Artvigil 150 mg (Armodafinil)

Artvigil 150 mg (Armodafinil)

Active ingredient: Armodafinil  |  Drug class: wakefulness-promoting agent

Artvigil 150 mg (Armodafinil) contains Armodafinil, a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with certain sleep disorders. It is not a substitute for adequate sleep and should be used as part of a clinician-directed treatment plan.

What is this medicine used for?

Treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome, or shift-work sleep disorder.

For obstructive sleep apnoea, these medicines are used alongside appropriate treatment such as prescribed positive-airway-pressure therapy rather than as a replacement for it. They may also be used for narcolepsy or shift-work sleep disorder depending on the medicine and local approval.

How does it work?

Altering activity of natural brain chemicals involved in sleep and wakefulness. This describes the medicine's general pharmacological action; the clinical response varies between patients.

How to take Artvigil 150 mg (Armodafinil)

• Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily.
• The timing depends on the sleep disorder being treated, so follow the prescription rather than choosing a timing yourself.
• Do not increase the dose to improve concentration, energy or productivity.

Possible side effects

Reported effects may include headache, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. Not everyone experiences these effects. Seek urgent medical attention for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, severe allergic reactions, chest pain, sudden vision or hearing loss, or other serious symptoms.

Important warnings and precautions

Armodafinil can be habit-forming and can cause serious rash, psychiatric symptoms or cardiovascular effects in some people. It should not replace adequate sleep or prescribed treatment for sleep apnoea. Tell your clinician about medicines and hormonal contraception.

Drug interactions

• Tell your clinician about hormonal contraception, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants and other prescription medicines.
• Both medicines can affect sleep, mood or alertness and may interact with other medicines.
• Seek medical advice for rash, swelling, breathing difficulty, chest pain or major mood or behavioural changes.

Who should discuss this medicine with a doctor first?

Discuss your medical history with a doctor or pharmacist before treatment, especially if you have heart or blood-pressure problems, liver or kidney disease, breathing problems, a history of substance misuse, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or you take other medicines that cause sleepiness or affect the nervous system.

Storage and handling

Keep the medicine in its original packaging, stored according to the manufacturer's instructions, away from excessive heat and moisture and out of reach of children. Do not share prescription medicines with anyone else.

Strength and formulation note: Strength is preserved from the product name; use should follow the specific prescription and formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this prescription medicine?
  Prescription status depends on the active ingredient, strength and country. Follow the legal dispensing rules where the patient is located.
• How should I choose the right strength?
  The correct strength depends on the diagnosis, age, other medicines, medical history and response to treatment. A higher number on the pack does not automatically mean a better or safer result.
• Can I take it with other medicines?
  Interactions vary. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements before using it.

Medical information notice: This product information is for educational purposes and does not replace a diagnosis, prescription or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always check the actual pack, leaflet and local prescribing requirements before use.