OSA and Provigil

[linda3777]

I had a doctor's appointment this morning with the doctor that I owe my CPAP to. She sent me to a sleep lab last year when she looked at me and said, "You look exhausted, are you sleeping?" I said I was. She requested I do a sleep study just to be sure and now, months later I am on a pressure of 16.

Today she prescribed me a drug called Provigil. She said it is often used as a back up for OSA in people who still don't have that extra energy the rest of the world seems to have.

Have any of you heard of this drug? Tried it? I took one today and I'll let you know how it works for me. I sleep well with my CPAP, in fact I love it. I was one of the lucky ones and found the right mask and adjusted within weeks. But I'm still kinda groggy as the day wears on, fatigued when I shouldn't be.

[Wulfman]

You might want to read this thread or do a search for "Provigil" on the forum or Internet search and then come to your own conclusion.

viewtopic.php?t=18375

Den

[Nitro Dan]

I would stick with the CPAP for a bit longer before succumbing to any meds. Your body is most likely still in the catch up mode.

Just my .02

[kteague]

Congratulations on adjusting so well to CPAP! I took Provigil early on in this journey. It did help a little bit with the alertness, although I could take it and go straight to sleep. Nothing seemed to supersede my need for sleep. It does take quite some time for many to recover from years of apnea. But if time goes on and you still feel tired, make sure all other possible culprits have been ruled out (medication side effects, limb movements, hypothyroid, diabetes, ineffective cpap treatment, etc). Best wishes.
Kathy

[THier]

I have had a scrip for Provigil for a year,, I do not use it everyday, but when I need it I use it,, it works well for me. I usually have to take two (400mg total) for effect,, It will buzz me a little bit for about two hrs,, but then just works to keep me from dropping off to sleep. I have the ok from my doc for taking two.

Tom

[lvwildcat]

Linda-how did Provigil work for you? I'm an ICU RN-work 4-5 12 hour shifts a week. In Oct. I was dragging. Neurologist friend of mine ordered 1/2 tablet once a day. I ended up taking 1/2 at 6 am and then another whole tablet at 1pm. I took Provigil for about 2 months. At times it made me feel extremely jittery(commented to my friend how he had prescribed me "legal speed"). Been feeling great since that little setback but I know that if I need to temporarily start back on Provigil I can get a script easily. Also I only took it on days that I worked but it was a Godsend for me on 12 hour shifts. Just be aware of how it affects you and keep your MD up to date.