Fri July 25/2008

Depression-Doctor.com: Depression Quiz

Guide to Cymbalta - An antidepressant Medication

Depression Basics
Depression Types
Depression Treatment
Medications
   
Personality Disorders
Learning Disability
Related Disorders
       
 

Taking Provigil for Depression

First marketed in 1999 Provigil, produced by Cephalon Inc of West Chester, Pennsylvania, has quickly taken a solid place in the pharmaceutical market, bringing in an estimated $400 million per year.  Initially this medication was prescribed only to increase alertness and wakefulness in patients suffering from narcolepsy, and other narcoleptic disorders, but this niche market quickly expanded, particularly as doctors found that Provigil was also a great boon to millions of patience suffering from depression.  By itself, or in proper combination with other anti-depressants Provigil has been found to help with the sluggishness, sleepiness, irritability and general fatigue that are closely related with clinical depression.  This is good news for those affected by depression conditions but leads to several questions including, but not limited to:

  • What does Provigil do?
  • How do I know if Provigil is right for me?
  • How should I take Provigil?
  • What risks and side effects are associated with Provigil?
  • What drug interactions are known for Provigil?
  • How long should I stay on Provigil?

What does Provigil do?
The specifics of Provigil’s formulation are, of course, company held information, but the most major use of this drug is to treat daytime sleepiness and sluggishness.  For many patients being able to stay energized during the day makes for better restfulness at night, which may increase serotonin production, helping depression suffers to feel better and more capable of taking on their daily responsibilities and lives.

How do I know if Provigil is right for me?
Before beginning on any prescription drug patients should always seek the advise of a medical professional.  Provigil is not available over-the-counter, but is given in several different dosages.  The proper dosage that will be effective for you may require some trial and error to figure out, but this can be achieved with help from your doctor.  If you suffer from daytime sleepiness, irritability and sluggishness associated with narcolepsy or depression Provigil may be a good solution to return daytime energy levels and help you to sleep restfully at night.

How should I take Provigil?
Provigil is available in a pressed pill form and is generally prescribed to be taken once a day, usually in the morning, with a large glass of water.  Ingestion of food has not been found to have a significant effect on the absorption of Provigil.  Make sure to take only the dosage recommended by your doctor as Provigil can be habit forming and over dose may lead to:

  • excitation
  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • aggressiveness
  • irritability
  • sleep disturbance
  • confusion
  • nervousness
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • tremor
  • palpitations

If you encounter any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately as they may be signs that your dosage needs to be adjusted, or that you are suffering from side effects of Provigil.

What risks and side effects are associated with Provigil?
One of the strongest causes of side effects with any medication, including Provigil is interaction with other medications.  Be sure to inform your doctor of any and all medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements that you are taking before beginning Provigil.

The highest risk side effects of Provigil may include any of the following:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations or irregularities
  • Blood pressure changes
  • Allergic response – swelling, hives, difficulty in breathing

If any of these side effects are encountered cease taking Provigil and contact your medical provider.  In extreme cases you may need to seek immediately emergency assistance.  Make sure to inform medical workers that you have been taking Provigil and for how long.

Lower risk side effects of Provigil may include any of the following.  If these occur you should continue to take Provigil and contact your doctor for dosage adjustment.

  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Increased depression symptoms
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Sleep disruption
  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

Usually these conditions will be mild and many will disappear within the first week of starting on Provigil.

Until you are sure of your individual reaction to Provigil have caution when driving or operating machinery.  Alcohol may cause increased side effects and should be avoided.  Provigil may be habit forming for some people, so make sure to continue to keep close contact with your doctor, and report any changes immediately.

If you have any of the following conditions they should be reported to your care provider before you begin on Provigil:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Mental instability
  • History of angina
  • High blood pressure
  • History of heart attack
  • Chest pain
  • Circulatory disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Breast feeding

These conditions may not make it impossible to take Provigil but should be taken into account before dosage is determined.  Some of these conditions may be related to a patient’s depression issues, or a stand alone situation.  Only a qualified doctor can determine if pre existing conditions should affect your Provigil dosage.

What drug interactions are known for Provigil?
Provigil may decrease the effectiveness of some birth control medications.  As well inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following before starting on Provigil:

  • MAO inhibotirs
  • Antidepressants
  • CNS stimulants
  • Phenytoin
  • Phentobarbital
  • Rifampin
  • Itraconazole
  • Wafrarin
  • Valium
  • Inderal

Other drugs may also interact with Provigil.  It is best to inform your medical provider of all drugs and supplements being taken before starting on Provigil.  These medications may not prohibit adding Provigil to your regimen, in the cases of some antidepressants Provigil works well to counter act side effects or in harmony with the other medications, but your doctor should be aware so that dosage can be controlled so that you receive the maximum possible benefits.

How long should I stay on Provigil?
The length of time that you should stay on any medication should be determined through discussion with your primary care physician.  As some people may become addicted to Provigil you should check in with your doctor frequently and report any and all changes in symptoms or side effects as quickly as possible.  When you decide to go off of Provigil your doctor may want to take you off in decreasing doses in order to avoid negative effects.

If you have more questions or think that Provigil might be a solution for you, contact your doctor for further information and to put in place a plan for your situation and treating your symptoms in the most effective way.

Depression Blog
Depression Doctor
Just Don’t Give Up
Do You Know What Gets Me Depressed
Depression, A State
Stress And Depression
How Depression Affects Teachers
Do We Feel Each Other
What Gives Rise To Depression
Symptoms Of Depression In Ill Elderly
Depression And Support Groups
Depression And Children

Search

Web depression-
doctor.com
Drugs for Depression
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Buspirone (BuSpar)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Cymbalta
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Pemoline (Cylert)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Diazepam (Valium)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Provigil
Depression Articles
Depression Can Co-Occur with Other Illnesses
Depression and Inheritance
Substance Abuse and Depression
Delusion and Depression
Seeking Professional Help
Why Aren’t the Holidays Fun Anymore?
Nothing Seems Fun Anymore! What is Wrong With Me!

Seasonal Depression - Alternative Treatment

Happy Light for Depression Treatment

Self Help

Psychotherapy

Looking for a therapist

Natural, Herbal and Alternative

Antidepressants

Medication for Depression

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Existential Therapy

Gestalt Therapy

Postmodern Therapy

rTMS

Adlerian Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Psychodynamic Theory

Reality Therapy

Transactional Analysis

Psychoanalytic Theory

Emotional Freedom Techniques

Transpersonal Psychotherapy

Thought Field Therapy

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Interpersonal Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Tempurpedic Mattresses

Role of Diet in Depression

Depression and Exercise

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Depression Pills

Articles
Depression Tip
Relaxation techniques are a great way to combat mild depression.
Depression Quote
It is never too late to be what you might have been. - George Eliott
Visit our other sister sites: Coping with depression | Depression Tips | Mental Health Articles | Depression Help
Depression Home || Contact Us || Glossary || Helpful Depression Resources || Depression Blog
© 2004 Depression-Doctor.com. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. If you have, or suspect you have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.