Provigil (Modafinil) for fatigue 'n stuff

[bassofspades]

Saw my Neurologist yesterday for my 6 month regular visit. He asked how I was doing. I told him good in that I intermittently get my sense of smell back, but bad because I get fatigued very easily, despite the crazy amount of exercise I do. Without hesitation, he offered to have me try Provigil. I had never heard of it, but he told me its safe to try.

A little research from Dr Google and Dr YouTube and I found that this drug is a Dopamine Transport blocker, which means it leaves more Dopamine floating around in the brain instead of getting broken down or reabsorbed. It is indicated for Narcolepsy, Jet Lag, and Sleep Apnea. They called it "Viagra for the brain" and compared it to the drug from the movie "Limitless". One dose lasts all day.

I took 200mg at around noon. I was pleasantly alert all day and seriously felt almost no fatigue, physically or mentally. As the day turned to evening, the effect kept ramping up, although it wasnt like racing heartbeats or anything like that. I wasnt speeding. Just really intense clarity. As the evening turned into night time, I found myself staying up way past my bedtime and not even the least bit tired. I went to bed and wondered if I would even fall asleep and, if I did, what kind of weird dreams would I have. But it was fine. Slept pretty good. No weirder than normal dreams. I even didnt use my CPAP, didnt think I needed it and wifey said I didnt snore.

Today I just took half a dose and so far it seems to be enough. Just wanted to share my report with you all in case you have fatigue issues and need some ideas.

[pdpatient]

Excellent. I am going to ask my doctor for a trial!👍

[bassofspades in reply to pdpatient]

Let us know how it goes!

[Jmellano in reply to pdpatient]

Hi pdpatient did provigi help ur fatigue?

[pdpatient in reply to Jmellano]

I have not been able to get the trial yet I will be meeting my doctor end of October. He didn't want to prescribe without meeting with me first.

[chartist]

Isn't it available in 100 mg, bass? that might be a little easier.

Art

[bassofspades in reply to chartist]

Yes it is, and my doctor said that he was going to start me on a low dose, but then when I picked it up, it was the 200mg. The pharmacist said I could just break em in half, they’re scored. And it did break cleanly and easily in half, so I guess I have options!

[Bolt_Upright]

Awesome!

[LAJ12345]

great, let us know how it goes

From Wiki “

Modafinil, sold under the brand name Provigil among others, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea.[3][10] While it has seen off-label use as a purported cognitive enhancer to improve wakefulness in animal and human studies, the research on its effectiveness for this use is not conclusive.[11][12][13][14] Modafinil is taken by mouth.[3]

Modafinil's side effects include headaches, anxiety, excessive adrenal gland overproduction, and nausea. Serious side effects in high doses include delusions, unfounded beliefs, paranoia, irrational thought, and transient depression, possibly due to its effects on dopamine receptors in the brain, as well as allergic reactions. The amount of medication used should be adjusted in those with kidney problems, as this medication has markedly increased side effects during renal insufficiency.[15]

It is not recommended in those with an arrhythmia, significant hypertension, or left ventricular hypertrophy.[15] Modafinil appears to work by acting on dopamine and modulating the areas of the brain involved with the sleep cycle.[3]

Originally developed in the 1970s by French neuroscientist Michel Jouvet and Lafon Laboratories, Modafinil has been prescribed in France since 1994,[16] and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1998.[10] Its legal status varies by jurisdiction; in the United States it is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance,[6] whereas in the United Kingdom it is a prescription only medication.[15] In some countries no controls apply. It is available as a generic medication.[15] In 2020, modafinil was the 302nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with just over 1,000,000 prescriptions.[17]”

Looks like they use it in adhd too. I’m sure adhd and PD are linked.

[bassofspades]

My son told me my voice is louder too. I attribute that to the drug, for sure.

[albachiara2]

hanks for sharing, my struggle for now is huge

[Gallowglass]

thanks!

[Fed1000]

Hi Basso, very interesting what you shared. Just this morning I ordered to my Doctor Primigil 50mg. Chronic fatigue is typical of PD and does not allow us to exercise as we would like. I would like to know if you have noticed any changes in your slowness of movement and balance, if you suffer from these symptoms. Thank you so much.

[bassofspades in reply to Fed1000]

Hi my good friend! I can say with certainty that it does not have any effect on my slowness of movement. I don’t have balance issues so I can’t report on that. I would say it’s good for focus, clarity, physical and mental fatigue and it’s making me feel more energetic but not in the same way that drinking too much cappuccino would. Not jittery at all. Let us know how you do! Cheers mate!

[Fed1000 in reply to bassofspades]

Hi great Basso, I always enjoy reading you. The pharmacist advised me against Provigil because it has too important cognitive implications. I can't tell you more. You ask me how I am. I could be much better if I take more Levodopa than I am doing. In fact I am only taking 150mg. for fiveyears, for fear of side effects. Am I doing it right or I am doing it wrong? I do not know. I hope to see you again and I wish you the best.

[bassofspades in reply to Fed1000]

Doesn't B1 eliminate any side effects from levadopa for you? Also, I am unaware of any cognitive risks from this medication. Could you please explain? I am actually observing cognitive benefits. Maybe send me a private message if you would rather not discuss here. Have a great day my very good friend!

