Provigil Uses

People with excessive sleepiness due to certain conditions can usually benefit from Provigil. Uses of the medication specifically include the promotion of wakefulness in people with sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder. The drug is approved for people age 16 and older. Off-label Provigil uses may also include the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, and fatigue due to other causes.

 

Provigil Uses: An Overview

Provigil® (modafinil) is a prescription medication used to promote wakefulness. This means that it helps people stay awake and alert. It is approved to promote wakefulness in people with excessive sleepiness due to:
 
  • Narcolepsy
  • Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD), a problem in people who work night shifts or who frequently change between day and night work shifts
  • Sleep apnea (known medically as obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome or OSAHS).
     
Provigil Uses for Narcolepsy
Provigil can be used as part of narcolepsy treatment. Symptoms of narcolepsy include falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. People with this condition often appear paralyzed when they are asleep and have hallucinations when falling asleep. These people often fall asleep several times during the day.
 
Although Provigil can help people with narcolepsy stay awake, it is not a cure. Even while taking Provigil, most people with narcolepsy will still experience symptoms, although these symptoms will usually be less frequent or severe.
(Provigil Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;