I'm afraid to start Provigil

luckylinda · Post by **luckylinda** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:11 pm

Recently I visited my sleep doc and spoke with him about EDS. I told him that during the school year I have to have a 24 oz. cup of coffee when I get to school to get the fog to go away. Sometimes about 1:00pm I also need a 20 oz. bottle of diet Pepsi to keep going.

Then as soon as I get home and sit down in the den, I fall asleep sitting up in the recliner. I can sleep for about two hours.

He told me to try Provigil and start at 100mg. After reading the side effects after I picked it up from the pharmacy, I have hesitated to start it. I already get migraines from hell and that is the number one side effect. I take Paxil and Klonopin for anxiety and panic attacks,so I was not thrilled to read that it could cause anxiety.

I see the pill are not scored to be broken in half. I wish I could start with 50 mg. Has anyone here tried that?

Also complicating my problem is that school is out and I do not work during the summer. I have no regular schedule. I can take a nap when needed.

Anyone with anxiety and or migraines take Provigil? I would love some feedback.

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:25 pm

There are some cautions about using Provigil if you have a brain injury or if you are a polio survivor. That's about all I know about it.

- JB

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 1:29 am

I have a sleep disorder called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome where my natural sleep/wake cycle is 3-11 am. I have not take Provigil (yet), but many with DSPS have to take it to perform "normal" hours. There is a Yahoo group that discusses all the issues related to DSPS, including Provigil:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/nite-owl/

ahujudybear · Post by **ahujudybear** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 7:45 am

We used to call that being off schedule. Or mixed up circadian rhythm.

I have been there from time to time. It usually comes on gradually.

Have you ever tried the sleep/wake cycles tested by the Air Force? I really like working that way when I can! (sleep in 4-hour segments with balanced activities between.)

- JB

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 11:59 am

Hi ahujudybear,
Yes. DSPS is a circadian Rythm disorder.
I did not know about the sleep/wake cycle tested by the airforce. Where can I find more information on it?
Cheers.

WindFlyer · Post by **WindFlyer** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 1:45 pm

I have been taking Provigil for several months now and I haven't experienced any side effects. I'm not taking any other medications at the same time, however, nor do I have any history of migraines. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder by my psychologist but the Provigil does not increase the mental symptoms of anxiety- only the physical ones like I feel as though I've already had a cup of coffee when I start work in the morning before I go to get one.

The best advice I can give is talk to a pharmacist whom you trust. More often than not a pharmacist is going to be more acutely aware of drug interactions than your physician would.

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 2:53 pm

What other stimulamts are out there to promote mental awakeness/alertness? I know that Provigil is the one for more severe cases (like Apnea, Narcolepsy, DSPS). On the DSPS board I mentioned earlier, folks have suggested things like exercising in the mornings, Caffeine (coffee, caffinated drinks, Caffeine pils), Chocolate.
I went to the whole foods store this morning and saw that there are many supplements for mental alertness (Ginseng pills ..). Has anyone tried any?
Cheers.

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