Oral prescription drugs Provigil (modafinil), and Nuvigil, (armodafinil), are used to increase wakefulness in adults suffering from excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy (OSA), and shift work disorder (SWD), which is a sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional or overnight shifts.
Provigil was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998 and Nuvigil, in 2007. These medications were originally manufactured by Cephalon. In 2011, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. purchased the company.
Both Provigil and Nuvigil are drugs ultimately based on the narcolepsy drug Modafinil. Provigil is simply a brand name for modafinil, while Nuvigil is a brand name for Armodafinil, which is an analogue of Modafinil. More specifically, Nuvigil (armodafinil) is an enantiopure compound of modafinil designed to be more potent than the original drug molecule.
While both substances are nearly identical in structure – and in how they work – they do have somewhat different effects in practice. People typically find that they prefer to take either Provigil or Nuvigil as the nootropics affect them in slightly different ways.
In this article, we’re going to look at the differences and similarities between Nuvigil and Provigil, before comparing them directly to see if one is a better nootropic than the other.
Can You Buy Provigil and Nuvigil OTC?
Before we start comparing Nuvigil with Provigil, it is worth asking if you can even buy these smart drugs over the counter.
The short answer is no, you cannot buy Nuvigil or Provigil legally over the counter. This is true for almost all jurisdictions around the world as both Provigil and Nuvigil are prescription-only drugs obtainable exclusively from pharmacies with a valid prescription.
However, what you can puchase over the counter are generic versions of both Provigil and Nuvigil. As we’ll explain later in this Provigil vs Nuvigil comparison, these drugs are simply branded forms of Modafinil and Armodafinil.
You can purchase generic brands of these drugs which deliver the same high-quality compounds as Nuvigil and Provigil but for a fraction of the cost and without the need for a prescription.
Click on the links below to learn more about different options for buying Nuvigil or Provigil online from a reputable US-based vendor:
- Generic Nuvigil
- Generic Provigil
- Modalert 200
- Artvigil (US to US delivery)
- Modaheal
- Modawake (US to US priority delivery)
The above links will take you to ModafinilXL.com, which is the most reliable and best-priced vendor for Modafinil online right now. The manufacturer makes the purest, cleanest generic Modafinil products in the world and now offers priority shipping from their US facility.
What are Provigil and Nuvigil?
Modafinil and Armodafinil were classified as Schedule IV controlled substances by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. They are less likely to be abused than drugs in Schedules II or III. Modafinil and armodafinil are similar to stimulants like amphetamines, but they carry a greater risk of abuse that could lead to dependence.
Modafinil or armodafinil can be addictive and could cause dependence. However, withdrawal symptoms have not been reported.
These drugs can increase alertness so healthy people have used them to improve mental performance and wakefulness. Students have used modafinil to increase their focus and learning, similar to other drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin. They have been used by working adults to allow them to work for longer periods of time without needing to sleep. This use is not allowed by FDA and is called “off-label”.
ABC News reported that the military even uses modafinil to keep pilots and soldiers alert when they are deployed. These drugs have been compared to NZT-48, a brain-enhancing drug that Bradley Cooper starred in Limitless (2011).
According to the professional society, Provigil should never be prescribed or bought by consumers on their own for cognitive or performance enhancement. Provigil and any other medication to enhance learning and memory have little support. There are no side effects.
Researchers admit that they aren’t sure how Provigil or Nuvigil increase wakefulness. Scientists believe modafinil may increase histamine levels which could make people more awake. Modafinil stimulates other neurotransmitters, including dopamine. This chemical can affect mood.
The drug labels indicate that both drugs reach their maximum blood concentrations in approximately two to four hours. The drugs don’t react to food, but it might take longer for them to kick in if the drug is taken with food. According to Asprey, he felt the effects in 17 minutes.
Patients who took modafinil or armodafinil in clinical trials reported an improvement in their sleepiness scores and their ability to remain awake. Modafinil, armodafinil, and amphetamine do not generally cause withdrawals or severe crashes like amphetamines.
Provigil vs Nuvigil: Similarities
Although Provigil is the same drug as Modafinil, Nuvigil has a slightly different chemical structure, which gives it some marginally different effects. Specifically, as the enantiopure compound of Modafinil, Armodafinil (thus Nuvigil) binds to receptor sites differently to Modafinil itself.
However, both Provigil and Nuvigil have a lot of similarities; these drugs are much more similar than they are different! While Nuvigil binds to receptors differently than Provigil, both drugs are binding to the same receptors!
The key way in which Provigil and Nuvigil are similar is that both drugs are eugeroics which rapidly reduce fatigue and promote wakefulness and alertness.
Both Provigil and Nuvigil are powerful nootropics known to increase focus, motivation and overall mental productivity.
Finally, whethr you use Provigil or Nuvigil, you are going to need a prescription!
Differences between Provigil & Nuvigil
When comparing Nuvigil vs Provigil, the key factors to consider are cost and availability. Both drugs are available at a pharmacy, but Provigil may require a prior authorization. In addition, both drugs are generic, meaning they are covered by insurance at a lower out-of-pocket cost. While their side effects are similar, the two have a few key differences.
Unlike the older drug Provigil, Nuvigil is a repackaged version of a more effective formula. It is also available in generic form from other companies. However, Provigil’s patent expired in 2000, so the drug was no longer exclusive. Cephalon Inc. promoted Nuvigil at a higher price to boost its earnings. While this was a smart move, there are several other differences between the two drugs.
