Armodafinil
What is Armodafinil?
Armodafinil is a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), or shift work sleep disorder (1). It is also used off-label to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome, and major depressive disorder, and has been repurposed as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder (5). Armodafinil is in a class of medications called wakefulness-promoting agents, and it works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the area of the brain that controls sleep and wakefulness (1).
Dosage
The dosage of Armodafinil varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's weight (1). The standard dose for narcolepsy and OSAHS is 150-250 mg per day, administered orally (1). The standard dose for shift work sleep disorder is 150 mg per day, administered orally (1).
Side Effects
Common side effects of Armodafinil include headache, dizziness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, difficulty concentrating or paying attention, and uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body (1)(4)(5)(6). These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. Rarely, Armodafinil can cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, and bleeding problems (1)(4)(5)(6).
Interactions
Armodafinil can interact with other medications, including hormonal birth control pills, which can decrease their effectiveness (4)(6). Prior consultation with a medical expert is recommended before combining Armodafinil with other drugs or supplements.
Time of Day and With or Without Food
Armodafinil can be taken with or without food (1)(4).
Human Studies
Armodafinil has been extensively studied in humans and has been shown to be effective in treating excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, OSAHS, and shift work sleep disorder (1)(2)(3)(5). It is generally well-tolerated, and its side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days (1)(4)(5)(6).
To summarize, Armodafinil is a medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, OSAHS, or shift work sleep disorder. It is also used off-label to treat ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, major depressive disorder, and as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder. The dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's weight. Armodafinil has been extensively studied in humans and has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions. Its side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days, and it can interact with other medications, including hormonal birth control pills.
Citations:
(1) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a607067.html
(2) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/armodafinil-oral-route/description/drg-20071125
(3) https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148598/armodafinil-oral/details
(4) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20424-armodafinil-tablets
(5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armodafinil
(6) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/armodafinil-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071125?p=1