Provigil for the Treatment of Depression
For patients with clinical depression who continue to feel sluggish and fatigued, even with use of antidepressants and therapy, a medication called Provigil may be one answer. Patients suffering from depression so severe that they spend most of the day in bed are able to get up and go out and do things while on Provigil.
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Background
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Provigil is the first of its kind in a new class of drugs that help keep you awake. It is often used to treat narcolepsy and excessive sleepiness. The active ingredient is modafinil. It helps to enhance concentration and memory, and is a mood enhancer. It has gained popularity as a treatment for depression--used by itself or in a combination with an antidepressant. It is not available over-the-counter, so you will need a prescription.
How it works
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According to www.provigilweb.com, research, including at Duke and Stanford, indicates that Provigil works in the brain's dopamine system. It increases alertness for those who are consistently sleepy and is most effective two hours after it is ingested. Side effects can range from a severe allergic reaction to dry mouth, runny nose, sore throat, insomnia, numbness and tingling.
Who should take Provigil?
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Provigil is FDA approved for those older than 16. It is primarily used to treat sleep disorders, but some doctors are using the medication to treat depression and other issues such as memory decline, fatigue, jet lag and attention deficit disorder (ADD). As of September 2009, the FDA has not approved this medication as a treatment for depression. Consult your doctor on whether Provigil would be appropriate to use for your depression, as this would be considered off-label use.
Cost
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If you plan to take Provigil for depression, it may cost you around $250 to $350 for a month's supply. Insurance companies cover some of the cost, but only for approved uses. So since using Provigil to treat depression is an off-label use, it is likely more insurance companies will not help with the costs.
Warnings
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Do not use Provigil to stay awake for long periods of time. Lack of sleep can result in cardiovascular and neurological problems, as well as high blood pressure, heart rate and insulin levels. It should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your doctor before using Provigil if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, are taking other prescription drugs or herbal supplements, or have liver and kidney problems. Provigil may also affect birth control pills, so you may need to use a non-hormonal method of birth control when you are taking Provigil. Provigil can also be habit forming.
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