Artvigil: Uses, Dosage Details, Price, Adverse Reactions - in the UK

Overview section with Description

Artvigil is a trade name for armodafinil, a medication used to promote wakefulness in adults who experience excessive daytime sleepiness from specific sleep conditions. It helps maintain alertness but is not a cure for the underlying sleep disorder. It is commonly prescribed alongside primary treatments such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Basic product details:

• Armodafinil is the active ingredient
• Usual tablet strength seen in practice: 150 mg film-coated tablets
• Normal signs: narcolepsy, persistent sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnoea, shift work sleep disorder

For information on the process of interactions in a system describe exchanges between components. and UK supply rules see the sections Drug the back and forth between people alerts and The juridical status of the United Kingdom and purchasing guidance rules.

In brief, key points

• Do not depend on hormonal contraception during armodafinil use and for one month after you stop
• Take once daily, ideally at the same time each day
• Can be taken with or without food
• For shift work disorder, take about one hour before the start of the shift
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the drug affects you

Return to the context the very top

Who might observe benefits from Artvigil?

Clinicians may offer armodafinil to adults with clinically significant daytime sleepiness caused by:

• Narcolepsy, a disorder of sleep control
• Obstructive sleep apnoea when sleepiness persists despite effective primary treatment such as CPAP
• Shift work sleep disorder resulting in disabling drowsiness during scheduled work hours

Artvigil is not intended for use by people without diagnosed sleep disorders to delay sleep or enhance performance. For information on dosing, see Dose and method of administration.

How to dose and how to administer

Please adhere exactly to the instructions from your prescriber. Do not change the amount, timing, or frequency without medical advice.

• General: take one dose per day at a consistent time; food is optional
• A chronic sleep disorder named narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea (adults): commonly 150 to 250 mg by mouth each morning
• Shift work disorder (adults): typically 150 mg taken about one hour before starting the shift

Patients with frailty or impaired liver function may require lower starting doses. A clinician will usually reassess benefits and tolerability within four to twelve weeks and decide whether to continue treatment. If daytime dosing causes night-time insomnia, consult your prescriber rather than taking an extra dose later in the day.

Before you embarka quick review the essential documents. Cautions to observe, Conditions that rule out its use, and Medicament user collaborative interactions drive engagement and learning. parts.

Armodafinil's action in the brain explains its effects.

Armodafinil is the R stereoisomer of modafinil. Its exact the operational mechanism is not fully known, but it appears to increase wakefulness by affecting several brain neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine and orexin pathways. Compared with racemic modafinil, armodafinil often produces a longer-lasting effect at similar doses.

It promotes alertness but does not treat airway obstruction in obstructive sleep apnoea and should not replace primary therapies or good sleep practices. For non-drug measures and other medication options see United Kingdom prices explained: a guide and multiple options.

Hazard prevention measures to consider

Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all medical conditions, prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements before you get underway armodafinil. Extra care is needed if you have:

• Conditions affecting the cardiovascular system or risk factors such as high blood pressure or prior heart problems
• A history of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis
• Reduced liver or kidney function
• History of substance use disorders and alcohol dependence

Discuss pregnancy planning and breastfeeding. Armodafinil can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception; use reliable non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for one month after the final dose. Until you know how the medicine affects you, avoid driving, cycling or operating machinery. See Indirect effects that may occur for symptoms that call for urgent attention.

Go to top

Where use is contraindicated with important cautions

• Do not take armodafinil if you have had a serious rash or allergic reaction to armodafinil, modafinil, or any tablet ingredient
• Avoid alcohol while on treatment as effects can be unpredictable and may increase impairment
• Do not deliberately restrict sleep or make major changes to your sleep schedule without clinical supervision

For a list of common and rare adverse reactions, see Potential effects during use.

Potential systemic incidental outcomes

Most unwelcome drug side effects are mild and resolve as your body adapts. Typical complaints include:

• A pressure in my head
• Loss of balance sensation
• Nausea
• Chronic wakefulness or reduced sleep quality

It is rare but serious. reactions require immediate medical attention. Stop the medicine and seek urgent help, call NHS 111, or dial 999 if you develop any of the following:

• Widespread rash, blistering, peeling skin or mouth ulcers
• Fever, sore throat, painful red eyes
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or glands
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness
• Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, leg swelling or flu-like symptoms

Severe skin reactions are most likely within the first one to five weeks of treatment; discontinue at the first sign of rash unless a clinician confirms another cause.

Move to top

Drug combination the process of interactions span conversations, gestures, and feedback.

