Armodafinil and Headaches: What Users Say

• Lun...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 16, 2013

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2021

For Narcolepsy "I have been on Nuvigil for at least 5 years. My insurance recently stopped paying for the name brand and will only pay for generic. My pharmacy filled armodafinil from drug manufacturer Aurobindo... my experience was absolutely horrible. I have never been so tired in my life. Within an hour of taking it, I was extremely tired, I was unable to stay awake regardless of whether I was standing, driving, or gardening. The headaches were debilitating and I started having dizzy spells. When I realized it could be this medication by this manufacturer, I stopped taking it immediately, and it took two days for the effects to wear off. I will never take any medication from the drug manufacturer Aurobindo again."

• wpc...
• September 8, 2014

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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."

• Cal...
• May 10, 2017

For Depression "I've taken Nuvigil off and on for about a year, along with 20 mg Lexapro. I take it as needed for depression and daytime sleepiness (I was falling asleep while driving). I find that it makes me agitated and irritable if I take it every day, so I only take 150 mg when my depression is causing extreme lethargy and lack of motivation. When I do take it, it usually works within an hour. I am motivated, focused, and productive on this medication. It even helps with my social anxiety, and I find that I'm more cheery and outgoing. I'm more talkative too, but in a good way - not in a manic way. The problem? It wears off after 6-8 hours, sometimes leaving me with a headache. Overall, however, it has been a big help to me!"

• cor...
• December 23, 2011

Armodafinil 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."

• Roc...
• February 26, 2014

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Lupus: I've been on Nuvigil for about a year now. I have a mild form of lupus, and the medicine I take for that does more harm than good. So we just decided to treat my painfully low energy level with Nuvigil. It has changed my life. When I first started it, I had mild headaches and was sensitive to light. But once I was used to it, I regained my quality of life. I was able to enjoy mornings and not count the hours before I could return to sleep. The best part is I can take it as needed now. Highly recommend."

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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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."

• sou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 16, 2015

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Pros: turn into a hardworking genius legend in the daytime after taking a pill at 7:30 a.m. Turn sociable and enjoy chatting with people for the sake of it. Cons: some suspicious side effects, diarrhea (it's manageable) and very frequent urination. Hunger massively suppressed (you might consider this a good thing), occasional headaches, can make you aggressive when you aren't at all normally. If you're a person who has trouble sleeping, this will keep you up far later. And also, there is a slight psychedelic element to this drug as it peaks. You sometimes get weird feelings and thoughts you know could never happen normally off the drug. It's still less bad for you than cocaine or something, so that's how I rationalize it."

• Mir...
• September 3, 2021

For Depression "Long-time sufferer from depression. I’ve had high hopes after reading all the positive reviews about armodafinil. I finally got some samples and took 75 mg Artvigil. It worked within half an hour, but my anxiety was through the roof, on the verge of panic attacks. I drank a lot of water, but anxiety just kept getting worse. I felt jittery and anxious all day into the night. Two days later, I got a terrible headache and anxiety was still present. I take mirtazapine at night, and usually within half an hour of taking mirtazapine, I would feel sedated and sleepy. This time, nothing, I was still wide awake until the early hours in the morning with persistent anxiety/panic attacks. Now, two days later, I still feel the effects of armodafinil: anxiety, spaced out, and a general bad feeling. I might try a lower dose again in a couple of weeks to see if it works better, but I'm not holding high hopes. Really disappointed, as this was one of my last resorts to get my depression in order."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2019

For Drowsiness "I'm recently diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia. It's affected my life since I was a teen. I'm now 37. I've been on Armodafinil (mnfr: Mylan) about 3 months. The first 2 months was 150 mg with no relief of symptoms and an increase in headaches/migraines. Sleeping nearly all day. My dose was increased to 250 mg, which I'm currently on for nearly 4 weeks, still no relief. I feel like it makes me more tired. I still sleep a lot throughout the day and evening. I get a full night's sleep as well. I still have an increase in headaches/migraines along with occasional nausea. I read a previous review about the generic brand manufactured by Mylan not working as well as the generic manufactured by the name brand manufacturer or the name brand itself. I don't know if there's a difference between them. Armodafinil produced by Mylan is all I've tried. I really hoped this medicine would change the quality of my life, but it didn't. I'm happy it has worked for some people."

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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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

Armodafinil 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."

• Boo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibromyalgia for many years. Mental fatigue led to physical inactivity, which was made worse by several orthopedic surgeries. My sister had fibro too, and both of us have RA and sleep disorders. She was given the Nuvigil to stop sitting comatose in her chair all day. She is thrilled that she now has her life back, completing things she put off for five years. So I asked my sleep doc for Nuvigil. He gave me 150 mg. Took it for three days, and my whole body felt very tense, trouble sleeping, and headache. I seemed to have a little more energy. I stopped Nuvigil for two days and tried again with a half pill. That is perfect for me for brain clarity and focus. No side effects at all with a half pill. I'm very happy that I am now taking care of things I needed to do ten years ago. It is wonderful for me. 500 mg turmeric twice a day really cuts the pain."

• Sav...
• December 3, 2011

Armodafinil 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."