Armodafinil and Anxiety: What Users Say

• 123...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2021

For ADHD "I was prescribed 150 mg for possible ADHD. I'm a financial analyst, which requires long hours at the computer analyzing numbers. I have always been okay with monotonous work, but anything new or urgent sent my anxiety through the roof. My mind felt like I was in a crowd with hundreds of people talking, and I couldn't focus on anything. The first day I took this, my mind was quiet. I was shocked. I would be considered a type A, highly organized, methodical woman. I got good grades in school, but it was a struggle to focus. This medicine has been the missing piece to my anxiety. I'm on Cymbalta for depression and anxiety, and most of the time it worked well, but work caused me so much anxiety still. Now I know it's because I had undiagnosed ADHD. I feel like a new woman!"

• Ros...
• October 30, 2014

Armodafinil for ADHD "I GOT A 30-DAY SUPPLY OF 150 MG FOR FREE! It would have been $500 as I have no insurance. But my doc gave me a Nuvigil Savings Card! Plus I get refills for $5! Can't believe my luck! So, please ask your doc for a card or coupon. It's good for both insured and uninsured. This promotion expires at the end of the year though. Not sure if they'll offer it in 2015. I've only been on it for two days but the results have been fantastic. I switched to this from Adderall, which gave me energy and made me more social but made me jittery and did not help with my concentration or organization. Nuvigil helps me stay focused, motivated, and clear-headed throughout the day."

• Sus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 29, 2021

For Depression "Have suffered with depression most of my adult life. Diagnosed with MS age 1985 - 26 years ago! With age and MS - anxiety, major fatigue, major depression, and cognitive dysfunction - all were making it difficult to get out of bed, much less function effectively. Psychiatrist of many years prescribed Nuvigil 10 years ago - and it has been a lifesaver! On days that I have to make decisions, socialize, and get anything 'normal,' such as housework done - I will take (2) 250 mg Nuvigil/armodafinil - early AM, mid-afternoon. But as others have mentioned, I will also stop taking it when it begins to lose its effectiveness for 3 days or so. And during those 3 days, I am useless. I also take Seroquel and Lamictal as antidepressants - and Xanax for anxiety."

• Lin...
• August 16, 2015

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "I found myself sleeping all day against my will, and it was depressing to be so unproductive. After I was accepted to vet school, I knew I needed to figure out why I was so tired all the time. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy. I immediately started Nuvigil in an attempt to get regulated before I started school. About a week in, I experienced anxiety and a racing heart on a few different days. My symptoms soon subsided, and I found my quality of life drastically improved. I take it in the morning before class, and I was able to stay awake all day with very little problem. I still have good days and bad, but my worst day is still better than my life before it. I am so thankful for my doctor and Nuvigil."

• cxb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2020

For ADHD "Armodafinil works wonders for my ADHD. Some anxiety symptoms in the late afternoon, which were relieved by exercising or getting up and going for a walk/hike (I have always had some anxiety, and this is the coping method that works for me). No irritability or otherwise problematic emotional symptoms. Did tank my appetite though, I found eating a little something at regular intervals made me realize I was indeed hungry, so I was able to eat normally but did have to monitor and make sure I was eating enough. Did have issues with light crashes in the afternoon, not as intense as those from Vyvanse/amphetamines, but still present. Felt sleepy, which was usually a plus at bedtime. Took as-needed about four days a week, some days I preferred to lay low when I didn't have pressing tasks to attend to."

• Bam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2018

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "This medication takes time to get into and out of my system. The transitions are terrible for me. Lots of anxiety and scatterbrains. I am very emotional on this medication. When I am tired of the lump in my throat, I quit taking it. When I can't stay awake and my job is at risk, I try again. The end results are always the same. I don't want to do anything, go anywhere, and can't quit crying. The first time I took it, 2 months. The second time I took it, 5 months. And now I have been on it for 5 days and am calling it quits. It does not keep me awake. I get huge headaches. There is no reason to live for me while using this medication."

• Djm...
• October 14, 2011

Armodafinil for ADHD "Very effective. Eliminates the anxiety associated with ADHD. Able to process and function. None of the jittery side effects that I had with Adderall, Strattera, or Concerta. It was the smoothest thing I ever took. The only two knocks are that the medicine is off-label and will not be covered by my insurance. Out of pocket can be $300-$400 a month? I can't cover that, so my joy will be short-lived."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2012

Armodafinil for Shift Work Sleep Disorder "I work nights in the Emergency Department as an RN at a large, very busy trauma center and have been for the past three years. This medication has been a lifesaver in terms of maintaining alertness throughout my shift without the shakes and nervous feeling like being overdosed on caffeine pills or energy drinks. I take the 250 mg pill 1-2 hours before my shift at 7 pm, and it carries me throughout the night. I used to take Provigil 100 mg for two years before Nuvigil came out and found that I was taking up to 200 mg doses a night. Nuvigil is great because it is cheaper, even with insurance, and seems to last longer. I only take it four times a week when I work, and that three-day off time provides enough time for my body to not get used to it."

