Armodafinil: A Complete Overview

Armodafinil is a prescription wakefulness-promoting medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

Whether you've just been prescribed Armodafinil or you're researching it for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it is and how it works to how much it costs and where to find it.

What Is Armodafinil?

Armodafinil is sold under the brand name Nuvigil. It's the R-enantiomer of Modafinil (Provigil), meaning it's a purified version of one of the two mirror-image molecules that make up Modafinil. It was developed by Cephalon (now a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries) and received FDA approval in 2007.

Armodafinil belongs to a drug class called wakefulness-promoting agents (also known as eugeroics). It's classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA, which means it has a low but recognized potential for abuse and dependence — lower than stimulants like Adderall (Schedule II) but still requiring a prescription.

It's available as a generic medication, which makes it significantly more affordable than brand-name Nuvigil.

What Is Armodafinil Used For?

Armodafinil is FDA-approved to treat excessive sleepiness associated with three conditions:

1. Narcolepsy — A chronic neurological disorder that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks.
2. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — Armodafinil is used as an add-on treatment for residual sleepiness in patients who are already using a CPAP machine. It does not replace CPAP therapy or treat the underlying airway obstruction.
3. Shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) — Excessive sleepiness in people who work non-traditional hours (night shifts, rotating shifts, early morning shifts).

Doctors also sometimes prescribe Armodafinil off-label for:

• ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression-related fatigue (as an add-on to antidepressants)
• Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
• Bipolar depression (adjunctive therapy)

Off-label means the FDA hasn't specifically approved Armodafinil for these uses, but doctors may prescribe it based on clinical evidence and judgment.

How Is Armodafinil Taken?

Armodafinil comes as oral tablets in four strengths: 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg. The typical dose range is 150 mg to 250 mg once daily.

Dosing by Condition

• Narcolepsy: 150 mg to 250 mg taken once in the morning.
• Obstructive sleep apnea: 150 mg to 250 mg taken once in the morning. Continue using your CPAP machine as directed.
• Shift work sleep disorder: 150 mg taken approximately one hour before the start of your work shift.

Important Dosing Notes

• Swallow the tablet whole — don't crush, chew, or split it.
• Armodafinil can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may delay how quickly it starts working but doesn't reduce the overall effect.
• Don't take Armodafinil too late in the day, as it can cause insomnia.
• If you have severe liver problems, your doctor should prescribe a lower dose.

Who Should Not Take Armodafinil?

You should not take Armodafinil if you:

• Have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to Armodafinil or Modafinil
• Have a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with either medication

Use Armodafinil with caution if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (Category C — potential risk to the fetus)
• Use hormonal birth control — Armodafinil reduces the effectiveness of pills, patches, rings, and implants
• Have a history of mental health conditions (depression, psychosis, mania)
• Have heart problems or high blood pressure
• Have liver disease

Always tell your doctor about all medications you take, including supplements, before starting Armodafinil. For a full list of interactions, see our drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Armodafinil Cost?

The cost of Armodafinil depends on whether you're getting the brand name or generic, and whether you have insurance or use a discount coupon.

Brand Name (Nuvigil)

Without insurance, brand-name Nuvigil costs approximately $300 to $625 for 30 tablets. Very few patients pay this — most use the generic.

Generic Armodafinil

• With a discount coupon (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.): $30 to $80 for 30 tablets
• Without a coupon (retail cash price): $150 to $400 depending on pharmacy and dose

With Insurance

Generic Armodafinil is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D, often as a preferred generic. However, prior authorization is commonly required, especially for OSA (your insurer may want documentation of CPAP use). Some plans also require step therapy, meaning you may need to try Modafinil first.

Typical copays with insurance range from $10 to $50 per month for the generic.

For more ways to lower your costs, check out our guide on how to save money on Armodafinil.

Final Thoughts

Armodafinil is a well-established medication that helps millions of people manage excessive sleepiness from narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It's available as an affordable generic, covered by most insurance plans, and has a relatively mild side effect profile compared to traditional stimulants.

If you've been prescribed Armodafinil and need help finding it in stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you. And for more on how Armodafinil works in your body, read our guide on Armodafinil's mechanism of action explained in plain English.