Can you compare and contrast them for me? I want to try Nuvigil, but I'd like to hear how it stacks up against Provigil before I ask for it.
Has Anyone Taken Both Provigil and Nuvigil?
Question posted by Thor283 on 24 Sep 2011
Last updated on 21 April 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
31 Answers Page 2
tombouy
5 March 2017
Yes I've been on them both. But at differant times of course. I know everyone's body chemistry is differant. I really didn't have much luck with either one. It was prescribed to me for severe fatigue from the M.S. I'm now on Adderall which works alot better than the previous 2. I don't get that rush, speeding feeling.
Thor283
5 March 2017
Everyone's body really is different. I remember when it was assumed what worked for 1 person would work exactly the same for everyone.And if you said it didn't they didn't believe you. They thought you were lying or crazy. I said this because I tried Adderall and it made me speed my head off.
BrainGirl
4 March 2017
OK, it has been 2yrs since the last response But I had to. I am an Encephalitis Survivor. (Brain Infection). For 8yrs I have been fighting to get outta the Bed. My Neurologist tried Provigil to no avail. So 1 day He comes in & says... We've got something new & admitted to me that he had to Drive outta State the Day before & took 1. Then he says , Us Drs just don't have everything We need to repair most Disorders. Gave Me my first pack of Nuvigil while explaining to me that Provigil Does not have The R isomer & for some Reason some People Need that R isomer for Modafinil to work. Now, I will Fight You Over Armodafinil. I have a Seizure complex from the Brain Infection & can't take all/many Stimulants or anything else for that matter. For Me... Provigil did nothing But Nuvigil is a GOD send.
Thor283
4 March 2017
I'm glad to hear Nuvigil worked for you. I'm also glad you answered even though this is an old question. My Doc never let me try Nuvigil so I still take Provigil. I now think I may have some form of MS and from what I hear some neurologists are using stimulants to fight the fatigue of MS diseases.
Does Nuvigil help with stopping or preventing seizures? I have friend who has seizures since she was 14. They don't know why. They've had her on Tegratol for 30+ yrs. No one knows if it helps anymore. Stress and lack of sleep make her have more seizures which is why I'm asking is Nuvigil stops them?
kiel
23 Nov 2016
Guys I was hoping someone would say this! Provigil is two racimic compounds where Nuvigil has one! The one that Nuvigil has provigil has too, but to a lesser degree and it's the more active compound. So basically they are the same drug but one which is provigil has another compound not as strong but it works. So Nuvigil is more pure with out any other useless drugs in it.
Inactive
13 July 2013
No question try pro vigil. I used to take 40mg in morning and 20 mg in afternoon. Started taking nuvigil 3-4 weeks ago never had worse feeling in my life. Incredibly debilitating. Went to dr meclizine no help.
LexJosh123
13 July 2013
I have been prescribed both of those medications and neither of them did anything at all to me. I felt no difference in anything.
is-this-it
9 July 2013
I have taken both and there does not seem to be any difference at all.
lmfansler86
1 May 2013
I have tried both. Most insurance companies require you to try Provigil first then if it does not help it will let you try Nuvigil. Now before I talk about my experience, you must be aware that I have multiple health problems & I take lots of medications which may have altered how the meds work for me. For me Provigil did the exact opposite of what it was supposed to. It made me sleepy. The higher the dose I used the worse it got too. That is the reason my doctor had me try Nuvigil. One I started trying Nuvigil I immediately noticed it helping. I take it before my 12+ hour shifts & I am alert but not wired. I then start to get tired soon after my shift which allows me to get some sleep generally. It has not only helped with my shift work disorder but my insomnia & fibromyalgia. In general my experience with Nuvigil was outstanding. I have noticed that Nuvigil will keep me up for 12 hours.
However, if I am not active at all it tends to last longer. If I am super active it sometimes will last 10-12 hours. The one thing that I really am glad of is that Nuvigil does not make me wired or jittery. It makes me alert & awake without any harsh side effects. It's as if I had an awesome night sleep.
Thor283
1 May 2013
Hi, Thank you for answering. The Doc I have right now doesn't even like giving me Provigil, so I knw he won't let me try Nuvagil. However, I may soon have a different Doc who will.
You said the more Provigil you took the more sleepy you felt, and I have also experienced that. I usually take two of 200 mg tabs a day on the days I need it. I don't need it everyday. I have noticed many times that if I take the 2nd tab too soon I get sleepy before it makes me awake. And btw, I take it as 100 mg at a time.
I also find it helps my depression. But I think it does that by waking me up enough so I can get things done.
These 2 drugs got a bad rep because some people abused them, and now the Docs think they're Speed, that is to say an amphetamine. When I was younger I took a lot of amphetamines because I was always overweight. I can honestly say Provigil is not Speed nor is it an amphetamine. And it's not addictive. I've had to stop several times and all that happened was I felt super tired for awhile. But no withdrawal like I used to get from amphetamines.
