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Armodafinil 

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Nuvigil®

Often used for:

Sleep disorders

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What is armodafinil?

Armodafinil is a medicine that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). It is used to promote wakefulness and help reduce sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be used to help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Armodafinil works by changing the amounts of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.

A severe skin reaction has happened with this medicine. Contact your health care team right away if your child has any skin reactions such as red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin or if your child has sores in their mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.  

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May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness 
  • Sleep problems 
  • Feeling nervous or excitable 
  • Dry mouth 
  • Diarrhea
  • Allergic reaction – Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:  
    • Rash, hives, or itching 
    • Flu-like symptoms such as chills, aches, headache, or fever  
    • Dizziness 
    • Shortness of breath, coughing, or tightness in the throat   
    • Swelling of the face or neck 

Not all patients who take armodafinil will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist. 

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Give this medicine as directed by your care team. Read all information given to you.  
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • This medicine may make birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods less effective. Sexually active patients should use another form of birth control, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. 
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.  

Armodafinil at home

  • This medicine can be taken with or without food. 
  • If your child takes this medicine with food, it may take longer for the medicine to work. 
  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.  
  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. 
  • Do not share this medicine with anyone or give for reasons other than it was prescribed. 
  • Do not use the medicine past the expiration date. 
  • Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.   

Learn more about armodafinil

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: July 2024