Armodafinil and Tiredness: What Users Say

• dav...
• November 27, 2016

For Depression "Immediate lifting of depression; gave me my life back. Best to take 1/2 of 250 mg very early on an empty stomach with lots of water. I find it best taken around 5 am, go back to bed and wake later feeling great. Take another half before noon if needed, but, again, have an empty stomach and a big glass of water. After a week or so, effects not as strong and can make you feel paradoxically very tired. Take 2-3 days off, and it will resume working. Be cautious and mindful of how your personality may be affected; reduce dosage if you're getting 'too happy,' overly friendly, and too talkative. Also, it really focuses you, and it's good to make an effort to 'break' the hyperconcentration by taking a break, a walk outside, or a hot shower. I've been taking it for 4 yrs."

• Lil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2021

For Narcolepsy "I have been on Nuvigil for at least 5 years. My insurance recently stopped paying for the name brand and will only pay for generic. My pharmacy filled armodafinil from drug manufacturer Aurobindo... my experience was absolutely horrible. I have never been so tired in my life. Within an hour of taking it, I was extremely tired, I was unable to stay awake regardless of whether I was standing, driving, or gardening. The headaches were debilitating and I started having dizzy spells. When I realized it could be this medication by this manufacturer, I stopped taking it immediately, and it took two days for the effects to wear off. I will never take any medication from the drug manufacturer Aurobindo again."

• Anonymous
• December 11, 2011

Armodafinil for Depression "150 mg NuVigil does work somewhat for my depression, but the primary effects wear off after a few hours, and I feel more tired than usual. It is better than any SSRI, SNRI, MAOI, atypical, or tricyclic antidepressant that I have taken."

• 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."

• 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."

• Xyz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2020

For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "I have been taking this drug for about 2 months without any significant improvement with my 'always feeling drowsy' as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. I started with 150 mg a day, and my dose has increased. Although it keeps me awake, it does not help much with my 'feeling of lethargy and fatigue.' I can suggest this medicine to those who only suffer from excessive drowsiness or daytime sleeping. Others may want to find different substitutes, e.g., methylphenidate. Note that I was prescribed armodafinil by a professional psychiatrist, and I do not advise or promote anyone to self-medicate based on my experience."

• Jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2013

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "Was diagnosed with depression, then bipolar, then bipolar narcolepsy. The cocktail I was on for well over a year was 5 mg Abilify, 60 mg Cymbalta, and 250 mg Nuvigil. Recently came off the Abilify, and I can't even explain how good I felt, not high, not mania, just that 'finally, just me' feeling. I was content with life, at peace, and for the first time in YEARS, I was even happy! After a week of no Abilify, we decided to begin weaning off the Nuvigil. Been taking 150 mg Nuvigil and 60 mg Cymbalta for a week now and feel horrible. Don't care about a thing, no motivation, tired, etc. Doc said give it a month. Hope I can last that long. I just want ME back, as does my wife and kids."

• Sle...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2018

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea), fibro, CFS, and depression. Continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) helps, but not enough. I have brain fog and can't function well physically or mentally. My doctor prescribed Provigil. Strong side effects, expensive, not ins. covered, but Provigil allowed me to be a wide-awake contributing adult! Due to cost and side effects, I took Provigil 4-5 times a week when I needed to be awake and functioning. Later I was switched to Nuvigil. Less side effects, ins. covered, not foggy. I felt awake, organized, and eager to get up, do things. The usual didn't overwhelm me. I looked forward to life. Nuvigil significantly positively affected my life. When Nuvigil suddenly wasn't available, I agreed to the generic - armodafinil. It is not the same. I take the med expecting to feel awake. Never happens. Armodafinil takes away some brain fog, but I still feel tired, depressed, moody, and have trouble finding words. The mfg. is Mylan. I called to see if I could switch the mfg. company. Yes. I hope that will help."

• Edy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 1, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I had been on Nuvigil for over 8 years, making my fibro and Epstein-Barr bearable. Just being able to stay awake during the day with what I call natural energy and then naturally feeling tired at night. The all-over body aches and sensitivity generally would be as low as a 2 instead of an 8 comparatively. When my rheumatologist put me on it way back then, she stated it was being considered for fibro patients then. And now, for the first time, my insurance has denied my doctor's prescription, and I'm in appeal. My sleep is almost nonexistent, yet I'm exhausted. I ache every day, pain level (6-9), and many days I just cannot make it out of bed for any length of time. If you have access to Nuvigil or its generic, I hope you have the benefits."

