Provigil is a medication that promotes wakefulness. It is thought to work by
altering the natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Provigil is used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by sleep apnea,
narcolepsy, or shift work sleep disorder.

Provigil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.





Get emergency medical help if you have **signs of an allergic reaction to
Provigil:** hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
or throat.

Provigil can cause skin reactions that may be severe enough to need treatment
in a hospital. **Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if
you have:**

  * skin rash or hives, blisters or peeling;

  * mouth sores, trouble swallowing;

  * fever, shortness of breath;

  * swelling in your legs;

  * dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

  * swelling in your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Provigil and call your doctor at once if you have:

  * depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or actions;

  * hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, aggression, being more active or talkative than usual;

  * chest pain, trouble breathing, uneven heart beats; or

  * the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how minor you think it might be.

Common Provigil side effects may include:

  * headache, dizziness;

  * feeling nervous or anxious;

  * back pain;

  * nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;

  * sleep problems (insomnia); or

  * stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Provigil side effects (more detail)