Armodafinil
About
Armodafinil belongs to the class of ‘eugeroics or wakefulness-promoting agents’, primarily used to treat excessive sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder (SWD). Obstructive sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime drowsiness. Shift work sleep disorder is a condition that causes trouble sleeping or excessive sleepiness due to uncommon working schedules like graveyard shifts, early morning shifts, or rotational shifts.
Armodafinil contains ‘Armodafinil,’ which belongs to the class of ‘central nervous system (CNS) stimulants’. It works by stimulating the brain to increase the physical and mental processes of the body. Armodafinil alters the amounts of certain chemical messengers that are involved in the sleep mechanism. Thereby, it promotes energy and alertness by decreasing excessive drowsiness.
Take Armodafinil as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, Armodafinil can cause side effects like headache, dizziness, nausea, sleeping problem (insomnia), dry mouth, and nervousness. These side effects are not common in everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Please inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions to Armodafinil or any other medicines before starting Armodafinil. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart, kidney, liver problems, mental illness, alcoholism, or drug use. It is advised to consult a doctor if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother before starting Armodafinil. Do not consume alcohol with Armodafinil to avoid any unwanted effects. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness while using Armodafinil. Armodafinil is not recommended in patients younger than 18 years of age.
Uses of Armodafinil
Medicinal Benefits
Armodafinil contains ‘Armodafinil,’ a wakefulness-promoting agent that treats excessive drowsiness in conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder. It works as a CNS stimulant and alters the amounts of certain chemical messengers that are involved in the sleep mechanism. Armodafinil stimulates the brain to improve the physical and mental functioning of the body. Thus, Armodafinil promotes wakefulness and mental alertness by reducing extreme sleepiness and lack of concentration. Armodafinil does not completely cure these sleep disorders.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Armodafinil
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sleeping problem (insomnia)
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Euphoria
- Extreme increase in activity and talking
- Anorexia
- Tremor
- Thirst
- Rash
- Suicidal thoughts
- Aggression
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Armodafinil may be habit-forming, hence do not exceed the course prescribed by your doctor. Also, do not share this medicine with anyone who has a history of drug abuse and alcoholism. Do not suddenly stop taking Armodafinil to avoid any withdrawal symptoms. If you have any allergic reactions to Armodafinil or other medicines, please inform your doctor beforehand. Brief your medical history to doctor if you have liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (enlarged heart, a mitral valve problem, chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, mood problems (depression, mania, psychosis), and a personal or family history of drug/alcohol abuse before starting Armodafinil. Armodafinil should be used with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding only with medical advice. Also, please use reliable forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy during the course. Do not drive or operate machinery since Armodafinil may cause side effects like dizziness and headache, affecting your ability to concentrate and drive. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Armodafinil as it may increase the dizziness. Armodafinil is not recommended in patients younger than 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Armodafinil may interact with recreational drugs (methamphetamine) and contraceptive pills.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol, excess caffeine (coffee, tea, colas), and large amounts of chocolate while using Armodafinil.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with liver or kidney diseases, heart problems, high blood pressure, mood problems, and a personal or family history of drug or alcohol abuse should consult the doctor before taking Armodafinil.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advised to avoid alcohol intake since alcohol consumption with Armodafinil may increase the adverse effects, such as dizziness and headache.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known how Armodafinil affects pregnancy. You are advised to get a pregnancy test done before starting Armodafinil. You should get a negative pregnancy test for sure before using Armodafinil. Also, please use reliable forms of birth control like condoms or diaphragm with spermicide if you are undergoing treatment with Armodafinil to prevent pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Armodafinil is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor for more information before taking Armodafinil if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
unsafeArmodafinil may cause side effects like dizziness affecting your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert and focused.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Armodafinil. Your dosage will be adjusted accordingly.
Kidney
cautionArmodafinil should be used with caution in cases of renal impairment. It is advised to seek medical advice before starting Armodafinil if you have any kidney problems.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness of Armodafinil have not been established in patients below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat natural and healthy foods by cutting down on high on sodium processed foods.
- Exercising regularly can increase your energy levels and treat sleep apnoea
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Overweight can cause sleep apnea, hence it is advised to shred those extra kilos.
- Altering your sleep positions can reduce apnoea’s symptoms and improves your sleep.
- Humidifiers with essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus oils on your bedside can reduce sleep disturbances and improve quality sleep.
- Elevate your bed on the head side by four to six inches, or you can also use cervical or foam wedge pillows.
- Avoid heavy meals and caffeine consumption at least two hours before going to bed.
Special Advise
- Keep a check on your daily blood pressure, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- Your dietician may prescribe you a suitable exercise program and diet to manage your extra weight.
- Your doctor may also suggest mandibular advancement devices (MADs) like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines prevent loud snoring and frequent pauses in breathing during sleep apnoea.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Obstructive sleep apnoea is a condition characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. It occurs when the throat muscles relax and obstruct the airways during sleep. It is considered to be the most common type of sleep apnoea. Symptoms include excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, nighttime sweating, decreased sexual interest, and mood changes like irritability and depression.
Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime drowsiness. It affects a person’s sleep/wake cycle and is caused due to genetic factors or abnormal signalling in the brain. Symptoms include sudden sleep attacks, hallucinations, extreme daytime drowsiness, and cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness).
Shift work sleep disorder is a condition that causes trouble sleeping or excessive sleepiness due to uncommon working schedules like graveyard shifts, early morning shifts, or rotational shifts. Symptoms include extreme drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, headaches, lack of energy, insomnia, and depression.
FAQs
Armodafinil consists of Armodafinil. It works by stimulating the brain and alters certain chemical messengers involved in the sleep mechanism. Thus, it induces wakefulness and decreases extreme sleepiness.
Yes, Armodafinil can make you feel dizzy. Dizziness usually occurs when you stand up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Try rising slowly when you change your posture to prevent dizziness. If the side effect persists longer, please seek medical help.
Do not suddenly stop Armodafinil to avoid unpleasant side effects and sudden withdrawal symptoms. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the disease's recurrence or worsening.
Armodafinil should be used with caution in cases of any allergic reactions, liver or kidney diseases, heart problems (enlarged heart, a mitral valve problem, chest pain, heart attack, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, mood problems (depression, mania, psychosis), and personal or family history of drug/alcohol abuse. Inform your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before starting Armodafinil.
Do not suddenly stop taking Armodafinil to avoid any withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if you use Armodafinil for a longer period or higher doses. If you experience any withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, and confusion, please consult your doctor immediately.