• Cam...
• October 13, 2021

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "I took a sleep study a couple of months ago and, of course, failed because of my extreme anxiety. I was prescribed Nuvigil, and each time I have taken it, I have still been extremely tired, but my mind will not let me nap. I can’t even sleep at night, even if I take the drug in the morning. I woke up today bawling my eyes out from an anxiety attack, and this is the second time it has happened. I’m done with this medication. I was so excited to get my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I just recently got diagnosed with narcolepsy. I have realized I had trouble staying awake throughout the day for a long time. I had gone to my doctor and done multiple sleep tests and a multiple sleep latency test. I ended up being placed on armodafinil. I've only taken it for 2 days. The first day I took the full dosage and was up for 21 hours straight. Even at night when I went to go to sleep, I couldn't. This is day 2, and I've been up for 22 hours straight. I can feel the tiredness, but I'm unable to go to sleep, and it's put me in a very scary, uncomfortable state. Hopefully, my doctor can help me figure something else out because this is insane."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2020

For Narcolepsy "I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with narcolepsy about 2 months ago. I started on 150 mg of armodafinil, which was very effective for me for about a week and a half. Then the effects slowly declined, and within a month, I was back to sleeping 14-15 hours a day and had no energy. Some days I will do the exact same routine and take it the exact same way, and it won’t work at all. Then the next day, it works amazingly. My doctor told me this medicine has a tendency of being super effective, but your body will adjust to it very quickly, and it will no longer work. So I am conflicted about how I feel about this medication."

• Kim...
• February 22, 2018

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with narcolepsy over the summer, and the insurance company would only cover armodafinil. My doctor wanted me to try that for three months and see how it went. There were days that I felt great and like myself again, but there were too many days that I was exhausted. A lot of days I was struggling to get out of bed or falling asleep in the middle of the day. When I went back to the doctor and told him, he said many of his patients have the same problem with the generic. So he started me on Nuvigil, which took the insurance company a few days, but I got it. I've been on the Nuvigil for four months now, and the difference is amazing! There are few days I feel like I did before my diagnosis now, and those days are usually when I have a cold or when it's that time of the month."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2017

For Narcolepsy "So I've been researching the generic Nuvigil ever since my insurance company decided that even though my doctor said I needed to remain on the brand name, they wouldn't pay for it anymore (at first they paid half, making my out-of-pocket $500, but after one fill, they said they'd pay nothing). I wanted to keep an open mind and tried to forget everything I read. But it really isn't anywhere near as effective. I had been on 250 mg of Nuvigil for almost 5 years and was able to live a normal life for someone in their mid-20s to early 30s, but since switching, I feel a shell of my normal self. I'm physically exhausted, can't get out of bed in the morning regardless of how much sleep I've had the night before, and feel like I'm in a fog all day long."

• Anonymous
• March 27, 2010

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with narcolepsy about a week ago. I started taking Nuvigil 150 mg, and at first, I felt as though I could see life with clear eyes. Colors were also brighter. But then, a day or so has passed, and I am completely exhausted. I had a sleep attack at work, and I didn't fall asleep, but I felt very weak and could have easily gone to sleep. I hope this improves. I know I need to give this medicine a chance though."

• JDS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

Armodafinil for Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "I started on 150 mg Nuvigil, but I was still tired. Dr. added Adderall, but it is still not helpful throughout the day. I still feel like taking a nap. Thinking about going up to 250 mg when I see the doctor next week."

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

Armodafinil for Narcolepsy "I've been taking Nuvigil 250 mg for about 1 month now. At first, it was amazing and helped me stay alert and kept me from needing naps every day. About 2 weeks after starting, I discovered a major decline in its effectiveness and had to stop using it for a while to see if my tolerance would go back to normal. I still cannot go a full day without being tired, so I am considering doubling my dose or trying something else."

• sle...
• August 27, 2010

Armodafinil for Shift Work Sleep Disorder "I have been using Nuvigil for one week now. It was working great in the beginning, but after around the third day, I got extremely tired around 12 PM, and all I wanted to do was take a nap. I continue to take it thinking that this will change. I only take 150 mg, maybe I should ask the doctor to up the dose."

