Doctor who prescribed the Modafinil at 200mg a day (1 tablet in the morning). I am still absolutely exhausted by noon or 1pm. On Modafinil I am fine in the morning after I take it, but again, by Noon or 1pm, I am absolutely exhausted, can't focus and can barley keep my eyes open enough to function. I had high hopes for this medication but it just doesn't seem to be enough for me. I don't feel any different then when I wasn't taking anything."

• debbinz
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 2, 2017

"I've been taking Modafinil for 10 years, highest dose they can prescribe. In fairness, I have a 2 problems going on. The narcolepsy and a sleep disorder. I do not get adequate REM sleep. The best sleep I've ever had was with IV sedation for surgery. I wake up every day tired. Though taking Modafinil helps, it is not consistently helpful and does not prevent me from nodding off...depending on situation. My doctor has not wanted to switch drugs. I can say it helps some, but is not as effective as I'd hoped for. for those who do not have insurance coverage, I found a site online that fills this script (income based) 270 tablets/3 mos $80"

• techp...
• March 14, 2012

"Love this medication! Have been on it for over 10 years with no side effects. Different insurance companies have made me try Ritalin, Adderall and Nuvigil. None of those worked and the first two gave me awful side effects. It is not a fix all! You have to live different than other people do if you have narcolepsy. My doctor (who wrote a book on narcolepsy) said that I should still get about 10 hours sleep every night and should have a consistent daily schedule. Be properly diagnosed by a sleep latency study after an assessment for sleep apnea - it doesn't help sleep apnea! And don't take it if you are pregnant (also, birth control pills may not work while on it)."

• Gaston
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2018

"Difficult getting prescription. I would wake up and take a 200mg dose and fall right back asleep. If awake, it would help me stay awake through the day. I still need my other prescription medications. Not a substitute for sleep. I do not find: cognitive enhancement, increased awareness/productivity, or mood improvement. Must take early since it is more difficult to get to sleep. Try not to take it daily, but only when need to be functional at work. No impairment with: driving, jitters or manic symptoms. Unlike amphetamines. I feel the efficacy of Modafinil is hyped. Needed to appeal to health plan: documentation from my doctor, letter from my employer, and a letter from myself. The letter from my doctor is what got my health plan to accept my appeal. Given the cost and coverage difficulty, this drug is of minor benefit for me."

• holly...
• January 23, 2008

"I've been taking Modafinil for close to 3 years now. I've had narcolepsy for as long as I remember and I've always suffered from excessive sleepiness. This is the only medicine that has helped. There are different brands, manufacturers, etc. so just be careful about where you purchase from. Honestly I do not have insurance so I buy from an online pharmacy - otherwise it would be too costly. It has changed my life, although sometimes it feels less effective. Overall it has really helped me."

• Tori
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2018

"I took this for about two months. I did help me stay awake a little longer, but I was still having sleep attacks. The headaches/migraines were also unbearable. I also had to switch to a pharmacy that prescribed 60days not just 30. Without that it would have been 150$ a month with insurance."

• doohaga
• December 10, 2008

Provigil (modafinil) "This was the first drug that my doctor prescribed for my narcolepsy. I didn't experience any side-effects but it didn't improve my wakefulness to any discernible degree with two doses of 300mg. (one dose of 300mg upon waking in the morning; one dose of 300mg around noon)."

• toots
• July 24, 2009

Provigil (modafinil) "I started taking Provigil about a year ago when it was suspected I had narcolepsy. I was tested and found it was Idiotic Hypersomnia (lack of melatonin) they call it Idiotic because they don't know what causes it. Provigil works one day for me then not the next. You can only take 200mg max per day. I went off it and on Ritalin. I am awake without any ill effects. I have recently been tested again for narcolepsy and was found that I am narcoleptic. The test given last year was done incorrectly (without my C-pap), it was supposed to be done WITH it on during my sleep study. All is good now."

• Jk7
• November 30, 2016

"I have been taking Provigil for a month. I noticed a decrease in my sleepiness right away. I was falling asleep at work and while driving so many times a day I couldn't count how often. My insurance wouldn't approve it and it was way to expensive for me to pay cash so it took me a couple months before I was able to get it filled. I called every pharmacy I could think of to compare prices and costco was way cheaper than everyone else. Their price for 30 of the 200 MG was only 39.00 compared to 700.00 at some other places. I definitely recommend getting it filled there if you have to pay cash."