Provigil — Important Facts
Provigil (generic name modafinil) is a wakefulness-promoting drug, and like virtually all pharmaceutical products, the exact mechanism of how it works in the brain and CNS is not known.1 According to the FDA label, modafinil (Provigil) appears not to strongly bind to the usual receptors involved in sleep/wake cycles, such as the norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, adenosine, melatonin, benzodiazepine, and histamine receptors. 
However, Madras et al published research in 2006 that reports modafinil does appear to bind to certain dopamine and norepinephrine receptors in certain areas of the brain, citing animal and in vivo studies.3 While generally not known for a high risk of addiction, Madras’s research shows Provigil may share similar neurochemical characteristics with other stimulants, such as amphetamines and cocaine which do bind to such receptors.
Provigil use, like any psychostimulant drug, is subject to abuse and addiction. Provigil can produce stimulating effects and euphoria, changes in mood, and changes in thinking that are in some ways similar to other anti-fatigue stimulants such as amphetamines, and cocaine. For these reasons, some people may begin to use it habitually to obtain a brightened cognitive state. In animal clinical trials, monkeys were found to self-administer Provigil in a similar pattern to how they self-administered cocaine.2
Provigil was FDA approved for chronic daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, for people who work shift work, and for sleep apnea-related daytime sleepiness. However, off-label uses have developed such as to counteract the sedative effects of psychiatric medications and to enhance concentration while studying. Using Provigil as a cognitive “enhancer” is highly controversial, as it has been associated with psychosis in otherwise healthy individuals, at both high doses and at low doses.5,6,7
Provigil taken randomly to counteract sleepiness can cause sleep disturbances and trouble with focusing later, as in driving a car for example, according to a published review of the literature in the National Library of Medicine.16 Despite much ongoing research, and much eagerness to use Provigil for a laundry list of off-label uses, everything from combat fatigue to studying for an exam, the drug’s exact action on the highly complex brain remains elusive at best and indicates we should remain cautious about relying on psychostimulant drugs for staying awake. Provigil alternatives are designed to be a much safer, more predictable way to address issues regarding sleep.4,23
Provigil Side Effects
The most common Provigil side effects are euphoria, headache, nervousness, and depression. Repeated use can lead to an impaired immune system, sleep disturbance, anxiety, jitteriness, psychiatric symptoms, and addiction.4,23
Of concern, there are multiple case reports of psychosis, hallucinations, paranoid delusions and other undesirable features of drug-induced psychosis at various dosage levels.6,7
Provigil can cause another rare but troubling side effect — Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, or “SJS,” which is a quickly developing rash or allergic-type reaction to the drug. Important to know, the condition can quickly escalate into a potentially life-threatening severe skin reaction.1,8
Also, the drug caused a decreased effectiveness in certain types of contraceptives where a woman takes Provigil concurrently. Though rare, the drug manufacturer placed warnings on drug packaging to bring awareness of these potential side effects.1
As noted in the FDA label information, Provigil can also over-stimulate the heart, so is not recommended for people with heart conditions.1
Potential Harm from Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation can cause a debilitating cascade of negative physical and mental health effects. Besides the frustration of never feeling fully rested, sleep deprivation is so destructive that it is used inhumanely as a form of torture for the purpose of interrogation (though ineffective at data retrieval).22
The neurocognitive effects of sleep deprivation have been the subject of much clinical research. We understand that over time one can even adapt to a constant feeling of fatigue and poor performance because of continual poor quality sleep. It is estimated that up to 30% of the global population suffers from some degree of chronic insomnia, meaning that daytime sleepiness is a symptom of poor or disrupted sleep. It’s a big problem for a lot of people.24 However, the pharmacological “solutions” that are offered are just not acceptable for many due to the side effects and the fact that they do not fix the problem. Duct tape might temporarily fix a leaky pipe, but eventually, if you don’t get to the root of the problem, that leaky pipe is going to cascade into bigger problems.
Chronic sleep deprivation can be addressed, even if it means rolling up one’s sleeves and getting to work using Provigil alternatives. We can help.
Are you looking for a healthier set of Provigil alternatives?
Alternative to Meds Center provides sound strategies that guide clients safely toward their highest health goals. An investigative, pro-active approach can find the root causes, and help repair the negative impacts that drugs may have brought about. Alternative to Meds Center has developed non-drug-based remedies and uses lab tests to uncover the underlying causes for insomnia and other troubling symptoms. Sometimes, there are underlying but undiagnosed medical reasons that contribute to the problem, making it persist. Addressing environmental stress, personal counseling to assist with the effects of unresolved life situations, or difficult relationships, removal of toxic accumulations, malnutrition (not as uncommon as you might think), comfortable withdrawal techniques, spa services, Qi Gong, yoga, IV & Nad therapy, and other adjunctive therapies that have achieved positive results according to our clients. For more information, please contact us at Alternative to Meds Center and find out more about our effective, non-drug-based Provigil alternatives and inpatient treatment programs for eliminating symptoms that are blocking your natural mental health.
Work on improving your dark-light cycles.