[pdpatient in reply to bassofspades]

You are right, Bass. My research supports your report of cognitive benefits. What benefits do you see?

[bassofspades in reply to pdpatient]

I am enjoying a great increase in clarity and focus. And I find myself solving problems like I never have before. For example, I have had a localized case of eczema that's been bothering me for a few years. Im getting ready to renew my prescription for Eucrisa and I found out that it will cost over $700! No way. Then I researched Eucrisa and discovered that the active ingredient is a Boron compound. So I took a 1/4 cup of Borax and scrubbed the affected area and guess what? No more itching and it's going on 24 hrs! I also invented a non toxic flea and lice treatment that is 100% natural. My brain is LIT!

[pdpatient in reply to bassofspades]

Thanks Bass. Enjoy your good benefits.

[Fed1000 in reply to bassofspades]

Hi Basso, I tried B1 on several occasions but without positive results, indeed certain symptoms got worse and I had to abandon it. I wrote about Provigil that I can't tell you more because the pharmacist didn't tell me many things. He only told me that certain products used to enhance brain capacity can be harmful and that he much prefers natural products based on ginseng, guarana' etc. I followed this last tip. I wish you the best.

[bassofspades in reply to Fed1000]

Thanks for clarifying that, G, I misunderstood what you meant. Ginseng is great. Guarana makes me jittery as 10 cappuccinos!

[jeanette2372]

Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙂 Please keep us updated. It sounds very positive.

[Mimilynda]

Are you also on other PD meds? My HWP would be excited about Provigil as he is currently really struggling with fatigue.

[bassofspades in reply to Mimilynda]

Yes I am, I take a shtload of carbidopa levadopa, and also B1, Mg and Lithium orotate.

[Jmellano]

hi bassospades. Is provigil still working for u?

[bassofspades in reply to Jmellano]

Yes. I am usually just taking a half of a pill a day, which makes it 100mg. Some days I take the whole 200mg if I feel like I'm going to be in a situation that calls for it, like a busy or important day. Some days I take none, if I'm just kicking back and relaxing that day.

[Jmellano in reply to bassofspades]

Thnx for ur quick response!today I started (1) 100mg pill per day. Doc said if it helps my fatigue, I should know in a week. My fatigue is so bad. I did very easy 30 min stationary cycle today and it totally wiped me out . I am exhausted when I wake up. Neuro feels my depression is making my pd symptoms worse. My results from the standard tests neuros do don’t match the symptoms,in other words, I feel worse than my test results showI have tried vibyrd, Zoloft,wellbutrin, plus 2 other antidepressants

This

[Jmellano]

i hit enter before finishing….. this is the last drug I will try, I am so weary of the merry go round

[bassofspades in reply to Jmellano]

Jmellano, my friend, I am so sorry to hear that youre having such a rough time, especially with depression and fatigue. Yes, the two together are synergystic in a bad way. I see you said you ride a stationary bike. Are you able to ride a regular bike? I think Id like to see you get outside, get some air and get some sun. Go for a little walk every day. A good little walk can help clear your mind of troubles. Sunshine and fresh air are 2 of my 5 best doctors :

(Sunshine, fresh air, clean fresh water, exercise and proper sleep)

If you would like to discuss this further, let me know. I am full of great ideas. Meanwhile, start getting outside if you dont already do that and breathe deeply. Nobody should be on anti depressants long term. We need to get you right so you dont need them anymore!

[pdpatient in reply to Jmellano]

Looks like you have not seen the benefits that our friend Bass reports. Am I reading your comment correctly?

[Jmellano in reply to pdpatient]

Pdpatient. I took my first 100mg pill today. Neuro psychiatrist said if I see results, it should be within a week

[Jmellano]

I agree, , drugs are bad news. my late life partner tried so many antidepressants and none of them helped him. I saw first hand how much he struggled. I used to be a cyclist and climbed the mountains in Mallorca , lake placid and San Diego on my bike. In 2020 I fell off my bike while riding in my community ( my foot froze and I couldn’t unclip )and shattered my elbow. Since I have osteoporosis, I can’t take any more chances by cycling and I gave away my bike and all my gear :-(. pd is truly a disease of loss

[bassofspades in reply to Jmellano]

So sorry to hear, again. I'll send you a private message so we dont get way off topic here.

[Kwinholt]

Hi there, I had been taking Modifinal for about 6 years , 100mg and cut it in half . It helped but as soon as I started with Medicare they denied it. Even with 2 appeals from my dr and 1 appeal from me. Very frustrating. Dr prescribed Ritalin, which Medicare approved but I’m a little hesitant about that one. Good luck. Karen

[bassofspades in reply to Kwinholt]

Try good rx. It's $28 a month for my prescription at Publix.

[Shlim]

My husband took this drug a few years ago. He also tried Concerta and Caffeine pills prescribed by neuro. His battle with fatigue was threatening his ability to make a living. He is currently finding the same benefits from one nicorette gum per day. I am not sure which is safer or which has less side effects. Aggression was an issue with either Modafinil or Concerta, can't remember now, but something to watch for if over stimulated. What is interesting to me about the gum is it calms his tremor, where other stimulants can make tremor worse. Sleep was an issue years ago and a neuro had him on uppers in the day and downers at night, this can be a scary mix. Caution