Why is this medication prescribed?

Armodafinil is prescribed primarily to manage excessive sleepiness associated with certain sleep disorders. Its main uses include:

• Narcolepsy: A chronic condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), and other symptoms.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Used as an adjunct to CPAP therapy for people who still experience excessive sleepiness despite using a CPAP machine.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: Helps individuals who have trouble staying awake during their work shifts due to irregular hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts.

Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent that helps improve alertness and reduce excessive sleepiness. It’s not a cure for these conditions but helps manage the symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Armodafinil should be used as follows:

• Dosage: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the exact dosage. Typically, the usual dose is 150 mg to 250 mg taken once daily in the morning. For shift work sleep disorder, it’s usually taken about 1 hour before the start of the work shift.
• Administration: It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Consistency: Take it at the same time each day to help maintain a consistent effect. Do not take it later in the day or in the evening as it may affect your ability to sleep.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose; do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol while taking Armodafinil, as it may increase the risk of side effects.
• Medical Advice: Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience.

Armodafinil is a prescription medication, so it’s important to use it under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

• Cognitive Enhancement: Although not an FDA-approved use, some people use Armodafinil off-label to improve cognitive function, focus, or alertness. However, this is not recommended without medical supervision.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Sometimes used off-label to help with excessive sleepiness in people with major depressive disorder, though this use is not FDA-approved.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any history of allergies to Armodafinil or similar medications.
• Medical History: Let your doctor know if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or hallucinations.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as the effects on an unborn baby or nursing infant are not well-studied.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider of all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, as Armodafinil can interact with certain medications.
• Mental Health: Monitor for any changes in mood or behavior, such as increased agitation, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts. Report any such symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Risk of Dependency: While Armodafinil is generally considered to have a low potential for abuse, it’s still important to use it as prescribed to avoid dependency or misuse.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Since Armodafinil can affect alertness, be cautious when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not suddenly stop taking Armodafinil without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a return of excessive sleepiness.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any side effects or concerns promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Armodafinil can be taken with or without food. There are no specific dietary restrictions or requirements, but maintaining a balanced diet can help overall health and well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Armodafinil can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite

Serious side effects, which require immediate medical attention, include:

• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Mental Health Issues: New or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
• Heart Problems: Chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which may present with severe rash, peeling skin, or mouth sores.
• Liver Problems: Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or abdominal pain.

If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Armodafinil:

Storage:

• Store Armodafinil at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep the medication in a tightly closed container and protect it from moisture and light.
• Store it out of reach of children and pets.

Disposal:

• Do not flush the medication down the toilet or pour it into a drain unless specifically instructed to do so.
• If available, use a drug take-back program or disposal site to safely dispose of unused or expired medication.
• If no take-back programs are available, you may dispose of Armodafinil in your household trash by mixing it with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter), placing the mixture in a sealed bag or container, and then throwing it away. Remove any personal information from the prescription label before disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Signs of Overdose: Symptoms of an overdose may include severe headache, nausea, nervousness, confusion, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat.
• Immediate Action: Contact emergency medical services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room if you suspect an overdose.
• Poison Control: You can also contact your local poison control center for guidance on what to do in case of an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to monitor for effectiveness and any potential side effects.
• Drug Interactions: Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid interactions.
• Consistency: Take Armodafinil consistently as prescribed and avoid abrupt changes in dosage or discontinuation without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Health Changes: Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and seek their guidance for any concerns or questions regarding your medication.