What is armodafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Armodafinil is an oral drug that is used to promote
wakefulness. It is similar to modafinil (Provigil). Like amphetamines,
armodafinil promotes wakefulness by stimuatIng the brain; however, the exact
mechanism of action of armodafinil is unknown. Armodafinil may work by
increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical neurotransmitter that nerves use
to communicate with each other) in the brain by reducing the reuptake of
dopamine into nerves. The FDA approved armodafinil in June 2007.
What brand names are available for armodafinil?
Nuvigil
Is armodafinil available as a generic drug?
No
Do I need a prescription for armodafinil?
Yes
What are the side effects of armodafinil?
Headache is the most common side effect of armodafinil. Other
side effects include:
Rare side effects include angioedema,
difficulty swallowing,
bronchospasms, and reversible psychosis.
What is the dosage for armodafinil?
The recommended dose is 150 or 250 mg every morning or 150 mg daily
one hour prior to the work shift.
QUESTION
Which drugs or supplements interact with armodafinil?
Armodafinil can decrease or increase
the activity of enzymes in the liver that metabolize (eliminate) other drugs.
This can result in decreased levels of some drugs that reduce their
effectiveness as well as increased levels of other drugs that increase their
toxicity. Armodafinil treatment should be carefully monitored if taken with any
of these drugs.
Drugs which may have reduced effectiveness if taken with armodafinil include
cyclosporine (Sandimmune), ethinyl estradiol
(Estrace, Climara, Estraderm, Menostar) (present in many
birth control
pills), midazolam (Versed), and triazolam (Halcion).
Drugs that may show increased effects or toxicity if taken with armodafinil
include omeprazole (Prilosec), warfarin (Coumadin), diazepam (Valium),
propranolol (Inderal), imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
clomipramine (Anafranil), phenytoin (Dilantin) and mephenytoin (Mesantoin).
Carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and rifampin (Rifadin) may reduce
the action of armodafinil by increasing armodafinil’s elimination by the liver.
Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox) and erythromycin may increase
the effectiveness of armodafinil by reducing the elimination of armodafinil by
the liver.
Is armodafinil safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in pregnant women. Use of
armodafinil during pregnancy has been asociated with decreased fetal development
and spontaneous abortion.
It is not known whether armodafinil is secreted in
breast
milk.
What else should I know about armodafinil?
What preparations of armodafinil are available?
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 50, 150, 250 mg.
How should I keep armodafinil stored?
Armodafinil should be stored at room temperature, 20-30 C (68-77 F).