Nuvigil and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lun...
• 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!"

• Mel...
• 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."

• Kri...
• 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. 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."

• wpc...
• September 8, 2014

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I was undiagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome for 10 years. I would sleep from 9 to 11 hours a night and was still tired. I also had terrible headaches 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. I 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 (150 mg). 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!"

• Jen...
• 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 doctor labeled it chronic fatigue, and the Nuvigil has made a huge 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."

• cor...
• December 23, 2011

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Started taking this for extreme tiredness a week ago after my exhaustion level rose to unacceptable levels. In previous multiple sclerosis episodes, I had been on Provigil but stopped taking it due to severe headaches and found I didn't need them anymore anyway. So far, I haven't had any headaches, and my mental alertness is significantly higher. My physical energy is still low but has improved some. I can make it through a quick shopping trip without having to sit down and rest. I'm hoping that continued use of the medicine will build up my endurance level over time."

• Sle...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2013

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "Have had sleep apnea for a while and started using a CPAP machine alone about 6 months before also adding Nuvigil. Nuvigil helps me get through my work shifts more effectively, especially when transitioning from working 3rd shift to having 3 days off and having to conform to a normal sleep pattern. I liken this medication to taking a 5 hr energy, but it is more effective and lasts longer. I still yawn, but my brain is fully alert and I am able to concentrate like I haven't been able to in years. I'm quite impressed - only side effects have been minor headaches a few days a month and at first a slight nauseated feeling. No jitters or nervousness - love it! Insurance co-pay was $45.00, but the Nuvigil Rx Savings Card brought my co-pay down to $5."

• wil...
• February 12, 2013

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I have suffered with severe OSAH syndrome for 15 years. I have undergone two surgeries to help 'clear' my airway with very short-term positive effects. For years, I 'slept' for at least nine hours a night and still napped for 2 to 4 hours every day. I awoke EVERY morning with my uvula so swollen it felt like I was swallowing it, and with a severely dry mouth and nagging headache. When I was awake, I was in a fog. CPAP helped, but I still had to nap during the day. 6 months ago, my pulmonologist prescribed Nuvigil, and my life changed. It is a miracle medication. I never go without my CPAP, and I take 250 mg Nuvigil around 9 a.m., and I can now have a normal, productive day. In addition, as long as I am CPAP compliant, my insurance pays all but $5."

• Anonymous
• November 7, 2011

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "In my opinion, there are a lot of pros and cons for this medication. I took it for a while with no ill effect, but something must have changed, and it made me feel extremely ill (dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, headache). I stopped taking it because of this and definitely noticed a difference. I think that taking a half a pill every few hours has eliminated my problems with the medication and works to keep me awake and focused for longer."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 21, 2015

For Narcolepsy "My experience has been very positive: a complete elimination of sleep attacks, at least until the medication wears off (I take it at about 7 AM and usually around 2-3 PM I can tell it's worn off). When I first began the medication, I experienced fairly severe insomnia at night for a few days and suffered from headaches (generally dull, low-grade ones) for a couple of weeks. Those problems have long since ended, and I have no trouble falling asleep at night. My doctor suggested not taking the medication on weekends, when I do not have to work, which seems to have helped prevent it from losing any effectiveness. I am fortunate enough to have had no trouble getting my insurance to pay for Nuvigil. My cost is $27 for a 3-month supply by mail."

• 23 ...
• July 16, 2009

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with narcolepsy about 2 weeks ago, and I have been taking Nuvigil for about a week. I have to admit it works. The urges to fall asleep are there, but I have a choice now. I still sleep at night. About 7-8 hours, but I still wake up frequently. The only thing is, I get headaches, and my mouth is really, really dry. I'm not thirsty, I am hydrated. I drink plenty of water, but I can't shake these two symptoms. So either I enjoy being awake and deal with the side effects, or I quit the medicine and continue being tired. The first two days on it were great. But after a week, I feel sleep deprived, but I am still awake. I am waiting on a medicine to help me sleep better at night, so I will continue to give Nuvigil a shot."

• lau...
• September 10, 2010

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have chronic fatigue with my MS. I tried Provigil several months ago, but it gave me a severe headache, and I felt spaced out. Tried Nuvigil just today and felt jittery in the early part of the day and a bit light-headed, but I think I'll stick with it and see if I get the benefits others describe. I didn't take a nap as usual today, and I hope to feel more focused and energetic with my job soon."

• Anonymous
• January 16, 2010

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I never have side effects from medicines, so I foolishly took Nuvigil without reading the literature. Couldn't figure out where the headaches, fever, and general feeling of 'being sick' came from. Palpitations, the tingling in extremities, feeling as though my mind was always two steps ahead of my reactions... just too much. I feel fortunate nothing worse happened."

• bos...
• August 10, 2009

For Drowsiness "I have used Provigil for about 6 years for daytime sleepiness/fatigue. About 2 weeks ago, I began taking Nuvigil instead. The effect is definitely longer-lasting by several hours, and initially, it seemed more potent yet 'cleaner' in terms of side effects than Provigil. However, more recently, when I've taken it after a night of poor sleep, I've had to increase the dose, and I get a lot of tension headaches, as with Provigil. 150 mg lasted all day at first, now I've had to take a little more. Still, I'd rate it an improvement over Provigil - how much so, time will tell."