Armodafinil affects liver enzymes and can alter the activity of other medicines. The vital the act of engaging in dialogues fuel collaboration and innovation. include:

• Hormonal contraceptives: combined pills, patches, rings and some implants or levonorgestrel emergency contraception can be less effective. Use non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping.
• Among anticoagulants, warfarin is a common option.: starting or stopping armodafinil may change INR; performance monitoring may be needed.
• CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (for example ketoconazole, itraconazole): may raise armodafinil exposure
• CYP3A4 inducers (for example carbamazepine, rifampicin, The medicinal herb St Johns wort): may lower armodafinil levels and reduce efficacy
• CYP2C19 substrates (for example omeprazole, diazepam, propranolol, phenytoin): effects may be increased and dose adjustments or continuous oversight could be required
• Other central nervous system active drugs (for example SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, antipsychotics, stimulants): mutual interactions fuel collaboration and innovation. can alter effects; review your full medication list with your prescriber

Always provide a complete list of prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products to healthcare professionals.

See guidance on i skipped the doses.

Should you skip a dose

In case you forget to take a dose and it is early in the day with many waking hours remaining, take it when you remember. If it is late in the day or close to bedtime, skip the i skipped one dose and resume at the usual time the next day. Do not counteract a i skipped one dose by taking two doses.

Excessive dose of medication

If someone has taken too much armodafinil seek urgent medical attention. Go to A&E or call 999. Symptoms of overdosed can include:

• Agitation, restlessness or severe anxiety
• Confused and disoriented, with potential hallucinations
• Nausea or diarrhoeal symptoms
• Chest pain, breathing problems or irregular heartbeat
• Marked insomnia or unusual excitement

Recommendations for a storage solution should balance access and protection.

Store tablets at normal room temperature (about 20 to 25 C or 68 to 77 F), away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep medication in the original packaging and out of sight and reach of children.

Keeping under surveillance and routine follow-up

• First review: most clinicians reassess effectiveness and tolerability within four to twelve weeks
• Vital checks: blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored periodically, especially with cardiovascular risk factors
• Sleep therapy: for obstructive sleep apnoea ensure CPAP or other devices are optimised because armodafinil does not correct airway obstruction
• Driving and work safety: reassess fitness to drive or do safety-critical jobs after starting or changing dose (see UK legal designation)
• Contraception: confirm non-hormonal pregnancy prevention during treatment and for one month after the last dose

Price guide and a second option choices (UK)

There are several medicinal and non-medicinal options for managing excessive daytime sleepiness. Costs vary by supplier, dose, and whether treatment is provided on the NHS or privately. The following are approximate private cost tiers in GBP for a one month supply; these are indicative only.

• Armodafinil (brands such as Nuvigil; Artvigil is not usually UK-licensed): private cost roughly £35 to £90 for 30 x 150 mg tablets, though availability may be limited and specialist import arrangements may apply
• Modafinil (generic, brand Provigil): common the other option. Private prices often about £25 to £60 for 30 x 100 mg generics; branded Provigil may cost £80 to £120 per month
• Solriamfetol (Sunosi): licensed for excessive daytime sleepiness in OSA and narcolepsy. Typical private costs commonly fall between £150 and £250 per month depending on dose
• Pitolisant (Wakix): an H3 receptor inverse agonist for narcolepsy. Private costs are usually high, frequently £200 to £500+ per month
• Sodium oxybate / low-sodium oxybate (Xyrem / Xywav): for narcolepsy with cataplexy; can be very expensive and typically prescribed by specialists, often costing several hundred to thousands of pounds monthly
• Central nervous system stimulants (for example methylphenidate, dexamfetamine): considered in selected cases under specialist supervision; prices depend on formulation and brand
• Non-medicinal measures: optimising CPAP for OSA, using mandibular advancement devices, scheduled naps, sleep hygiene, light therapy and shift planning can all contribute to improved daytime alertness

On the NHS, prescription charges and local formulary decisions affect access; exemptions may apply. Private prescribers and pharmacies set their own fees, so check current costs with a UK-registered pharmacy. For guidance on safe online purchasing and importation see United Kingdom legality and buying regulations.

Lawful status of the United Kingdom and buying rules

• Prescription-only: Modafinil and armodafinil are prescription-only medicines in the UK. Supplying them without a valid prescription is unlawful.
• Licensing: Modafinil is licensed in the UK for narcolepsy. Many armodafinil products, such as Artvigil, are not licensed in the UK and may only be supplied via named-patient import or other specialist arrangements with a valid prescription.
• Buying online: use UK-registered services only. A legitimate online service will be operated by a GPhC-registered pharmacy, use UK prescribers who assess your health, display the MHRA distance selling logo and provide verifiable contact details.
• Personal importation: the MHRA allows limited personal imports for your own use when supported by a valid prescription; unlicensed or suspicious shipments may be seized.
• Driving: it is illegal to drive if impaired by sleepiness or by medicines. Some people with narcolepsy must notify the DVLA depending on diagnosis and symptoms. Do not drive until you know how armodafinil affects you.
• Anti-doping campaigns in sport: modafinil and armodafinil are banned in competition under the World Anti-Doping Code. Athletes in the UK should consult UKAD and consider a Therapeutic Use Exemption where appropriate.

If in doubt, consult your GP, a sleep specialist or a GPhC-registered pharmacist. For urgent medical advice outside surgery hours call NHS 111.

Return to the previous page top