How long does it take for Nuvigil to work?
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
Read next
Nuvigil vs Provigil: How do they compare?
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is the R-enantiomer of Provigil (modafinil). They are both oral medications used to improve wakefulness in certain adults. The dosage for Nuvigil and Provigil is different, but both medications are available only in tablet form. Nuvigil comes in more strengths than Provigil. Continue reading
Why is Nuvigil a controlled substance?
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is a controlled substance because it has a risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. It has also been subject to diversion. It is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a schedule IV controlled substance. Continue reading
Can you have narcolepsy and insomnia?
Yes, you can have narcolepsy and insomnia together. Almost 50% of people with narcolepsy also experience disturbed night-time sleep, fragmented sleep, or difficulty staying asleep at night. Sleep may be disrupted by insomnia, vivid dreaming, sleep apnea, acting out while dreaming, or periodic leg movements. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Nuvigil Information for Consumers
- Nuvigil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Nuvigil (detailed)
Related support groups
- Nuvigil (19 questions, 200 members)
- Narcolepsy (83 questions, 400 members)
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome (15 questions, 57 members)
- Shift Work Sleep Disorder (13 questions, 33 members)