This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Has anyone tried Provigil (modafinil) for fatigue? At my neuro appt. yesterday, my doctor recommended I try Provigil for fatigue. Unlike Symmetrel which is taken daily by most people, it is taken as needed. I was planning on taking it on work day mornings.
It is a medicine to treat unusually sleepy people who have a sleep disorder, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea or shift work sleep disorder. It has been used with much success for those of us with MS and have fatigue. It is not a cure fro the fatigue, but may help the sleepiness. My doctor said that the medication is tolerated well..I won't even know that I've taken it and has few to no side effects. It must be taken in the morning because if taken later in the day, it may keep you up at bedtime. He said it is not like a stimulant (I won't be speeding around at work !!), but will prevent the tiredness I feel that keeps me from doing my usual day.
If your doctor prescribes it, you will more than likely have to have prior authorization from the insurance company to get it. The doctor needs to call the insurance company and verify that you need this drug and for what reason.
Sounds like a great deal to me. If anyone has tried it I would like some input. Thanks, Michelle

Michelle - I have taken Provigil in the past. I took 50 mg. once for about a week. The first couple of days that you take it you feel a little loopy almost the same way you feel when you start one of the anti-anxiety medications. It does work for the fatigue. The label says not to take it in the afternoon but I have (50 mg.) and I had no problems sleeping. Just watch the MG's . My doctor first prescribed 200 mg and that made me feel so high. I cut the dose in half to 100 mg. and then had him re-prescribe the pill in 100 mg. so that I could cut that in half to 50 mg. Like you said, I only take it as needed and it's been a couple of months since I've used it.

You will stay awake for sure. Be sure to take it early as it will last into the evening.

My neuro put me on provigil about 4 months ago for fatigue. It make the good days better but doesn't do much for the bad days (Still take my naps).

Its interesting that u said its "As Needed". I didn't know that but then again I have been relying on my neuro and not doing any research on my own until now. I have been taking it daily for that long...

John Brown

I don't know if you can take statins (80mg daily) (Zocor and Lipitor) but I was able to eliminate the fatigue attacks for the past two and half years. I had fatigue attacks all the time for the five years prior. Just a suggestion.

I take only 100mg because after trying the 200mg dose, I couldn't sleep. The lower dosage seems to work well and I only take it about once a week. The only thing I feel from them is a strange feeling in my eyes. I don't know if it because I work in a rather dry environment or if it is because of the Provigil.
I haven't tried the statins, but will do some research on them. Good suggestion. Thanks

I take it also, but can only tolerate 50 mg at a time. I take it twice a day-it does not prevent me from sleeping.

I have been taking Provigil for about 2 years now. I take 200mg once a day in the morning. It works great! If I sleep in on the weekends or something, I only take 100mg, or else I can't sleep until 1 or 2 in the morning. It has been a lifesaver for me!