Provigil

Special warnings about Provigil

If you have high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or a history of psychosis or drug abuse, use Provigil with caution. Be sure your doctor knows your medical history before you begin this medication.

Provigil should be avoided by people with certain types of heart disease such as mitral valve prolapse. If you've ever had a heart problem, be sure to check with the doctor before using this drug.

Provigil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Oral and implantable contraceptives are less effective while you are taking Provigil. You should use an additional method of contraception while you are taking Provigil and for one month after discontinuing this medication.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Provigil

The effect of combining Provigil with alcohol has not been studied. It's considered wise to avoid alcohol while taking the drug.

If Provigil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Provigil with any of the following:

Antidepressants such as Effexor, Elavil, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, and Tofranil
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Diazepam (Valium)
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Oral contraceptives and hormonal implants
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Rifampin (Rifater)
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The possibility of harmful effects during pregnancy has not been ruled out. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Provigil is recommended during pregnancy only if the need for therapy outweighs the potential risk.

It is not known whether Provigil appears in breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant. Nursing mothers should use Provigil with caution and only when clearly needed.