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How long does it take for Nuvigil to work?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on May 31, 2024.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Nuvigil (armodafinil) typically works within 2 hours of taking a dose. After taking Nuvigil by mouth, it is absorbed quickly from the gut into the bloodstream. However, how soon Nuvigil starts to work can depend on whether or not you take the medication with food.

Nuvigil is available as a tablet that is taken once a day. It is used to improve wakefulness in adults that experience excessive sleepiness due to:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Narcolepsy
  • Shift work disorder

How to make Nuvigil more effective

Since Nuvigil is absorbed faster on an empty stomach, it is best not to take the medication with food. Taking Nuvigil with food can delay the time it takes for it to work. In studies, the time it took for Nuvigil to reach peak concentrations in the blood was delayed by 2-4 hours when it was taken with food.

For best results, Nuvigil should be taken once a day in the morning if you are taking it for obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy. If you are taking Nuvigil for shift work disorder, take your dose of Nuvigil once a day about 1 hour before you start your work shift.

References

Conrado, D., et. al. (2013). Electroencephalogram Effects of Armodafinil: Comparison With Behavioral Alertness. In: Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5527681/

Nuvigil [package insert]. Revised Dec 2022. Cephalon, LLC. Accessed on 05/31/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d878aed0-ddbf-8fa1-abf7-d3e480260845

Prescriber's Guide Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology. (2021). Armodafinil. Accessed 05/31/2024 at https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/prescribers-guide/armodafinil/AA3BB6A2260FE076D2E39E67FC78C009

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