Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Modafinil?What Is Armodafinil?Which Is Safer?InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Modafinil?
What Is Armodafinil?
Which Is Safer?
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Nuvigil (armodafinil) and Provigil (modafinil) are prescription medications. They belong to a drug class known as stimulants.
Healthcare providers prescribe these drugs to help keep individuals awake if they:
Keep reading to learn about both armodafinil and modafinil, when each medication may be prescribed, and the critical differences between the two medication options.
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The FDA has not approved modafinil for use in children. So, whether this medication would be safe or effective for people younger than 18 is unknown.
Modafinilcomes as an oral tablet with two strengths: 100 milligrams (mg) and 200 mg. The recommended dose and frequency depend on the reason for use as follows:
Healthcare professionals may prescribe a lower dose of 100 mg for older adults or individuals with liver problems.
Some healthcare professionals choose to prescribe modafinil for other conditions that the FDA does not explicitly approve, which is called off-label prescribing. In fact, one study from 2013 found that nearly 90% of individuals taking modafinil were prescribed the drug off-label. Examples of off-label uses for modafinil include the following:
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is very similar to modafinil. The FDA approved Nuvigil in 2007 to prevent excessive sleepiness in adults with the following sleep-related disorders:
Armodafinil is not approved for use in children. The drug comes as an oral tablet with four different strengths available: 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg. The recommended dosage varies with the condition treated:
As with modafinil, lower doses (50 mg to 150 mg) are typically recommended for people with liver problems or older adults.
Armodafinil is utilized for many of the same off-label purposes as modafinil. Healthcare providers may prescribe armodafinil off-label for combating fatigue and sleepiness associated with the following:
How Are Armodafinil and Modafinil Different?
Armodafinil and modafinil are very similar medications.
As a result, the main differences are related to their recommended dosages, relative potency (the strength required for a drug to produce an effect), and how long their effect lasts.
On a milligram-per-milligram basis, thestimulant effectof modafinil wears off more quickly than armodafinil.
Even though armodafinil and modafinil have similar half-lives of around 15 hours, the levels of armodafinil in the blood remain higher for a more extended period when both drugs are administered in the same amount.
This is a critical consideration for treating shift-work sleep disorder. If taken an hour before a night shift, the wakefulness-promoting effect of modafinil may wear off during the last third of the shift.
This means the drug’s effectiveness in keeping individuals awake diminishes as the night shift progresses toward the early morning hours. This increases the risk of accidents if the individual becomes excessively sleepy while commuting home.
In one study comparing the two medications for shift-work sleep disorder, researchers found that taking 150 mg of armodafinil provides the same safe and effective reduction in sleepiness that 200 mg of modafinil does.
A Word From VerywellBoth modafinil and armodafinil are considered controlled substances with the potential for dependence or abuse. This may affect how the medication is dispensed from the pharmacy and how your prescriber can order it. Make sure to confirm these requirements with your pharmacist before picking up your medication.—ALEX YAMPOLSKY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Both modafinil and armodafinil are considered controlled substances with the potential for dependence or abuse. This may affect how the medication is dispensed from the pharmacy and how your prescriber can order it. Make sure to confirm these requirements with your pharmacist before picking up your medication.—ALEX YAMPOLSKY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Both modafinil and armodafinil are considered controlled substances with the potential for dependence or abuse. This may affect how the medication is dispensed from the pharmacy and how your prescriber can order it. Make sure to confirm these requirements with your pharmacist before picking up your medication.
—ALEX YAMPOLSKY, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Is Armodafinil or Modafinil Safer?
For most individuals, armodafinil and modafinil are safe medication options for reducing excessive sleepiness due to narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or shift-work sleep disorder.
Given their similarity, both medications are associated with the same side effects discussed below.
One review of multiple studies found no significant safety or side effect differences between the two drugs.
Side Effects
Armodafinil and modafinil can cause similar side effects. Mild side effects commonly include the following:
These side effects may be more likely to occur at higher doses but may ease up or go away after your body adjusts to the medication.
Less commonly, armodafinil or modafinil may result in severe side effects, such as:
If side effects from either drug don’t go away, contact a healthcare provider for advice.
If your symptoms seem severe, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency department right away.
Precautions
Armodafinil and modafinil have the same contraindications and precautions, as summarized in the table below.
