I am quite interested in trying out Provigil. I don't have narcolepsy but I heard this is a good stimulant and also helps sharpen the memory. I also heard it's safe, has no side effects and non-addicting, but I'm suspicious. Does Provigil have side effects? Care to share them with us?

Are you taking Provigil? Did you check out the side effects of Provigil before you decided to take them? Provigil is very popular as the new “lifestyle” drug. It is used to induce wakefulness and alertness for those experiencing excessive sleepiness, and as a memory enhancer. Clinically, Provigil is used for patients suffering from narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder to counteract excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS.

Provigil is FDA-approved for the above-mentioned medical conditions. However, most Provigil users are neither narcoleptics nor apneics. They are taking it for its off-label uses which are memory enhancement, alertness, and mood stimulation. Provigil is a non-prescription drug and is easily accessible online and over the counter which makes it susceptible to indiscriminate use.

Based on several clinical studies, Provigil is well-tolerated among the subjects composed mainly of patients experiencing excessive sleepiness. The side effects of Provigil that were observed were generally minimal and far safer that those seen in other stimulants like amphetamines and other similar stimulants. The most common were insomnia, headache, dizziness and nervousness. Other side effects of Provigil are:

• Upper respiratory tract infection (rhinitis)
• Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, dyspepsia)
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Back pain
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Mood changes

The more serious side effects of Provigil are mental changes, chest pain, irregular heart beats, trouble urinating or painful urination, visual changes, muscle weakness or stiffness, and signs of allergic reaction like rashes, itching, swelling of the tongue, lips, or face, and chest tightness with trouble breathing. If these effects are noticed, notify your doctor immediately.

In order to prevent these possible side effects of Provigil, make sure you consult your doctor before actually taking the drug. Conditions like hypertension and other heart problems, liver and kidney disease, mental illness, pregnancy, and depressed immune system usually makes you an unlikely candidate for Provigil therapy. Also, make sure you mention to your physician the medications you are currently having including natural supplements. An interaction between Provigil and your “harmless” herbal supplements could occur when taken together.

Possible untoward effects should be taken into consideration when taking any medication. Provigil is a stimulant and there is still that possibility that it could be habit-forming despite claims of it being otherwise. Those with a history of substance abuse should be discouraged from using this drug as a precautionary measure. Provigil has also been found to lower white blood cell count and by that, it increases your risk for infections. So, if you ask me what the easiest way to avoid the side effects of Provigil is, I’d say, talk to your physician.