Armoxen

Indications

Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting medicine. It is used to improve wakefulness in adults with excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy (a sleep disorder with sudden sleep attacks), obstructive sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep, alongside standard treatment such as CPAP) and shift work disorder.

How It Works

Armodafinil is the longer-acting form of Modafinil. It acts on brain chemicals, mainly by increasing the level of dopamine between nerve cells, and also affects other wake-promoting systems. This helps keep the brain alert. It does not cure the underlying sleep disorder and does not replace sleep.

Dosage and Administration

Take only as prescribed. The usual adult dose for narcolepsy or sleep apnoea is 150 to 250 mg once a day in the morning. For shift work disorder, the usual dose is 150 mg about 1 hour before the start of the work shift. It can be taken with or without food. Do not take extra doses to stay awake longer.

Interactions

Armodafinil can make hormonal contraceptives (pills, implants, injections, hormonal IUDs) less effective during treatment and for one month after stopping; use another reliable method. It may lower levels of Cyclosporine, Midazolam and Triazolam, and raise levels of Phenytoin, Diazepam, Propranolol, Omeprazole and some antidepressants. Monitor blood clotting closely if taking Warfarin. Avoid combining with other stimulants, and use caution with MAO inhibitors. Avoid alcohol.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to Armodafinil or Modafinil, or have had a serious skin rash with either medicine.

Side Effects

Common side effects are headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, dry mouth, diarrhoea and indigestion. Fast heartbeat and raised blood pressure can occur.

Stop the medicine and get urgent medical help if you develop any skin rash, blisters or peeling, mouth sores, swelling of the face or throat, fever with rash, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or mental changes such as hallucinations, severe agitation, depression or thoughts of self-harm.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on safety in pregnancy, and some reports suggest a possible risk of birth defects. Do not use in pregnancy unless your doctor decides it is clearly needed. It is not known if it passes into breast milk; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Use with caution if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of mental illness, drug misuse, or severe liver disease (a lower dose may be needed). It may affect judgement; do not drive or do dangerous work until you know how it affects you. It does not fully restore normal alertness, so people with sleep disorders must still take care. It can be habit-forming in some people. Not recommended for children.

Overdose

Overdose may cause sleeplessness, restlessness, confusion, agitation, anxiety, fast heartbeat, raised blood pressure, chest pain and nausea. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Central nervous system stimulant (wakefulness-promoting agent).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.