Nuvigil Side Effects

Generic name: armodafinil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Nuvigil Side Effects associated with armodafinil. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Nuvigil.

Applies to armodafinil: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Nuvigil

Along with its needed effects, armodafinil (the active ingredient contained in Nuvigil) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking armodafinil:

Less common side effects

• blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficult or labored breathing
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• frequent urination
• headache, severe and throbbing
• increased volume of pale, dilute urine
• itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
• rash
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking armodafinil:

Symptoms of overdose

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• headache
• hyperventilation
• irritability
• lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• nausea
• pounding in the ears
• restlessness
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• slow heartbeat
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Nuvigil

Some side effects of armodafinil may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• chills
• cough
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• heartburn
• indigestion
• joint pain
• loss of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• mood or mental changes
• muscle aches and pains
• runny nose
• shivering
• sore throat
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• sweating
• thirst
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• vomiting
• weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to armodafinil: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The following reactions occurred more frequently with the 250 mg/day dose compared to the 150 mg/day dose: headache, rash, depression, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, contact dermatitis, hyperhidrosis
• Frequency not reported: Serious skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (TEN)
• Postmarketing reports: Skin and mouth sores, blistering, ulceration, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms

(DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Serious rash requiring hospitalization and discontinuation of treatment has been reported in association with the use of armodafinil or modafinil (the racemic mixture of S- and R-enantiomers). Rare cases of serious or life-threatening rash, including SJS and TEN, have been reported in adults and children in worldwide post-marketing experience with

modafinil and armodafinil.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Seasonal allergy
• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, anaphylaxis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression, agitation, depressed mood, disturbance in attention, nervousness
• Frequency not reported: Irritability, suicidal ideation
• Postmarketing reports: Mania, delusions, hallucinations, aggression^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Angioedema, hypersensitivity (rash, dysphagia, and bronchospasm)

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, upper abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, loose stools
• Postmarketing reports: Mouth sores (including mouth blistering and ulceration)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Polyuria^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Pancytopenia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, increased alkaline phosphatase
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Elevated AST and/or ALT^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, decreased appetite,
• Frequency not reported: Decreased serum uric acid^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, paresthesia, tremor, migraine^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, influenza-like illness, pain, pyrexia, thirst^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Nuvigil (armodafinil) vs Provigil (modafinil): How do they compare?
• How long does it take for Nuvigil to work?
• Why is Nuvigil a controlled substance?

Further information

Nuvigil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer