Artvigil 150mg

Artvigil 150 mg is a branded form of armodafinil, the R-enantiomer of modafinil, used to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and shift work sleep disorder. This UK-focused guide explains how to take Artvigil, expected benefits, safety information, ingredients, storage, drug interactions, FAQs and the trust signals that matter when choosing a supplier.

Dosage and How to Take Artvigil 150 mg (UK Guidance)

Armodafinil is typically prescribed as 150 mg once daily. In the UK, it is used under specialist supervision for excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and OSA, and in some cases for shift work sleep disorder. Your prescriber will individualise the dose based on your diagnosis, response and tolerability.

• Narcolepsy or OSA: 150 mg to 250 mg once daily in the morning; many patients are maintained on 150 mg daily.
• Shift work sleep disorder: 150 mg once daily, taken about 1 hour before the start of the work shift.
• Older adults or those with liver impairment: lower starting doses and careful titration are often recommended.

How to Take It

• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Can be taken with or without food; a light meal may reduce stomach upset for some people.
• Avoid taking it late in the day (unless for night shifts) to reduce the risk of insomnia.
• Do not double up if you miss a dose; take the next dose at the usual time.
• Do not stop or change your dose without speaking to your prescriber.

 Note: In the UK, armodafinil/Artvigil is generally initiated by a sleep specialist. Use for OSA assumes you are already on primary therapy (e.g. CPAP) and still have residual sleepiness.

Benefits of Artvigil 150 mg

• Improves wakefulness and reduces excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy and OSA.
• Helps maintain alertness during night shifts in shift work sleep disorder.
• May improve concentration, reaction time and ability to perform daily tasks without overwhelming sleepiness.

Armodafinil is not a cure for underlying sleep disorders and does not replace treatments such as CPAP for OSA, but it can meaningfully improve daytime functioning when used as part of a specialist-led plan.

Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

Most side effects are mild to moderate and often improve after the first few weeks.

Common Side Effects (around 1 in 10 or fewer)

• Headache (one of the most frequently reported)
• Nausea, decreased appetite
• Dizziness, dry mouth
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety, nervousness

 Less Common but Important

• Raised blood pressure, fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• Mood changes (depression, agitation, irritability), confusion or hallucinations
• Skin reactions: rash, itching; rarely, severe reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome or DRESS

Stop and Seek Urgent Medical Help If You Develop:

• A widespread or blistering rash, peeling skin, mouth ulcers, fever
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; wheezing or sudden breathing difficulty
• Chest pain, fainting, severe headache with vision changes, or new/worsening mental health symptoms

Report suspected side effects in the UK via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Precautions, Warnings and Contraindications (UK)

Do Not Take Armodafinil If You:

• Are allergic to armodafinil, modafinil or any excipient in the tablet.
• Have uncontrolled moderate to severe hypertension or significant cardiac arrhythmias.
• Have certain heart structural issues with prior stimulant-related problems (e.g. mitral valve prolapse syndrome with prior CNS stimulants).
• Have hereditary galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (many tablets contain lactose).

Use With Caution and Tell Your Doctor If You Have:

• A history of psychosis, depression, mania or bipolar disorder.
• Liver or kidney problems, or are over 65.
• High blood pressure, heart disease, or palpitations.

Pregnancy and Contraception (Critical Safety Update)

• Modafinil/armodafinil has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
• It can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (pills, patches, rings, implants, some IUDs) via CYP3A4 induction.
• Women who can become pregnant are advised to use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment and for at least 1–2 months after stopping.
• Do not use in pregnancy unless your specialist considers it essential; discuss family planning before starting.

Breastfeeding: Armodafinil may pass into breast milk; discuss risks/benefits with your clinician.

Driving and machinery: Even if you feel more awake, assess your own response before driving; do not drive if you feel drowsy or impaired.

Ingredients (Active + Inactive)

Active Ingredient

• Armodafinil 150 mg per tablet

Typical Inactive Ingredients (Excipients) May Include:

•  Lactose monohydrate
•  Microcrystalline cellulose
•  Croscarmellose sodium
•  Povidone
•  Magnesium stearate

Exact excipients can vary by manufacturer and pack; always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) for your specific brand/batch. Artvigil is manufactured by Sun Pharma Laboratories Ltd in India.

Storage and Disposal (UK)

Storage

• Store below 25–30 °C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.

Disposal

• Do not throw medicines in household waste or flush down the toilet.
• Return unused or expired tablets to a community pharmacy for safe disposal via local take-back schemes.

Drug Interactions: What UK Patients Need to Know

Armodafinil affects liver enzymes (notably **CYP3A4 induction** and **CYP2C19 inhibition**), so it can change levels of other medicines.

Important Interactions

Always give your pharmacist and prescriber a full list of medicines, including over-the-counter products and herbal supplements (e.g. St John's wort).

This guide is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Speak to your GP or specialist before starting, stopping or changing any prescription medicine.