August 8, 2023 Dr. James D Jablonski

Nuvigil vs Provigil: How Are These Drugs Similar and Different?

If you are facing a sleep disorder, then there are certain medications that a doctor can prescribe to make you feel more awake. Nuvirgil and Provigil are two drugs these medications that are prescription-based drugs. Both drugs help to improve wakefulness in adults who are being diagnosed with sleep problems. These medications do not cure sleep disorders, nor do they take the place of adequate sleep.

Nuvigil and Provigil are among the first-choice options for treating Narcolepsy. Both drugs are almost the same but have a few differences. In this article, you will see a comparison between these drugs, which may help you decide the best for you. 

What Nuvigil and Provigil treat

Nuvigil and Provigil are generally used as first-choice options to treat Nacrolepsy. It is a chronic sleep disorder with overwhelming daytime drowsiness that may cause sudden sleep attacks. Nuvigil(Armodafinil) and Provigil(Modafinil) help boost brain activity when used. These drugs stimulate certain brain areas that are generally involved in wakefulness. Nuvigil and Provigil are also helpful in treating some other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and shift work disorder (SWD).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is among the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. People with OSA experience repeatedly stopping and starting breathing while sleeping. Shift work disorder(SWD) affects people who often work nontraditional hours. It is a circadian rhythm sleep disorder that causes issues like falling asleep, staying asleep and sleepiness at unwanted times. Nuvigil and Provigil can be prescribed to treat these sleep disorders. 

Drug features of Nuvigil and Provigil

As you have above, both Nuvigil and Provigil are only available with a prescription from a doctor. And your doctor will decide in what dose and duration you should take these medications. 

The generic name of Nuvigil is Armodafinil, and Modafinil for the Provigil. These drugs are available in a generic version as effective as the brand one. A doctor may prescribe both medications to improve wakefulness in people with Narcolepsy, OSA, or SWD-like sleep disorders.

Nuvigil and Provigil are available as oral tablets, but Nuvigil comes in various strengths like 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg. But Provigil typically comes in two strengths, 100 mg and 200 mg, and the half-life of both drugs is the same, which is 15 hours. But Nuvigil may have last longer effects on the body than Provigil.

The treatment typically suggests with these drugs is long-term. These drugs are among the controlled substances, which means the government generally regulates these drugs. If you are taking a controlled substance, you must closely need the supervision of your doctor while using the medicine. It should not be given to anyone else without a doctor's permission. 

But Nuvigil and Provigil can have some misuse potential which means you can become addicted to these drugs. So make sure you take the exact dose as your doctor suggests, and please consult a doctor if you have any concerns or questions.

Dosage instructions for Nuvigil and Provigil

The dosage for both medications is almost similar. Here is a typical dosage structure for each drug as prescribed according to the condition. For conditions like OSA or Narcolepsy, you need to take 150–250 mg of Nuvigil once daily in the morning.

While treating Shift work disorder (SWD) with Nuvigil, you must take 150mg once daily about an hour before your work shift.

But when treating OSA or Narcolepsy with Provigil, you may need to take 200mg once daily in the morning. For treating Shift work disorder (SWD) with Provigil, your doctor may suggest taking 200mg daily about an hour before the work shift.

Side effects of Nuvigil and Provigil 

The side effects that Nuvigil and Provigil tablets may cause are very similar. Here is a list of common side effects that these medications may cause in some cases.

• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Anxiety 
• Stuffy nose
• Dizziness

Note- From about listed side effects, Nuvigil does not cause back pain and stuffy nose.

Serious side effects reported during the use of Nuvigil and Provigil include-

• Trouble sleeping
• Severe rash or allergic reactions
• Hallucinations
• Chest pain
• Suicide
• Depression
• Mania

Drug interactions for Nuvigil and Provigil 

These are some other drugs that can interact with Nuvigil and Provigil. The interaction between these drugs can make both of these drugs less effective and also increase the risk of side effects. You must inform your doctor if you are already taking any of them. They may increase or decrease your dosage of these drugs to avoid interactions. Examples of medications that may interact with Nuvigil or Provigil are:

• Birth control pills
• Triazolam
• Midazolam
• Diazepam
• Omeprazole
• Cyclosporine
• Phenytoin
• Clomipramine
• Propranolol

Use with other medical conditions

Nuvigil and Provigil, under the following medical conditions, can cause problems if taken. Both drugs include similar disease interaction warnings. And, Here is examples of those medical conditions under which the use of Nuvigil and Provigil can be unsafe-

• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Mental health conditions
• Heart-related issues

Cost, availability of Nuvigil and Provigil 

Nuvigil and Provigil are brand-name medications and are also available in generic versions. Generic versions of these drugs include the same active ingredient as the branded ones but are less costly in comparison with them. In comparing prices, Nuvigil prices are more than the Provigil as their generic version is available at the affordable price range. You can check the prices on our online pharmacy and choose to buy these drugs from us at the best price. These drugs are available in most of the reputed and trusted online pharmacies. 

Talk with your doctor

Nuvigil and Provigil are almost similar medications; the only difference is their strengths and cost. If you have any questions regarding these drugs used to treat sleep disorders, talk to your doctor. Working together can help you choose the right and best medication for you.