• Com...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2021

For Depression "Armodafinil works for me after everything under the sun, including ketamine and TMS. If I miss a dose, I’m hurting, so it’s got to be used consistently to work for me. If I take it too late in the day, it has a tendency to contribute to insomnia. However, it boosts me out of the doldrums as quickly as ketamine is supposed to in effect. Combined with Abilify, it’s not too stimulating like caffeine. Without Abilify, some tension, jitteriness, and perspiration are possible. Abilify helps calm anxiety. So the combination works reasonably well for me."

• not...
• January 7, 2012

Armodafinil for Depression "Be careful of medically induced hypomania. I took this for years. Helped with depression, and I decided to put up with increased anxiety and racing thoughts. Without my realizing it, I became extremely manic and caused irrational and destructive behavior. Thank God I switched doctors and medicines (to Lamictal). I wish I had known this can induce manic behavior! Please be careful because mania lies to you and makes you think all is well."

• Mir...
• September 3, 2021

For Depression "Long-time sufferer from depression. I’ve had high hopes after reading all the positive reviews about armodafinil. I finally got some samples and took 75 mg Artvigil. It worked within half an hour, but my anxiety was through the roof, on the verge of panic attacks. I drank a lot of water, but anxiety just kept getting worse. I felt jittery and anxious all day into the night. Two days later, I got a terrible headache and anxiety was still present. I take mirtazapine at night, and usually within half an hour of taking mirtazapine, I would feel sedated and sleepy. This time, nothing, I was still wide awake until the early hours in the morning with persistent anxiety/panic attacks. Now, two days later, I still feel the effects of armodafinil: anxiety, spaced out, and a general bad feeling. I might try a lower dose again in a couple of weeks to see if it works better, but I'm not holding high hopes. Really disappointed, as this was one of my last resorts to get my depression in order."

• Mir...
• September 3, 2021

For Depression "Long-time sufferer from depression. I’ve had high hopes after reading all the positive reviews about armodafinil. I finally got some samples and took 75 mg Artvigil. It worked within half an hour, but my anxiety was through the roof, on the verge of panic attacks. I drank a lot of water, but anxiety just kept getting worse. I felt jittery and anxious all day into the night. Two days later, I got a terrible headache and anxiety was still present. I take mirtazapine at night, and usually within half an hour of taking mirtazapine, I would feel sedated and sleepy. This time, nothing, I was still wide awake until the early hours in the morning with persistent anxiety/panic attacks. Now, two days later, I still feel the effects of armodafinil: anxiety, spaced out, and a general bad feeling. I might try a lower dose again in a couple of weeks to see if it works better, but I'm not holding high hopes. Really disappointed, as this was one of my last resorts to get my depression in order."

• Kam...
• June 8, 2013

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "I diagnosed myself after reading a pamphlet in the doctor's office the other day. It was like reading the story of my life for the last couple of years. She put me on Nuvigil, and I'm currently on my second day of it. I've noticed a lot more awakeness and anxiety. Slight heart issues, I think, like racing from time to time, and one severely sharp pain yesterday, but otherwise, I really feel much better. Too bad it's too late to save my marriage, but at least I will be able to build a new life where before there would have been no way to cope. Wish me luck, guys. I've had no headaches or jaw issues either."

• poo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 27, 2024

Armodafinil "Can make you jittery, especially after the first dose. It has a long half-life, so remembering to take it at least 14 hours before bed, if I hope to sleep, is a must. If you do end up missing a good night of sleep, your morning dose will make you forget you didn't sleep. However, you won't have that extra pep this medicine provides after a full night's sleep. One thing I found most helpful with preventing anxiety/jitters is taking 10-20 grams of the powder form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. (Helpful hint: no capsule supplement on the market has enough L-Tyrosine, so buy powder, it's cheap! 10-20 grams is the dose that was successful in U.S. military studies.) I'm not trying to sell anything, I just wish someone had told me about this supplement and medicine stack earlier in life because it eliminated any anxiety and increased the effectiveness of my medicine. (Only my experience, though studies correlate to my experience.)"

• poo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 27, 2024

Armodafinil "Can make you jittery, especially after the first dose. It has a long half-life, so remembering to take it at least 14 hours before bed, if I hope to sleep, is a must. If you do end up missing a good night of sleep, your morning dose will make you forget you didn't sleep. However, you won't have that extra pep this medicine provides after a full night's sleep. One thing I found most helpful with preventing anxiety/jitters is taking 10-20 grams of the powder form of the amino acid L-Tyrosine. (Helpful hint: no capsule supplement on the market has enough L-Tyrosine, so buy powder, it's cheap! 10-20 grams is the dose that was successful in U.S. military studies.) I'm not trying to sell anything, I just wish someone had told me about this supplement and medicine stack earlier in life because it eliminated any anxiety and increased the effectiveness of my medicine. (Only my experience, though studies correlate to my experience.)"

