provigil

[mtgoat911]

on the addictions forum someone brought up the topic provigil for energy, i have been clean for a while now but i have hep so my energy level is very low, and i also have under active thyroid
so my question is this, when i researced this new drug i found

"""PROVIGIL is a federally controlled substance (C-IV) because it has the potential to be abused or lead to dependence. Please use PROVIGIL only as directed and keep in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse."""

so whats the deal with this drug? all the side affects listed are the same as with phentermine, is it a speed or like a wellbutrin?  have you ever taken it?

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

I read an article recently that concluded that it is more 'habit forming' than initially suspected-- not a surprise, as that is the typical pattern for newly-released psychotropics.

The medication works at central histamine receptors;  most people are aware of the sedating effect of antihistamines like benadryl;  think of Provigil as an 'anti-antihistamine', or a 'pro-histamine' (but only in the brain-- peripheral histamine effects would be a disaster).

I prescribe the medication now and then;  it is very expensive so insurers often balk at paying for it (10-12 bucks per pill).  The main problem I have had with it is that tolerance DOES develop, so it works great for the first couple months, then the sleepiness returns, at least partially.

I find Vyvanse to be much more useful;  it is a schedule II, not a schedule IV like Provigil or schedule III like phentermine (which also has significant tolerance).  I prescribe it almost exclusively now for my ADD patients, as it is very hard, if not impossible, to abuse-- it is a prodrug and requires activation, which takes time... so even if 'insufflated'  there is no way for a teen to get a rush from the drug.  It seems to hold its effects much longer than does provigil in my experience.

[mtgoat911]

thanks, i started taking tenex for aspergers, its taking away some of my energy, but i knew that any drug that promises energy has to be related in some way shape or form to speed, and i just cannot tollerate that stuff
well, you know i am an addict, if i think i can get away with something i will ask about it

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

its more like speed......but not quite.....not as long a duration nor as huge a high....much more "museum quality" energy.....has built in inhibitor that makes you feel like you had 50 cups of coffee if you abuse it - jitters really bad I hear!  Will probably be rescheduled if it hasnt been....sorta like tramadol the full pharmocological truth only came out after being on the market for awhile..........probably safe if used intelligently .........