Provigil is used to improve wakefulness in people with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.

General Precautions with Provigil:

• Provigil can decrease the effectiveness of certain contraceptives including birth control pills, and implantable contraceptives. If you are using this type of contraceptive while taking Provigil and for 1 month after you stop treatment with Provigil you should either:
  • use an alternate birth control method, or
  • use another effective birth control method together with your current contraceptive.
• Doses of your other medications may need to be adjusted or you may have to be monitored more closely.
• Do not drive or operate other complex machinery until you know how Provigil affects your ability to function.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Call your health care provider if you develop a skin rash, hives, or allergic reactions.

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your doctor or health care provider if you:

• have any heart conditions, (including valve problems, irregular heart beat, recent heart attack, or unstable chest pain)
• have a history of mental illness
• have liver problems
• you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• Review all medications that you are taking with your health care provider, including those that you take without a prescription, because certain other medications can interact with Provigil.

What are some possible side effects of Provigil? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Provigil. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

• Headache
• Infection
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Feeling anxious
• Trouble sleeping

For more detailed information about Provigil, ask your health care provider.