Once again, thanks for responding.
lmfansler86
1 May 2013
Some people have different reactions to different meds. For instance, most people get drowsy when taking Benadryl. However, it wakes me up like caffeine. I think it's the same with the Provigil. That is why my doctor changed me to Nuvigil. Nuvigil is one of the best meds I have had in a long time. I also only take it when I need it even though my doctor recommends I take it daily. Most days I am not very active so I don't take it because the less active I am the longer the effects last which in turn messes with my sleep schedule. If you are getting sleepy AT ALL with Provigil then you need to stop it because it is not supposed to have that effect on you. If your doctor won't try Nuvigil with you when you are having that side effect then you definitely need a new doctor. Good luck!
dotcase
16 April 2013
I have taken Provigil, however it gave me headaches. I asked my Doctor if there was an alternative and she suggested Nuvigil. No headaches, and it works just great. No buzz or high, such a pleasant happy day.
JDistired
5 Jan 2013
I first started on Nuvigil expecting to start a new productive life. Unfortunately, I was disappointed after paying the high cost. People react to meds differently so before paying for Nuvigil or Provigil ask for samples.
flagal
6 Nov 2012
Hi, Hope u see this, I know I'm late in responding. But I just recently found out what the 'real' difference is in Provigil & Nuvigil.
Went to my Psych. - go once every 3 months and have for approx. 5 yrs. I found on-line a coupon for the 'free' Nuvigil 1 mo. supply. Took it with me to the Dr's and asked if he would write me a script for the Nuvigil so I could get a 30 day supply free. (I am currently taking Provigil and have for approx 1 yr). He said 'NO', you're already taking Provigil. Said I'd like to try it, especially since its a 'free' 1 month supply.
He stated: The Provigil now has a generic. The manufacturers of Provigil were working on another 'Provigil' when they knew their patent would expire, hence 'Nuvigil'. He said since they saw the end of their patent coming, they came out with Nuvigil to stay on top of the money game. He said it is basically the same, just a different name. No real difference in the two.
I've recently had 3 scripts filled at Walgreens. My insurance requires dispensing a generic, if available. So - I picked up my prescription, and the label states 'generic for Provigil'. I open the bottle, and the pill has stamped on it: "Provigil". Still cost me the exact same amount of money. My insurance co-pay is $100.00. I asked the pharmacist why it is stamped 'Provigil' if it's a generic. He basically said 'because that's what they do - since they have the patent for both the original Provigil and the generic Provigil'. I know, sounds like a lot of B.S. to me. I thought generic's were less expensive - but it could just be my insurance being cheap.
Inactive
10 Nov 2012
flagal, I appreciate the info. Interesting.pledge
ruthrwd
28 April 2012
Thor
I have taken both these drugs and earlier version vigil .The problem I had with Nuvigal , headaches very server so went back to Provigil headache were minimal ,I was on prevestation also as a precaution so when it was stopped minor headache went away .I am not sure if interaction with nuvigil just made headache worse due to longer lasting effect or it was root cause .
I am staying with Provigil for now
ruthrwd
28 April 2012
Hi Thor
I have taken both these drugs and earlier version vigil .The problem I had with Nuvigal , headaches very server so went back to Provigil headache were minimal ,I was on prevestation also as a precaution so when it was stopped minor headache went away .I am not sure if interaction with nuvigil just made headache worse due to longer lasting effect or it was root cause .
mhsmith
27 Oct 2011
I was on Provigil for 9 months, doing way better than just CPAP alone, but the insurance co. complained and didn't want to pay for it any more. So I had to switch to Nuvigil on "their" list. I've been on Nuvigil for about 4 months. Started at 150 mg, but that didn't seem to last to the end of the day, so upped to 250 mg. (I don't think it effect lasts any longer than Provigil.) At this point I have started to notice red skin rashes and burning sensations. I don't know how long this has been going on with Nuvigil, but I think it may have started 3 or 4 weeks ago. I have stopped taking Nuvigil. I did not have this problem with Provigil, or else it was so mild I didn't notice it. Maybe I'll resume a lower dose later, but I'm not sure.
Thor283
28 Oct 2011
Hi mhsmith,
Thank you for answering. This is just the sort of stuff I need to know. Although I wonder why your insurance co. will cover Nuvigil but not Provigil, did you ask them? I hope your insurance co. isn't Wellcare? Although if it is, I may have to try Nuvigil sooner than I expected. I'm thinking that when Provigil goes generic, which is supposed to be soon, they may not work the same. I figured then I will have to try Nuvigil. But as it is, I always have to get special clearance for Provigil. You now have me wondering if they cover Nuvigil right now. I have to check. Tomorrow I see my doc. That's why I'm glad you answered this now. But I don't like this rash you're talking about. Where is the rash?
