Off-label Provigil Use

"The most tempting drug for our society to come along in decades,” David Dinges, Univesity of Pennsylvania

While Provigil is FDA-approved only for narcolepsy, OSAHS and SWSD, many physicians are prescribing it for patients who do not suffer from one of these conditions but exhibit similar symptoms. It is estimated that 90% of the Provigil use in the United States is "off-label". An off label use is one that was not studied as a part of the FDA approval process.

Note that modafinil is a schedule C-IV controlled substance and should not be treated lightly. It is illegal to sell this drug to people who do not have a doctor's prescription.

Provigil is being subscribed to millions of people for "off-label" or “lifestyle” uses, including:

Age-related memory decline
Attention deficit disorder
Depression
Fatigue caused by high-pressure jobs requiring long hours
Fatigue caused by chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients
Fatigue experienced by persons suffering from diseases such as multiple sclerosis
Fatigue experienced by people who need to be awake and alert for extended amounts of times such as soldiers, truckers or students cramming for finals
Jet lag
Memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Post-anesthesia grogginess
Sleepiness caused by other prescription medications
Treatment for cocaine addiction

Currently, many clinical trials are taking place to assess the effectiveness in using Provigil to treat other conditions than EDS associated with narcolepsy, OSAHS and SWSD. There have been no long term studies on the effects of recreational use of Provigil.

Insurance Coverage

Will insurance cover Provigil? In general, yes, insurance policies treat Provigil the same as any other prescription drug if it is for an approved use. Narcoleptics with good insurance can probably get it. Insurance companies know, however, that many prescriptions for Provigil are off-label, and they may be wary of people buying this expensive medicine if they suspect the intent it purely performance enhancement.

Does Provigil improve memory?

Modafinil as adjunctive therapy in depressed outpatients

Provigil to treat cocaine addition

Which clinical conditions are responsible for impaired alertness?

Provigil for Cancer Patients

Letter in American Journal of Psychiatry on Off-Label Uses of Modafinil

Provigil and Drug Tests

ProviglWeb does not sell Provigil or any other medication. We are not a medical site and cannot answer specific medical questions about your condition. Prescription medications such as Provgil should be taken only under the care of a doctor. Consult your doctor for advice about your situation.

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