• Anonymous
• April 20, 2010

Armodafinil for Drowsiness "I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia after months of falling asleep during the day and very early at night. It very much affects my life, making me feel overwhelmed and unable to complete what a normal person should be able to do. I was put on Nuvigil, and a few hours after taking the first pill, I began to feel jittery. It lasted a couple of hours, and as that feeling left, I got migraines. The migraines lasted for 2 days. I then had 2 days where I felt absolutely awesome - I slept fine at night and had ample energy to get through my day. The next 2 days, I felt tired and dragging again. The last day, I was tired, depressed, and crying on and off all day. I am now off the medication."

• tir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 29, 2012

Armodafinil for Drowsiness "I suppose I am in the first stages of figuring out what causes me to be tired all the time. I am frustrated, and memories are flooding in of the onset of my tiredness. I remember falling asleep in every class in 9th grade at the age of 14. I always assumed my tiredness was from one reason or another. With that said, recently I have been back and forth to the doctor for four months now. This last time, he prescribed Nuvigil, and wants to order a sleep study. I was so excited at the prospect of feeling awake, and to my dismay, I have not felt anything good. Headaches mainly, tiredness, anxiety, emotional, spaciness, and even on 200 mg took a 2-hour nap. Been on 150 mg dose, still tired and don't feel as much anxiety and spaciness."

• OU_...
• October 2, 2018

For Narcolepsy "Nuvigil worked fine for me for the first 6 months or so, but then not only did it stop working, but now it actually makes me more tired when I take it. My narcolepsy has been debilitating. Due to the ineffectiveness of Nuvigil, my doctor added a stimulant to my treatment. When I take the stimulant, I feel great. The weird thing is now when I take the Nuvigil, I feel like it completely counters the stimulant, and I get really tired again. So tired that it's not safe for me to drive. I know Nuvigil is a godsend to others with narcolepsy, and that's great. I'm envious of you because I hate being on stimulants."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2021

For Narcolepsy "Dealt with hypersomnia for about 5 years, also have Major Depressive Disorder, so docs thought it may have been because of that. Did everything you could think of and it only got worse. 5 years later, I can finally afford to pay for a sleep study, and I finally found a doctor that would actually help me with symptoms. He put me on Modafinil 200 mg first, worked good for focus, helped me stay awake a little, but sometimes I'd fall asleep in a couple of hours. Then he gave me Armodafinil 200 mg. Much better for staying awake, not as good for focus, and wears off at around 4 hrs. I suffer in the morning trying to wake up and get ready for the day, so I can prolong taking it as much as possible. I wait until about 9:30 am to take it, then by 1:30 pm or 2 pm I start feeling tired again. Not cutting it. Doctor recently gave me the highest dose, 250 mg, it didn't feel the same or stronger, and I full-on knocked out at work for an hour yesterday. Still fighting with insurance to approve the sleep study, so I know what is wrong with me."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2015

"Armodafinil is great for getting you awake and focused for the entire day. The side effects for me included nausea, headache, and tiredness (weird, I know). I lowered my dose to 75 mg only on days I need it, and I have energy all day without the side effects. With this drug, more is actually less. Keep your dose low enough to skip the side effects, and Armodafinil will help you through challenging work/study days."

• man...
• September 1, 2011

Armodafinil for Drowsiness "Nuvigil was not for me. I felt very drugged and groggy. Dry mouth and eyes. I also found myself staring into space a lot, and my skin was tingly. I felt way more tired than I did before I took Nuvigil. I didn't dare drive while taking this medication. I switched back to Concerta at a higher dose than I was taking before, and it is working very well for me. I feel completely normal."

• jlg...
• February 24, 2011

Armodafinil "This is my first day taking Nuvigil 200 mg. I felt jittery for the first 4 hours after taking it. Got a pretty severe headache around that 4-hour mark. Took some Tylenol, which relieved the headache, and I felt great the rest of the day. Worked a 10-hour shift in a physically demanding job, and I still was able to come home and stay up a few hours before going to sleep. I will keep posting my continued experience with this medication. It really helped me out to get on here and see what I could expect with this medication. Thanks to everyone. Oh yeah, I take this medication to help with the fatigue caused by MS. I was taking amantadine, which kept me awake but didn't help my body from feeling completely exhausted."