Nuvigil Side Effects

Generic name: armodafinil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Nuvigil.

Applies to armodafinil: oral tablet Side Effects associated with armodafinil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Nuvigil.

Applies to armodafinil: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine does not take the place of getting enough sleep. It should not be used for occasional sleepiness that has not been diagnosed as narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or a shift work sleep problem. Ask your doctor for advice about good sleep habits.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, or certain skin conditions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome). These reactions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, fever or chills, trouble breathing or swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, mouth, or throat while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions that may involve multiple organs, such as your liver or kidneys. Check with your doctor right away if you have a fever, dark urine, headache, rash, stomach pain, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in neck, armpit, or groin, unusual tiredness, or yellow eyes or skin.

Do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

Hormonal birth control pills, implants, patches, shots, vaginal rings, or IUDs may not work as well while you are using armodafinil (the active ingredient contained in Nuvigil) To keep from getting pregnant, use a second form of birth control together with your pills, implant, patch, shot, vaginal ring, or IUD while you are using this medicine. Continue using the second form of birth control for 1 month after your last dose. Other forms of birth control include condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Armodafinil may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

Check with your doctor if you have been taking this medicine for a long time and feel that it is not working as well as before. Do not increase your dose without talking to your doctor. Some people can become mentally or physically dependent on this medicine. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Nuvigil

Along with its needed effects, armodafinil may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking armodafinil:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking armodafinil:

Symptoms of overdose

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• headache
• hyperventilation
• irritability
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• nausea
• pounding in the ears
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• slow heartbeat
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Nuvigil

Some side effects of armodafinil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to armodafinil: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The following reactions occurred more frequently with the 250 mg/day dose compared to the 150 mg/day dose: headache, rash, depression, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, contact dermatitis, hyperhidrosis
• Frequency not reported: Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TEN)
• Postmarketing reports: Skin and mouth sores, blistering, ulceration, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms

(DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Serious rash requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment has been reported in association with the use of armodafinil or modafinil (the racemic mixture of S- and R-enantiomers). Rare cases of serious or life-threatening rash, including SJS and TEN, have been reported in adults and children in worldwide post-marketing experience with

modafinil and armodafinil.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Seasonal allergy
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression, agitation, depressed mood, disturbance in attention, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Irritability, suicidal ideation
• Postmarketing reports: Mania, delusions, hallucinations, aggression^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypersensitivity (rash, dysphagia, and bronchospasm)

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, loose stools
• Postmarketing reports: Mouth sores (including mouth blistering and ulceration)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Polyuria^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Pancytopenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, increased alkaline phosphatase
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Elevated AST and/or ALT^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, decreased appetite,
• Frequency not reported: Decreased serum uric acid^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, paresthesia, tremor, migraine^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, influenza-like illness, pain, pyrexia, thirst^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Nuvigil (armodafinil) vs Provigil (modafinil): How do they compare?
• How long does it take for Nuvigil to work?
• Why is Nuvigil a controlled substance?

Further information

Nuvigil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer