Whether you've recently been prescribed Provigil for the treatment of your narcolepsy or hypersomnia, or you are just looking for more information on the drug before pursuing it as a means to treat what ails you, it's important to consider what effects it can have on your body before you start taking it.

What is Provigil?

Provigil is commonly prescribed for patients who suffer from a wide variety of ailments relating to hypersomnia. These ailments include narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. It treats these illnesses by providing a stimulant to the patient that increases alertness and enhances the mood. Unlike other types of stimulants, like amphetamines, Provigil will not cause anxiety, irritability or moodiness.

Provigil has also been prescribed more recently in the treatment of ADD/ADHD and severe depression. These uses are not yet FDA approved and the relationship between depression and Provigil use in the long term is not yet known.

Is Provigil Right for You?

If you suffer from one of the illnesses that Provigil treats, it's important to consider the side effects of the drug before taking it, just like with any other type of medication. Provigil side effects vary from person-to-person, but a few appear regularly in a wide variety of patients. Common Provigil side effects include headaches, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia.

Provigil side effects increase when the drug is taken before, during or after alcohol consumption. Like with any potent medicine, doctors will advise you to stay away from alcohol while on this medication. Other lesser known Provigil side effects include the inability to reason or control reaction time and motor skills. This is why doctors also recommend that patients avoid this drug while driving or operating heavy machinery.

For women, Provigil side effects can prove to be very problematic if sexually active. Provigil can alter the effectiveness of some forms of birth control. Women are advised to use a second, non-hormonal, method of birth control to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Women who use Provigil and are trying to get pregnant should stop using the medication and still use a second form of birth control for a month after stopping. This allows the medicine to completely work its way out of the body and will avoid any effects on the developing fetus.

Where to Turn for Answers

If you still think this medication is right for you after seeing potential Provigil side effects, it's important to visit with your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Your doctor understands this drug better than anyone and can advise you whether it's a good option for your ailment. Your pharmacist will also be able to answer questions pertaining to potential (and possibly) serious drug interactions.

Seeking treatment for your illness, whatever it may be, is a great step toward your overall health. Visit your doctor as soon as possible to discover your options with Provigil. Don't let your illness keep you from enjoying the life you deserve.