Who should avoid armodafinil or modafinil?Who should use armodafinil or modafinil cautiously?Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to armodafinil or modafinilIndividuals with a history ofpsychosis,depression, or maniaIndividuals with continued excessive sleepiness despite armodafinil or modafinil useIndividuals with a history of heart problems Lower doses recommended for individuals with liver problems and seniors (ages 65+)InteractionsDrug interactions can alter how a drug works, potentially increasing its side effects or making it less effective.Armodafinil and modafinil work the same way, and their potential drug interactions are also the same.The lists below are not complete but highlight some interactions to be aware of while taking armodafinil or modafinil.Either drug may interact with the following medications, including:Certaincontraceptive (birth control) drugs, such as ethinyl estradiol.Armodafinil and modafinil both can make this type of birth control less effective.To help prevent pregnancy, ask your provider about switching to a different contraceptive. They may recommend using a backup birth control method (such as condoms) during treatment with armodafinil or modafinil and for at least a month after stopping either drug.Examples of contraceptives that containethinyl estradiolinclude the following:Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)Kurvelo (levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol)Aranelle (norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol)Some medications that suppress (weaken) the immune system, like Gengraf (cyclosporine).When taken with cyclosporine, armodafinil and modafinil lower the levels of cyclosporine in the body, making this medication less effective.Certain medications metabolized in the liver, such asPrilosec (omeprazole)and Dilantin (phenytoin).Armodafinil and modafinil increase the level of these drugs in the body, potentially leading to increased side effects.Before taking armodafinil or modafinil, talk to a healthcare professional about all other medications you take to help avoid harmful interactions.Nutrition ConsiderationsThere are no foods known to interact with armodafinil or modafinil. Either drug may be taken with or without food.However, the FDA warns against consumingalcoholwhile taking either armodafinil or modafinil because the combination may increase the risk of side effects.SummaryNuvigil (armodafinil) and Provigil (modafinil) are similar stimulant medications for reducing excessive sleepiness from the following:NarcolepsySleep apneaShift-work sleep disorderThese two medications have much in common, including how they work, potential side effects, precautions, and interactions.The main differences are:DosagesRelative potency (the strength required for a drug to produce an effect)How long their effect lasts compared on a milligram-per-milligram basisTalk with a healthcare provider to determine if one of these medications may work for you.Frequently Asked QuestionsModafinil and armodafinil should not be taken together. They are very similar medications, so combining them isn’t going to provide much additional benefit. However, taking them together could increase the risk of severe side effects, such as heart problems.Armodafinil is a newer, slightly altered version of modafinil. Though the medications are similarly safe and effective in helping individuals with sleeping disorders stay awake, armodafinil’s effect may last longer than modafinil’s.Armodafinil and modafinil share some similarities with other stimulants such asConcerta (methylphenidate)andAdderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine). This suggests there is a possibility of drug dependence with armodafinil and modafinil, just like with the other stimulants. Both drugs are classified as Schedule IV (four) controlled substances. However, studies have not shown any withdrawal symptoms when stopping either of these drugs.
Drug interactions can alter how a drug works, potentially increasing its side effects or making it less effective.
Armodafinil and modafinil work the same way, and their potential drug interactions are also the same.
The lists below are not complete but highlight some interactions to be aware of while taking armodafinil or modafinil.
Either drug may interact with the following medications, including:
Certaincontraceptive (birth control) drugs, such as ethinyl estradiol.Armodafinil and modafinil both can make this type of birth control less effective.
To help prevent pregnancy, ask your provider about switching to a different contraceptive. They may recommend using a backup birth control method (such as condoms) during treatment with armodafinil or modafinil and for at least a month after stopping either drug.
Examples of contraceptives that containethinyl estradiolinclude the following:
Some medications that suppress (weaken) the immune system, like Gengraf (cyclosporine).When taken with cyclosporine, armodafinil and modafinil lower the levels of cyclosporine in the body, making this medication less effective.
Certain medications metabolized in the liver, such asPrilosec (omeprazole)and Dilantin (phenytoin).Armodafinil and modafinil increase the level of these drugs in the body, potentially leading to increased side effects.
Before taking armodafinil or modafinil, talk to a healthcare professional about all other medications you take to help avoid harmful interactions.
Nutrition Considerations
There are no foods known to interact with armodafinil or modafinil. Either drug may be taken with or without food.
However, the FDA warns against consumingalcoholwhile taking either armodafinil or modafinil because the combination may increase the risk of side effects.
Summary
Nuvigil (armodafinil) and Provigil (modafinil) are similar stimulant medications for reducing excessive sleepiness from the following:
These two medications have much in common, including how they work, potential side effects, precautions, and interactions.
The main differences are:
Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if one of these medications may work for you.
Frequently Asked QuestionsModafinil and armodafinil should not be taken together. They are very similar medications, so combining them isn’t going to provide much additional benefit. However, taking them together could increase the risk of severe side effects, such as heart problems.Armodafinil is a newer, slightly altered version of modafinil. Though the medications are similarly safe and effective in helping individuals with sleeping disorders stay awake, armodafinil’s effect may last longer than modafinil’s.Armodafinil and modafinil share some similarities with other stimulants such asConcerta (methylphenidate)andAdderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine). This suggests there is a possibility of drug dependence with armodafinil and modafinil, just like with the other stimulants. Both drugs are classified as Schedule IV (four) controlled substances. However, studies have not shown any withdrawal symptoms when stopping either of these drugs.
Modafinil and armodafinil should not be taken together. They are very similar medications, so combining them isn’t going to provide much additional benefit. However, taking them together could increase the risk of severe side effects, such as heart problems.
Armodafinil is a newer, slightly altered version of modafinil. Though the medications are similarly safe and effective in helping individuals with sleeping disorders stay awake, armodafinil’s effect may last longer than modafinil’s.
Armodafinil and modafinil share some similarities with other stimulants such asConcerta (methylphenidate)andAdderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine). This suggests there is a possibility of drug dependence with armodafinil and modafinil, just like with the other stimulants. Both drugs are classified as Schedule IV (four) controlled substances. However, studies have not shown any withdrawal symptoms when stopping either of these drugs.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Provigil (modafinil) label.
Peñaloza RA, Sarkar U, Claman DM, et al.Trends in on-label and off-label modafinil use in a nationally representative sample.JAMA Intern Med.2013;173(8):704–706. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2807
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Nuvigil (armodafinil) label.
Robalino S, Anderson R, Harrod C.Off-label use of modafinil (ProvigilTM) and armodafinil (NuvigilTM).Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University. 2019.
Tembe DV, Dhavale A, Desai H, et al.Armodafinil versus modafinil in patients of excessive sleepiness associated with shift work sleep disorder: a randomized double blind multicentric clinical trial.Neurol Res Int. 2011, 514351. doi: 10.1155/2011/514351.
Chapman JL, Vakulin A, Hedner J, et al.Modafinil/armodafinil in obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur Respir J. 2016;47(5):1420-8. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01509-2015.
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