Headache and nausea are the most common side effects. Side effects are generally mild. The most common ones are:
- Confusion or forgetfulness
- Decreased appetite
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Nervousness
- Numbness or Tingling
- Runny nose
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. In clinical trials, serious side effects occurred in about 5% of patients. While the following symptoms are uncommon while taking Provigil, if you experience any of them, contact your doctor immediately:
- Chest pains
- Chills, fever, sore throat or other signs of infection
- Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Dermatologic effects: Serious and life-threatening rashes, including
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported.
Most cases have occurred in the few weeks after the drug is started.
In rare cases rashes have occurred after long-term use. No risk factors
have been identified to predict occurrence or severity. If you get a
rash, stop taking Provigil and contact your doctor.
An FDA Drug Safety newsletter noted: "FDA has been monitoring cases of serious skin reactions, including erythema multiforme (EM), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), in its postmarketing reviews of adverse event reports associated with the use of modafinil." The labeling on Provigil was recently updated to include a warning about serious skin rash as a side effect.
Can I take Provigil if I’m taking other prescription medication?
Yes; however, you may experience a variety of side effects. Also, Provigil may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect how Provigil works. You should talk to your doctor about how Provigil may interact with any drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking. If you get Provigil from an internet source, be sure to mention that to your doctor.