If narcolepsy or another sleep disorder makes it hard for you to stay awake during the day, your doctor may prescribe modafinil (Provigil) to help you stay awake and be more alert.
As with any medicine, you could have side effects when you take modafinil. Possible side effects range from headaches and an upset stomach to, in rare cases, serious reactions that require emergency medical care.
To reduce your risk of side effects, always take your medicine just as your doctor prescribes. Unless your side effects are very serious, don’t stop taking modafinil without talking to your doctor first. You could have withdrawal symptoms if you stop the drug suddenly.
What Are Common Side Effects of Modafinil (Provigil)?
The most common side effects of modafinil are:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling nervous
- Dizziness
- A stuffy or runny nose
Sometimes, people get these symptoms only if they take a higher dose of modafinil. Often, these side effects will improve or go away within a few weeks after you start taking the drug.
Here are some tips that can help ease these common side effects.
Headache. If you get a headache when you take modafinil, take your pill with food or after a meal. You can also:
- Massage your temples, neck, or other areas that hurt.
- Skip hats and ponytails, which put pressure on your scalp.
- Rest in a dark, quiet room.
- Use a cold or warm compress on your forehead or neck.
- Dim lights, reduce noise, and avoid screens, like those on your phone, tablet, or television.
- Ask your doctor if it’s OK for you to take over-the-counter pain medications like aspirin or acetaminophen.
Back pain. If you have back pain, tightness, or discomfort, try these remedies for relief:
- Cold packs or heating pads in the area you feel pain
- Stretching
- Massage
- Walking or other light exercise
- Acupuncture
- Changing your sleeping position if you sleep on your stomach, which may put more pressure on your back
If your back pain doesn’t get better, ask your doctor about seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor.
Anxiety. You might feel anxious, worried, nervous, or on edge while you take modafinil. These feelings can also cause physical symptoms, like a racing heart, trouble breathing, chest tightness, and butterflies in your stomach.
To help you manage anxious thoughts and body reactions:
- Do a reality check. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. If they’re negative or focused on worry and fear, ask yourself if there’s any real reason to be afraid or anxious.
- Be active. Regular exercise can help you manage anxiety. Take a walk, run, or ride a bike. You can also try yoga. All these activities can help you relax when you feel anxious.
- Try breathing exercises. They can help you feel calmer and lower your heart rate.
- Take a bath or get a massage. They relieve tension in your body and help you relax.
- Spend time doing activities you love. Reading, talking with a friend or loved one, watching a movie, or doing something creative like drawing or painting can take your mind off anxious thoughts.
Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but talk to your doctor if these feelings don’t go away or get worse. They may want to change your dosage of modafinil. Some people in studies of the drug said their anxiety got worse when they took a higher dose of the medication.
Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea. Take modafinil with food or a glass of milk or after a meal if the drug upsets your stomach. It may help to eat a few crackers before you take your medicine.
Talk to your doctor about when and how often you take your medicine. Also tell them if your stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea are mild or more serious. Your doctor may change the timing or dose of your tablet to ease these symptoms.
When your stomach is upset:
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
- Place a cold cloth over your eyes.
- Avoid difficult exercise or activities.
- Lie down in a dark room.
- Take small sips of lemon water, or suck on ice chips.
If you have diarrhea:
- Drink lots of water to replace fluids you’ve lost.
- Avoid spicy or fatty foods that can irritate your stomach.
- Eat yogurt or cottage cheese that contains probiotics to replenish the healthy bacteria in your intestines.
Trouble sleeping. If you have a hard time sleeping when you take modafinil, ask your doctor if you need to take a different dose or take it at a different time of day. Good sleep habits can also help:
- Go to sleep and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol for several hours before bed.
- Don’t smoke, especially at night. Like caffeine and alcohol, smoking can keep you up.
- Avoid large, heavy meals before bed.
- Relax before bedtime with a warm bath or a book.
- Keep your sleep area dark, cool, and quiet.
Dizziness. Modafinil can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. This may go away as your body gets used to the medication.
Make sure you’re eating enough food and drinking enough fluids. If you feel dizzy, move slowly. Take your time when you sit or stand. Don’t do anything that could be dangerous (like driving) when you feel dizzy.
Talk to your doctor if your dizziness doesn’t go away. They may recommend a different dose of modafinil, taking your pill at a different time of day, or that you stop taking it.
Stuffy nose. Modafinil can cause inflammation in your nasal passages, which leads to annoying symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose. Try to avoid other things that cause these problems or make them worse, like tobacco, traffic fumes, fireplace smoke, or strong odors such as perfume.
You can also try rinsing your nasal passages using a neti pot or an over-the-counter saline spray.
Talk to your doctor if any side effects you have don’t go away, get worse, or interfere with your life.
What Are Some Less Common Side Effects of Modafinil (Provigil)?
Some of the less common side effects of modafinil include:
- Sleepiness that doesn’t go away even when you take the medicine
- Symptoms of mental health disorders
Persistent sleepiness. While modafinil can help you feel more awake and alert, your wakefulness may not completely return to normal. Pay attention to how tired you feel. Avoid driving and other tasks that can be dangerous when you’re drowsy.
Talk to your doctor If you still feel sleepy often during the day. They may suggest you take two doses of modafinil a day, or a higher dose of the drug.
Symptoms of mental health conditions. Some people who’ve taken modafinil have had mania (times of abnormally high mood and energy), delusions, hallucinations, thoughts of self-harm, and aggression. Some had to be hospitalized for these symptoms, which usually stopped hours after they last took the drug.
Many, but not all, of those who had these side effects had a history of mental symptoms like psychosis, depression, and mania. If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor right away or go to the emergency department.
What Are the Serious Side Effects of Modafinil (Provigil)?
It’s possible to have serious reactions to modafinil. These are rare but can be life-threatening. Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away if you notice any of these things:
Serious rash. Some people taking modafinil get a serious rash or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This syndrome is often caused by a reaction to medications. It starts with fever and flu-like symptoms. You then get a rash, often with blisters. This usually happens 1-5 weeks after you start the drug.
It can be hard to tell if a rash is serious. So if you notice any signs of a rash, seek medical help right away.
Swelling. If you notice swelling, especially in your tongue, throat, or mouth, stop taking the medicine and seek emergency care.
Changes in your heart rate and breathing. Your heart rate and pulse may become faster or weaker. You could also have nausea, vomiting, or a hard time breathing.
Multiorgan hypersensitivity. It’s not common, but some people taking modafinil have had problems with the function of more than one organ at the same time. This can be life-threatening. Signs of this problem may include a fever and a rash. But they can vary a lot from person to person.
Anytime you get sick, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including modafinil.
