Armodafinil Disease Interactions

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Patients with excessive sleepiness, including those taking armodafinil, should be frequently reassessed for their degree of sleepiness and, if appropriate, advised to avoid driving or any other potentially dangerous activity. Patients should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking armodafinil as any drug affecting the central nervous system (CNS) may alter judgment, thinking or motor skills.

Armodafinil may cause ECG changes, chest pain, or arrhythmia. Armodafinil should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular complications. Armodafinil should not be used in patients with a history of left ventricular hypertrophy or in patients with mitral valve prolapse who have experienced the mitral valve prolapse syndrome when previously receiving CNS stimulants. It is recommended to monitor heart rate and blood pressure during treatment with armodafinil. Caution should be exercised when prescribing armodafinil to patients with known cardiovascular disease.

In a study to determine the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of armodafinil in patients with cirrhosis, the oral clearance of armodafinil was decreased by about 60%, and the steady state concentration was doubled compared to healthy patients. The dosage of armodafinil should be reduced in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Close monitoring is recommended.

Armodafinil may cause adverse psychiatric reactions. Caution should be exercised when using this agent in patients with a history of psychosis, depression, or mania. If psychiatric symptoms develop in association with armodafinil administration, consider discontinuing armodafinil. Close monitoring of psychiatric symptoms is recommended.