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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by kribensis on April 17, 2014, at 10:41:35
My dr prescribed provigil b/c we though that my "depressed" was actually more related to lack of energy and the antidepressants I tried didn't seem to be helping or I couldn't handle side effects.
I had a severe drug reaction 3 years ago so while I'm not anxious in general (run more on lethargic, low energy, depressed side) I am anxious about new meds.
Although most of the things I have read about provigil have been positive or at least not severe reactions, there were a few posts I read where people had severe reactions liver and spleen inflammation, etc.
If I am only taking 100mg and I am fairly healthy, how bad is this drug in the big scheme of things? Not really a great question and I think I am just trying to alleviate the stress/anxiety I have about taking this. Took 50mg yesterday, did feel a boost, nothing negative.
Is this okay to take daily/longer term if I find it helps?
Posted by Sac on April 17, 2014, at 13:44:09
In reply to Provigil- fear of?, posted by kribensis on April 17, 2014, at 10:41:35
I was also prescribed Provigil for low energy and lethargy. I was not able to tolerate high doses of it because I would end up crashing about 3 hours after taking it. When it's working, it's a great drug. I have energy and motivation to get things done but the positive effect is short lived. I end up in a weird funk when it's wearing off . Therefore, I only take it occasionally when I have to get something done and at an extremely low dose, 10 Mgs. Overall, it's a safe and effective med.
Posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 17, 2014, at 14:09:06
In reply to Provigil- fear of?, posted by kribensis on April 17, 2014, at 10:41:35
Prescribed #90 200mg. (600mg. daily) Provigil after previous trial of Nuvigil 250 and 150mg. Notice anything? Tolerance.
I take two tablets QAM and a second tablet most days with a subsequent dose of Dexedrine (d-amphetamine).
Nothing to be afraid of! Especially 50mg. If that's the boost you need, stick with it. You can dose up to 400mg./day recommended.
I have had no side effects besides foul smelling urine when dehydrated.
Posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 17, 2014, at 14:24:25
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of?, posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 17, 2014, at 14:09:06
Forgot to add, if you're like Sac and experience short duration, consider BID dosing or switching to Nuvigil (armodafinil) which lasts longer. I like to dose this medication twice daily.
For every 1mg. of modafinil, I dose 0.1mg of d-amp. (40mg Dexedrine with 400mg. Provigil and later: 20mg. Dexedrine with 200mg.) i don't see how I can get a better result for my ADHD from medicine than this.
Posted by phidippus on April 18, 2014, at 19:39:39
In reply to Provigil- fear of?, posted by kribensis on April 17, 2014, at 10:41:35
Many people have been on Provigil long term without any harmfull side effects. Severe reactions such as SJS, liver and spleen inflamation probably only occur in less than %1 of the population taking Provigil.
Eric
Posted by kribensis on April 18, 2014, at 19:44:36
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of? » kribensis, posted by phidippus on April 18, 2014, at 19:39:39
Thanks everyone. I have been taking 100mg each day last couple of days and I don't notice much. Today am really sleepy and depressed. Weird, don't know if this is working for me. Will keep taking it for a few more days and see how I do.
Posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 19, 2014, at 15:18:52
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of? (nm) » kribensis, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 18, 2014, at 20:48:30
**Yesterday: Error occurred, and I discovered I must now use my iPad to post on the website. **
Raise your dose to 200, 300, and 400. If these dose levels provide diminutive benefit, then you may need to consider discontinuation.
Provigil was a great consideration for your quiescent symptoms, but if you fail your trial, don't forget about alternatives, such as the Daytrana (methylphenidate) patch.
What other medications are you on, if any?
Posted by kribensis on April 19, 2014, at 15:23:57
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of?, posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 19, 2014, at 15:18:52
Thanks.
The only other med I'm on is thyroid.
The last three days when I've taken it, my stomach hurts for a while after even if I take it and eat food after. Other than that, on 100mg, I'm not noticing anything. I'll try an higher dose before I give up on it but am concerned about the stomach irritation. I am not prone to stomach aches like that.
Posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 20, 2014, at 0:30:54
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of?, posted by kribensis on April 19, 2014, at 15:23:57
Try at least 200mg. the next time, if that does nothing, go ahead and do 500mg.(it's not toxic) that time because there is Nuvigil 250mg. that is equal to Provigil 500mg. If 500mg. Provigil works, then you can start Nuvigil 250mg. next month. I wouldn't bother risking any more stomach aches if the boost you get at 500mg. (250mg. Nuvigil) is not worth your time.
Posted by tom2228 on April 20, 2014, at 8:53:48
In reply to Provigil- fear of?, posted by kribensis on April 17, 2014, at 10:41:35
I am fearful of modafinil because I take Desoxyn and modafinil blocks methamphetamine-related dopamine release -- so it may interfere with Desoxyn's effect on my ADHD.
and because of the enzyme induction and the needed adjustment to my meds, which isn't an exact dose conversion -- especially since virtually nothing is known about the metabolism of Marplan.
from wikipedia:
"Modafinil induces the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2B6, as well as inhibiting CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in vitro."
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 20, 2014, at 23:42:51
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of?, posted by Louisiana Sportsman on April 19, 2014, at 15:18:52
> **Yesterday: Error occurred, and I discovered I must now use my iPad to post on the website. **
Hmm, what were you using when the error occurred? And is it reproducible? Thanks,
Bob
Posted by kribensis on April 21, 2014, at 19:24:31
In reply to Re: Provigil- fear of?, posted by LouisianaSportsman on April 20, 2014, at 0:30:54
Just to make sure it was the med that was causing the stomach ache (didn't really see that as a significant side effect anywhere), I didn't take it yesterday (was fine, no stomach ache). Took 100mg today and brutal stomach ache, first in the middle right in the stomach, now on the right side, burning, radiating to my back. Feels like liver area but I don't think people feel their livers? I don't drink alcohol and recently had liver enzymes tested and everything was great . Don't know what that could be. I know I do tend to have a sensitive colon in a certain area on the right but why this med would affect that, I don't know but it does NOT at all feel good and this will be the last time I will take this med. I just pray that it hasn't caused something weird.
I feel stuck. Effexor worked well for me in past but has side effects. Was hoping to find something else to help boost energy/mood.
This is the end of the thread.
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