I have 1 more question. What is CPAP? The only other thing I can take to stay awake are those 5 Hour Energy Drinks. I find if I take them with Provigil I get an increased effect. But I also find with Provigil that the real wakefulness doesn't happen until I take over 200 mg. And unfortunately I can't do that in 1 day. So this is another reason I'm considering Nuvigil. I need Provigil 4 days a week. I need it 2 days in a row, twice. The problem is it always works better on day 2, and I need it more on day 1.
So what is CPAP?
Thank You again for answering.
mhsmith
7 Nov 2011
CPAP is a machine therapy I use for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A main symptom is snoring. I have difficulty breathing when I'm asleep, and the interruptions of my sleep cycle cause the low oxygen, fatigue and sometimes morning headaches. Being overweight is also not helping my diaphram when I lie down horizontally, so I rest better on a slight incline. You definitely don't want this condition, because I am passing out by 4:30 in the afternoon. Many middle-aged men have this problem.
mhsmith
7 Nov 2011
The rash appeared in patches all over my body in various places. Inside of my arms, inner legs, abdomen, side of my neck, almost everywhere I had sensitive skin.
Chica181
25 Oct 2012
My Doc prescribed Nuvigil for my Chronic Fatigue syndrome. For the 1st time in 20 years I felt like living but after 2 weeks I broke out in hives. In the med warnings it said that diazepam could increase chances of side effects. I'm also taking that. I don't know if you also take diazepam. But since you also had a reaction I wondered if you know of any medications that have helped give you energy & maybe work for me also.
mhsmith
26 Oct 2012
Avoid Nuvigil if you have the rash reaction. Consider trying Provigil; for me Provigil has few if any bad side effects by itself. I take it in the morning.
However, I do not know how that might interact with diazepam, since I do not take the latter.
sls1966
6 May 2017
i know this is a question asked many moons ago but i thought i would add my input just in case others are serching for anaswers
i have been on Provigal for almost 13 years ... yes a long time ... i started at 400mg once daily and was still on that amount till yesterday when my doctor thought with the new technology i might do well on NUVOGIL at 250 mg daily... the reason my insurance company was excited about me changing was because Provigal was costing almost 3000 per month for 60 tablets ,and Nuvirga is 800 a month!! yes i am only going to be taking 30 tablets instead of 60 per month... but WOW what a cost savings..
i was put on Provigal 13 years ago because i had been in a severe car accident, and with my TBI develope problems with being able to stay awake, now im sure the amount of meds i take and the type of meds i take has alot to do with ,y sleepiness but its not heathly to sleep all the time... and made me more depressed then i all ready was with my "new life" or "celebration of me living"..like i said it was a severe car accident... all though every day is a stuggle and even though i take adderell,provigal, wellbutrin,norcp, ect i still can sleep or stay in bed without any energy... and before you ask YES i am in therapy for years... its just some days or better then others... p.s. if i had to make a choice between adderell and provigal... i would of chosen provigal without a doubt... i like that there is no crash when the end of the day comes... no speed feeling... ect...
wish me luck on Nuvigal !
SouthernBelle92
18 April 2018
Hi mhsmith,
I'm so sorry the Nuvigil didn't work well for you. I have been taking it for about 10+/- years now and have never had any problems. I originally started with the Provigil and eventually moved to the Nuvigil and I just love that it helps me stay alert and focused throughout the day but doesn't interfere with my sleep at night! Wishing you the very best!
marriedsammy
28 Sep 2011
I have taken both Provigil and Nuvigil; am currently on Nuvigil. I have found that with the Nuvigil, the effects seem to last quite a bit longer than with the Provigil. I have gotten about 4-5 more hours of productive wakefulness than with Provigil. I very much would recommend switching to the Nuvigil.
Thor283
28 Oct 2011
Hi Sammy,
Sorry I didn't know you answered me in Sept. I only just found this. Thank you for answering me.
I see you like Nuvigil better. How much Nuvigil do you take and how much Provigil did you take?
I need these drugs to help me stay awake over 24 hours twice a week. Not 4 nights in a row, but 2 times in a week. Provigil does that, but I always feel more awake day 2, and I need to be more awake on day 1, or night 1.
What do you use it for, can I ask?
LaurieShay
24 Sep 2011
Hey Thor,
Nuvigil (armodafinil) and Provigil (modafinil) are very similar as Rajive points out. The Nuvigil is an improved version of Provigil which requires less milligrams a dose and is better in its continuous release ability.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Related topics
nuvigil, provigil, depression, multiple sclerosis, narcolepsy, drowsiness, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome, shift work sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs), jet lag
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