Provigil and Nuvigil have different side effects. While Nuvigil doesn’t cause any side effects, it can result in drowsiness and difficulty sleeping. They also differ in their ability to treat ADHD. In addition, Nuvigil is more expensive than Provigil. So how do you choose between the two? By following these three key differences, you can make an informed decision regarding which drug is best for you.
M. Darwish, along with colleagues, published a 2009 study in Clinical Drug Investigation that found Nuvigil blood levels were higher than Provigil in the late hours of the day. It may result in better wakefulness during the day when Nuvigil is used, according to the authors.
There are several differences between Provigil and Nuvigil. While Provigil is more commonly prescribed for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Nuvigil has more clinical studies. Its use in treating ADHD and fibromyalgia has been approved in the United States. It may cause physical dependence, but it is not dangerous. You may be surprised to learn that Provigil is less expensive than Nuvigil.
Both Nuvigil and Provigil have many benefits for sleep. Both are effective in improving cognitive functions, and both have similar side effects. The major drawbacks of Nuvigil are that it is only available with a prescription. In addition, both drugs are not suited for patients suffering from a wide variety of conditions, and both are not appropriate for use in children. In addition to these, they can also cause serious health problems. Moreover, both drugs can cause depression.
Learn more: How to make Nuvigil more effective
Safety concerns with Nuvigil & Provigil
Although there are very few reports of side effects from Provigil or Nuvigil , drug labels warn that side effects can sometimes occur. These include: severe rash called Stevens Johnson Syndrome, allergies, persistent sleepiness, and psychiatric symptoms. In people with heart disease, there may be palpitations and increased blood pressure.
These drugs can cause headaches, nausea, and diarrhea. Headache was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials.
Concerns are also raised about drug interactions and the effects of drugs on unborn babies.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may occur when modafinil or armodafinil is taken with other drugs. Modafinil or armodafinil may be affected by interactions with other drugs. In the same way, modafinil or armodafinil could have side effects and affect the effectiveness of other drugs.
These drugs interact with Provigil or Nuvigil:
- Effectiveness of steroidal contraceptives may be decreased
- Cyclosporine (blood levels could be decreased)
- Prilosec (omeprazole): Blood levels can be increased#
- The blood levels of phenytoin may increase
- Diazepam (blood levels could be raised)
This is not a complete list. Make sure to tell your pharmacist and doctor about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you use.
If you are pregnant or using hormonal birthcontrol, please inform your doctor immediately. These include pills, patches, IUDs, implants, vaginal rings, shots, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Provigil or nuvigil may cause your birth control to stop working for up one month after you have stopped taking them.
Patients are also advised not to drink alcohol while on medication.
Pregnancy Warnings and Birth Defect Risk
The United States Drug Labels state that there have not been enough studies to establish whether Provigil and Nuvigil are safe during pregnancy. They also say that it is unknown if these drugs will pass into breast milk.
These drugs were found to cause spontaneous abortions, growth restriction and other toxic effects in the fetuses during animal studies. FDA requested that the manufacturer establish a registry for pregnant women to monitor side effects. FDA-approved drug labels advise that these drugs should not be used by pregnant women unless the benefits are greater than the risks. To evaluate the effects of modafinil or armodafinil on pregnant women, doctors may encourage patients to sign up for registries.
Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland released a warning about modafinil use during pregnancy based on data from their pregnancy registry.
Health Canada issued a warning on June 20th to health professionals regarding modafinil’s potential for congenital anomalies. These alerts from Canada and Ireland suggested that modafinil shouldn’t be used by women who may become pregnant, or are already pregnant.
The United States has lawyers actively investigating Provigil & Nuvigil lawsuits that involve birth defects in children whose mothers used the drugs during pregnancy.
Safely taking Provigil and Nuvigil
Modafinil or armodafinil are available in pill form. They can be taken orally. Patients can take their dose with or sans food.
Your doctor will recommend the right dose for you. They may recommend other Modafinil forms such as Artvigil depending on how you respond to Nuvigil or Provigil. Depending on side effects and effectiveness, your doctor may recommend one dose. You should follow the instructions and not alter your medication without consulting your doctor.
Safe Nuvigil and Provigil Dosing
How much of these smart drugs can you safely take?
The recommended dose of Nuvigil is 150 mg to 250 mg taken orally once a day as a single dose in the morning. The recommended safe dose of Provigil is 200 mg once a day in the morning. It is not recommended to take any more than these doses for either substance.
Ask your doctor when is the best time to take your medication. It can be difficult to fall asleep if you take the drug close to bedtime.
People with narcolepsy or obstructive sleeping apnea should take their medication in the morning. Shift work disorder patients usually take their medicine an hour before they need to go to work.
Do not do anything that could prove to be hazardous. Don’t drive, or engage in other risky activities until you know how the medication affects your body. Until your doctor gives you permission to, it is best not to change your daily routine.
Nuvigil or Provigil Overdose
There have been fatal overdoses of modafinil, armodafinil, or modafinil and other drugs.
These are the most common signs of a Provigil or Nuvigil overdose.
- Breathing difficulty
- Trouble sleeping
- Central nervous system symptoms include hallucinations or feeling disoriented, excited or restless, as well as feeling dizzy, confused, disoriented, excited or agitated
- Digestive changes like nausea and diarrhea
- Cardiovascular changes include chest pain, high blood pressure or fast or slow heart beat
Overdose is not treatable. If you suspect that you have overdosed, get help immediately.