Posted by Rick on December 13, 2000, at 4:53:23
In reply to Re: Modafinil is a controlled substance !!!, posted by mr. man on December 9, 2000, at 22:55:09
> it is a schedule 4 controlled substance, I dont think that makes it illegal though, the main problem is price, from the IAS site it would cost $1800 to $3600 a year! thats crazy!
> it is a schedule 4 controlled substance, I dont think that makes it illegal though, the main problem is price, from the IAS site it would cost $1800 to $3600 a year! thats crazy!.----
For perspective on the controlled substance count, the old pain standby Tylenol w/Codeine is in a more tightly controlled class (3), and Ritalin is in a *much* more tightly controlled class (2). It's hard to understand why the FDA designated Provigil a controlled substance at all. Although I'm not positive, I believe neither France nor England place Provigil in a controlled class. I think the reasons for control in the U.S. are:-- Concern that some people will abuse it by taking it late to stay awake when they should be getting sleep.
-- Lingering thought that Provigil must have some abuse potential simply because the traditional, amphetamine-based stimulants do.
-- So that importer Cephalon could get quicker approval for the drug.
-- Because Cephalon is relatively small and doesn't have the resources and clout to fight any unfounded FDA concerns. I always think it's interesting that a med like Provigil, which research shows rarely causes withdrawal problems is controlled, when a non-controlled AD like Paxil causes many people to experience major withdrawal difficulties. If Provigil were imported by giant Smith Kline Beecham instead of little Cephalon, I think it's very likely it would not have ended up with a controlled designation. (Fyi, I stopped Provigil cold turkey for one week with no physical effects except a little more fatigue, and some mild loss of the therapeutic benefits of my Klonopin/Serzone/Provigil combo. Again, maybe it's the fear that some people will use Provigil as a way to purposely avoid sleeping. (By the way, it does not usually cause insomnia if taken as intended. Provigil helps me stay awake and alert when I want to be, but doesn't interfere with my sleep in the least -- even the occasional daytime nap.)
Regarding the expense, Cephalon is (or at least was) offering some kind of financial assistance.
But I never read the details...maybe you have to be diagnosed with narcolepsy, which is the only official FDA-approved use thus far (even though it is used for other disorders half the time). Check out www.provigil.com. for info on the financial assistance, it it's stil being offered.Also, regarding cost, most of the time I use only 100 mg/day -- half of the typical recommended dose of 200mg. I get 200 mg tablets which are easy to snap in half with your hands. Depending on the curent prices and/or insurance considerations, this might help ease the cost burden.
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:50297
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50471.html