Provigil Side Effects

In clinical studies, nervousness, nausea, and headaches were the most common side effects reported with Provigil. Side effects that were not as common (occurring in 1 to 4 percent of people) included dry mouth, constipation, and nosebleeds. There are also certain side effects of Provigil that, while not as common, are potentially serious and require immediate medical attention, such as hallucinations, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

 

An Introduction to Provigil Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Provigil® (modafinil); however, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If Provigil side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Provigil. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Provigil side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Provigil

Provigil has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects with Provigil included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 34 percent of people
  • Nausea -- up to 11 percent
  • Nervousness -- up to 7 percent
  • Runny or stuffy nose -- up to 7 percent
  • Back pain -- up to 6 percent
  • Diarrhea -- up to 6 percent
  • Indigestion or heartburn -- up to 5 percent
  • Insomnia -- up to 5 percent (see Provigil and Insomnia)
  • Dizziness -- up to 5 percent.
     
Other common Provigil side effects, occurring in 1 to 4 percent of people, included:
 
  • Flu-like symptoms (such as fever and chills)
  • Dry mouth (see Provigil and Dry Mouth)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sore throat
  • Flushing or hot flashes
  • Constipation
  • Unusual sensations, such as numbness or tingling
  • Drowsiness
  • Neck stiffness
  • Gas
  • Mouth sores
  • Thirst
  • Water retention
  • Shakiness (tremor)
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Nosebleeds
  • Sweating
  • Cold sores or genital herpes
  • Vision problems or eye pain
  • Changes in taste.
     
(Provigil Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;