How long does it take for Nuvigil to work?
Nuvigil (armodafinil) typically works within 2 hours of taking a dose. After taking Nuvigil by mouth, it is absorbed quickly from the gut into the bloodstream. However, how soon Nuvigil starts to work can depend on whether or not you take the medication with food.
Nuvigil is available as a tablet that is taken once a day. It is used to improve wakefulness in adults that experience excessive sleepiness due to:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Shift work disorder
How to make Nuvigil more effective
Since Nuvigil is absorbed faster on an empty stomach, it is best not to take the medication with food. Taking Nuvigil with food can delay the time it takes for it to work. In studies, the time it took for Nuvigil to reach peak concentrations in the blood was delayed by 2-4 hours when it was taken with food.
For best results, Nuvigil should be taken once a day in the morning if you are taking it for obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy. If you are taking Nuvigil for shift work disorder, take your dose of Nuvigil once a day about 1 hour before you start your work shift.
References
Conrado, D., et. al. (2013). Electroencephalogram Effects of Armodafinil: Comparison With Behavioral Alertness. In: Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5527681/
Nuvigil [package insert]. Revised Dec 2022. Cephalon, LLC. Accessed on 05/31/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d878aed0-ddbf-8fa1-abf7-d3e480260845
Prescriber's Guide Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology. (2021). Armodafinil. Accessed 05/31/2024 at https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/prescribers-guide/armodafinil/AA3BB6A2260FE076D2E39E67FC78C009
Read next
Nuvigil vs Provigil: How do they compare?
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is the R-enantiomer of Provigil (modafinil). They are both oral medications used to improve wakefulness in certain adults.
Continue reading
How do I know if I have sleep apnea? The warning signs
Warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking sounds during sleep and frequent awakenings at night. Mornings headaches, a dry mouth or sore throat and excessive daytime drowsiness may also occur. Often, a sleep partner may notice these signs at night.
Continue reading
Is sleep apnea the hidden cause of your high blood pressure?
Sleep apnea is a common but often hidden cause of high blood pressure. It contributes to hypertension through multiple mechanisms and is especially prevalent in people whose blood pressure is difficult to control. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to many serious complications.
Continue readingSee also:
Related medical questions
- Can sleep apnea kill you? Understanding the real risks?
- Why is Nuvigil a controlled substance?
- Can you have narcolepsy and insomnia?
- What is the difference between narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia?
- What are the early signs of narcolepsy?
- What is the treatment for narcolepsy?
- How do you test for narcolepsy?
- What exactly is Captagon and why was it banned?
- How should Adderall make you feel, with or without ADHD?
- Modafinil (Provigil) vs Adderall: What's the difference?
- How long does Adderall withdrawal last?
- Focalin vs Adderall: What's the difference?
- Ritalin vs Vyvanse - What's the difference between them?
- Modafinil: Smart Drug For Decision Fatigue Or Workaholic Crutch?
- What are the brands of methylphenidate?
- How long does it take for Provigil (modafinil) to work?
- Can you take Adderall while pregnant?
- Adderall for Study: Does it Really Make You Smarter?
- Is Provigil (modafinil) a controlled substance?
- What is metilfenidato used for?
- Is Adzenys XR-ODT the same as Adderall XR?
- Xywav vs Xyrem: What's the difference between them?
- What is the difference between Lumryz vs Xyrem?
- Is Sunosi (solriamfetol) a controlled substance?
- Will Xyrem show up on a drug test?
- How effective is Xywav for Idiopathic Hypersomnia?
- Is Xyrem a controlled substance / narcotic drug of abuse?
- Does Xyrem cause weight gain or loss?
- How does Wakix work for narcolepsy?
- Is Wakix a controlled substance?
Drug information
- Nuvigil Information for Consumers
- Nuvigil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Nuvigil (detailed)
- Nuvigil user reviews (254)
Related support groups
- Nuvigil (22 questions, 200 members)
- Narcolepsy (90 questions, 409 members)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (27 questions, 56 members)
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder (14 questions, 34 members)