Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Armodafinil (brand name Nuvigil) is a wakefulness-promoting medication used to treat excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). It is the R-enantiomer of Modafinil (Provigil), meaning it contains only the more pharmacologically active half of the Modafinil molecule.
Armodafinil is taken once daily — in the morning for narcolepsy and OSA, or about one hour before your shift for shift work disorder. It can be taken with or without food. Unlike traditional stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin, Armodafinil has a lower risk of abuse and dependence, which is why it is classified as Schedule IV rather than Schedule II.
Armodafinil works primarily by blocking the dopamine transporter (DAT), which increases the amount of dopamine available in the brain. This boost in dopamine promotes wakefulness and alertness without the intense stimulation or crash associated with traditional stimulants.
Because Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of Modafinil, it reaches higher plasma concentrations later in the day compared to racemic Modafinil, which may provide a longer-lasting wakefulness effect for some patients. The full mechanism is not completely understood, but it is believed to also affect orexin, histamine, and norepinephrine pathways in the brain.
All strengths are available as generic tablets from multiple manufacturers. The typical dose range is 150 mg to 250 mg taken once daily.
Armodafinil scores a 65 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it has intermittent availability issues. While not on any formal FDA shortage list, patients regularly report difficulty finding specific doses or generic manufacturers at their local pharmacies. As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Armodafinil is subject to DEA manufacturing quotas, which can create supply fluctuations — especially following the broader stimulant supply disruptions that began in 2023–2024.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, try using Medfinder to search nearby pharmacies that currently have Armodafinil available. You may also want to ask your pharmacist about ordering from a different generic manufacturer or checking back in a few days.
Struggling to find {drug} in stock? We'll call the pharmacies, sit on hold, and find you one that can fill your prescription.
Armodafinil can be prescribed by any licensed physician or authorized prescriber, but it is most commonly prescribed by:
Telehealth prescribing is available for Armodafinil in many states, making it easier to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
Yes. Armodafinil is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA. This means it has a recognized medical use but carries some potential for abuse and dependence — though significantly less than Schedule II stimulants like Amphetamine (Adderall) or Methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Because it is Schedule IV, prescriptions may have refill limits, and pharmacies are subject to DEA manufacturing quotas. These quotas can occasionally contribute to supply fluctuations, especially when overall demand for wakefulness-promoting agents increases.
Serious side effects are rare but include severe skin rashes (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome), angioedema, multi-organ hypersensitivity reactions (DRESS syndrome), and psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations or suicidal ideation. Discontinue Armodafinil immediately and contact your doctor if you develop any rash.
If you can't find Armodafinil in stock or it isn't working for you, your doctor may consider these alternatives:
Talk to your prescriber about which option is best for your situation. You can also use Medfinder to check availability of these alternatives near you.
Armodafinil affects several liver enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2C19), which means it can interact with a number of other medications:
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products you are taking.
Armodafinil is a well-established, effective wakefulness-promoting medication with a favorable safety profile compared to traditional stimulants. While it's not on any formal FDA shortage list, some patients do experience difficulty finding it in stock due to DEA quota fluctuations and varying generic manufacturer availability.
If you're struggling to find Armodafinil at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have it in stock — saving you the hassle of calling around. For savings, look into discount coupons through GoodRx or SingleCare, which can bring the generic price down to as low as $30 for a 30-day supply.
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