• dls...
• January 16, 2013

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I have used a C-PAP for about 4 years. Before that, I was on 2 liters of oxygen at night for 6 years. I always had some daytime sleepiness, but handled it with caffeine and, more recently, energy drinks. The sleepiness was getting worse, and I was having microsleeps during the day. Losing consciousness at work for a few seconds, waking and not knowing whether it was 3 seconds or 10 minutes. My sleep was good with the C-PAP, I thought, and the doctor read the chip from it, and it said it was good too. I was prescribed 150 mg of Nuvigil. It was as if half of my circuit breakers were off, and someone flipped them all back on. Startling, to say the least. The first 2 days, I had a low-grade headache. Had to cut way back on coffee. Miracle!"

• Jak...
• November 9, 2011

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "Wow, I feel normal again. I had been living on 5 hours of sleep due to sleep apnea fears for years. I got tested and was given a CPAP machine. I felt great for about a month, then tired. I started sleeping 9 hours a day and drinking tons of coffee and soft drinks. Nothing helped. I went to my regular MD, and all blood work was good. Was told to start working out. Problem was I was too tired. I went back to sleep. MD gave me Nuvigil. Like I said, WOW. I did have a few rough days when I started taking the 250 mg pills, but it was nice to stay awake and have a life. Side effects (headaches and dry mouth) are going away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2017

For Narcolepsy "I am 38, and I have been taking this medicine for two weeks, and I am having serious problems breathing and getting a deep breath in, my inhaler does not help. I have diarrhea, and my face has broken out worse than it ever did when I was a teenager. I have also had random pounding, sharp, shooting headaches come out of nowhere."

• Sav...
• December 3, 2011

For Narcolepsy "I am a student. Was having sudden sleep blackouts when reading or sitting in lecture. Also 'brownouts' where, for example, listening to someone talk, I suddenly shut down and 'sleep,' but they think I am wide awake. Brownouts not good for driving! So, the first day I took it, I read 3 chapters for a test that was two hours away. I stayed alert and retained every bit. No more blackouts or brownouts. Headache for the first week or so. Also, for the first few days, I hardly slept. Even stayed up all night a few times. I have learned to tweak it a bit, break the tablets, take a small amount at first and more later if I need it, but not overdo it. No changes in personality, other than being more competent at life."

• pau...
• September 17, 2009

For Drowsiness "I have found it to be very smooth, have needed to take two per day, one early AM and the second one about noon to make it all day. No more trouble sleeping than normal. No shakiness or jitters, appetite seems normal. One tablet (150 mg) was no help. I seem to be more productive during the day. No nausea or headaches, dizziness. I feel like I get along with it just fine."

• DoJ...
• September 14, 2016

For Narcolepsy "Works very well at keeping me awake. No euphoria like amphetamines, very few side effects in fact aside from a very mild headache, which aspirin can fix. It seems like all it does is remove my chronic fatigue without giving extra energy. Perfect in my opinion. Anxiety can be a problem, especially at the 250 mg dose. If it is a problem, I would recommend breaking the 250 mg in half and taking them several hours apart, which also helps with the late afternoon crash. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, probably not a good idea to take it. Also, there is a generic, not sure of the price difference."

• FAR...
• August 16, 2011

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "'This is the best medicine I've taken in 20 years.' These are the words I told my doctor after taking Nuvigil. I had major depression, major allergy, irritable bowel syndrome, and sleep apnea. You name the medicine, I took it, and it didn't work. So I didn't think this would either. I took one 150 mg in the morning, and it gave me a headache, but noticed it stopped my IBS all day. So, I cut it in half the next day, and it worked wonderfully for all my symptoms. It also helped my sex drive big time! Which was totally unexpected. It's the only medicine I need/take, but it's expensive."

• 25m...
• February 25, 2012

For Narcolepsy "I'm 25 years old and have had narcolepsy since I was around 10. I've never been on any medication before and have lived my life around constant daytime sleepiness and having to take regular naps. My Dr. prescribed me Nuvigil. Day one was the greatest I have ever felt in 15 some odd years! I have energy to do things, can eat without having to sleep afterwards, can stay awake at work. Still, randomly, after being up for an excessive period of time, I get the urge to take a nap, and if I do so, I have no issues. Bad side effects are mild headaches and slight tightening of the chest. Bad thing is my insurance only covers a small portion of it, and most likely won't be able to afford it."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2013

For Shift Work Sleep Disorder "I have been taking Nuvigil for a week, and every day I get headaches, and my eyes are sensitive to light. Overall, I love feeling back to normal and not tired all the time. I have tried cutting my pills in 1/2 and 1/4s to stop the side effects, no luck."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2010

For Narcolepsy "I got diagnosed with narcolepsy about a month ago. I got prescribed Nuvigil and took it for two weeks straight. The medicine had some side effects like headaches, but soon my body got used to the medicine. I'm a college student, so it's crucial that I stay awake when I'm in class, and Nuvigil helps me do that. Its effects slowly begin to work, so I have to take it early in the morning."

• Col...
• April 25, 2012

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I am a 22-year-old female college student. I take Pristiq, an antidepressant, daily. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (runs in my family), and I sleep with a CPAP machine, which helps, but I was still tired and felt cloudy and unable to focus during the day. I started taking Nuvigil, and it has really helped. I am prescribed 250 mg, but I take the half dose. When I first started taking Nuvigil, I had awful headaches, and sometimes I felt jittery. Nuvigil kept me up at night for the first few weeks, but my body adjusted. I take it around 8 a.m. I feel alert and am able to focus better in school. I only get a headache if I skipped a few days, and they are not as bad."