Provigil Side Effects (Cont.)

Provigil Side Effects to Report

Some side effects with Provigil, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
 
  • Anxiety, depression, confusion, hallucinations, or any other emotional or psychological changes
  • Chest pain, high blood pressure (hypertension), or a rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (known as heart palpitations)
  • Unusual muscle spasms or muscle movements
  • Blood in the urine
  • Feeling like you need to increase your dose or take it more frequently (this may be a sign of abuse or dependence)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • Rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing.
 

Provigil and Rashes

Like many other medications, Provigil can cause a rare, extremely dangerous side effect called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). This problem starts out as a rash, but it can soon become life-threatening, sometimes resulting in the loss of large segments of skin (which can lead to disfigurement or even death). Therefore, tell your healthcare provider immediately if you develop an unexplained rash while taking the drug. In almost all cases, Provigil should be stopped, since it is impossible to tell if any particular rash will become dangerous. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider immediately, you should stop taking Provigil until you receive further instructions.
 

Final Thoughts on Provigil Side Effects

You may experience some or none of the Provigil side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to tell whether any particular side effect (such as nausea) is actually caused by Provigil or other factors. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Provigil, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
 

Pages:

Previous 1 2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;