Provigil and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2012

For Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome "Originally prescribed Provigil for sleep apnea, or at least that is what my doctors said so that my insurance would pay for it, however, my sleep study was done a long time ago when I weighed more, and insurance has recently stopped paying. I actually take the medication due to 2 previous head injuries. I have been on the medication for about 4-5 years. During that time, I have returned to work and school to pursue a nursing degree. Off of the Provigil, I have to take a nap every day, begin to forget things, and fail my classes at school. I have had to make many lifestyle changes since my accidents, and taking Provigil really helps me. I am a single mom of 2 teenagers and just want as close to a normal life as possible."

• Anonymous
• November 3, 2008

For Multiple Sclerosis "I tried Provigil 2 years ago but I got the jitters. The fatigue has become so bad in the last 6 months that I decided to try it again. This time I had success. At first, I only took it when I needed it, but finally I gave up having so many nonfunctional days that I started taking it every day - I take just 100 mg. My days are much more fulfilling. I have to actually remind myself NOT to overdo, or I'll still get wiped out. It's so good to feel like I can do things again."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "Second day on Provigil. I feel great! I took my first pill yesterday at around noon, and I did not have trouble sleeping. I went to sleep a little later than usual because I could, though! I feel more alert, but I don't know if I want to continue to take it every day. That's why I gave it a 9 out of 10. I woke up this morning pretty fatigued, and I almost didn't want to take it because I wanted to rest, obviously since I was fatigued. But once I took it, I felt great again! If you have MS and insurance won't cover it because it is not approved for use for MS patients, have your neuro file a claim as to why it would help you! Don't let insurance stand in the way. Everyone who has chronic fatigue due to MS should try this pill."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

For Drowsiness "I have been taking Provigil 200 mg x 2 for 3 years. I don't doze off while driving like I used to, which is wonderful. I do still get very sleepy in the afternoon, and I have a lot of fatigue. The major downfall to Provigil is the cost. I lost my job due to a layoff and no longer have insurance. My prescription without insurance is over $800 per month. Needless to say, I will no longer be able to take it once I use all of what I have. Not looking forward to that at all. My doctor also prescribed Ritalin to take in the afternoons, but it just makes me jittery for about 15 minutes, and that's pretty much all it does for me."

• SHE...
• August 15, 2011

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have had multiple sclerosis since 1978. For a long time, there was no medication for M.S. I began taking 100 mg of Provigil many years ago, but now take 200 mg twice daily. I switched to methylphenidate 10 mg twice daily for 3 months, as my insurance, or lack of insurance, made Provigil financially prohibitive. All I did was sleep. My fatigue was totally incapacitating! Now, with insurance in place, I'm back on Provigil. I've re-entered life and realize how vitally important Provigil is to my well-being!"