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2022

For Depression "After decades of trying many drugs (and combinations) for a rotating mix of panic disorder, anxiety, depression, CPTSD, ADHD, narcolepsy, PMDD... This unexpected drug has been a GAME CHANGER, 250 mg in the am. For the first time in my life (now in my 40s), I once again see life in color and want to participate. I have a routine, I can get up in the morning, fall asleep at night, be productive the entire day, stay organized and on top of things - without any effort. Mood is the most stable it has ever been - not even getting PMS/PMDD. I take this with Bupropion. Given the panic and anxiety issues these drugs are known to induce, we had always steered clear of them but ran out of options. They paradoxically make me much calmer and greatly reduce anxiety. Note: It's also significantly better than modafinil, which I took for years (this more consistent and smooth)."

• lau...
• September 10, 2010

Armodafinil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have chronic fatigue with my MS. I tried Provigil several months ago, but it gave me a severe headache, and I felt spaced out. Tried Nuvigil just today and felt jittery in the early part of the day and a bit light-headed, but I think I'll stick with it and see if I get the benefits others describe. I didn't take a nap as usual today, and I hope to feel more focused and energetic with my job soon."

• CDa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2020

For ADHD "First trial of this armodafinil was amazing - by far the most effective option for my ADHD. It made me feel alert, focused, and content without jitters, anxiety, appetite loss, increased heart rate, or the other side effects common with stimulant-based meds like Ritalin. I regularly take short breaks from meds, so when I started this again, I had pretty bad anxiety and didn’t experience the calmness or focus that I had before, which was a real surprise. The main downside with armodafinil, besides the inconsistent experience, was that it consistently made me sweat more than usual, and it’s super expensive here in Australia. I’m sure I’ll try this again, but for now, I’m happier on modafinil."

• Tec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 25, 2017

For Drowsiness "I've taken 250 mg Nuvigil for years. The product gave me my life back. I can't express how significant it was finding a medication that could wake up my brain and allow me to function. August 2016, Mylan released the first generic version. My insurance company immediately quit covering branded Nuvigil. Week one - I realized it was 50% effective at keeping me awake, followed by increasing anxiety, insomnia, inability to complete complex tasks, memory issues due to mental fog. Dr. compensated - adding medications for the side effects. Three weeks ago, given a trial of branded Nuvigil - the difference is amazing. No anxiety, no insomnia, accomplishing more at work in a week than I have in two months."

• Lif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 21, 2017

For Depression "I take Seroquel XR, it helps with the depression but makes me tired. I am taking 250 mg Nuvigil to give me a bit of energy. It seems to take two hours to really hit, then I get a rush of anxiety. That lasts for about ninety minutes. It smooths out about three and a half hours in. Then, at five hours, there is a drop-off. I get lethargic and a bit down for an hour or so, then the evening is largely the best period. It does seem to help, but it also hurts. I don't know. I never do."

• CFS...
• February 17, 2011

Armodafinil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "My nervous system is extremely sensitive to this medicine. However, I take a fourth of a 150 mg tablet every 5 hrs or so. This keeps my nervous system in check and my POTS symptoms subside. Sometimes it gives me cold hands and feet and anxiety, however, it is worth that compared to the brain fog with POTS."

• Sco...
• October 2, 2010

Armodafinil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Wow, since taking Nuvigil, I am able to task busily all day without an afternoon nap and general fatigue. It also has increased my adult cardio activity beautifully (if you know what I mean). I was a little jittery the first day and waited a week for a second try. Now, 4 days into it and awesome. Hope it stays working like this."

• Les...
• November 20, 2011

Armodafinil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "Have been taking Provigil for several years, after a head injury, to help with fatigue and focus. Lost my job, and no health insurance, so decided to try a 14-day free sample of Nuvigil while waiting for prescription assistance. Was taking 100 mg Provigil 1-2 times a day, and it helped a lot when I needed it (I went through phases of taking and then not taking it as needed). On Nuvigil, I was severely manic yesterday (2nd day at 150 mg) to the point where my friends were concerned about me. Felt jittery, and my friends said it looked like I was high. Felt a little like the couple of days when my doctor tried me on Adderall. I think I will wait until I get the Provigil approved."

• gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 10, 2012

Armodafinil for Fibromyalgia "I took this to help with the endless, debilitating fatigue I have from fibromyalgia. It didn't relieve my physical or mental fatigue at all, but it did keep me awake until three in the morning (I took it about 11 a.m.). I felt jittery and feverish (no actual fever, though). It kept me going all day, but I still had the heavy, uncomfortable feelings of physical and mental fatigue."

• Hyp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2022

For Depression "While initially, with trying a full dose of 150 mg, I got anxious and trouble sleeping, I did notice uplifting psychological effects. I read that some people are hypersensitive to it, so I decided to try a lot smaller doses (1/6th to 1/4th of the dose, depending on the day), and found that it works great for me! I found that I like it to be as less noticeable as possible, just a slight push instead of manic energy, as the latter drains me even more afterward. After some testing, I found what works for me: breaking the pill unevenly and getting a different dosage daily keeps me more similar to 'regular normal'; picking the dose based on how difficult the day will be prevents the mania and over-exhaustion; having a break day every 3-4 days (those days I take a rest day, whole day) and a periodical break of a couple of days (pick ones with less stress and obligations) all help with keeping the dose minimal but still effective. Modafinil, however, induced severe headaches and agitation, no-no for me."