Armodafinil
Armodafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent used to treat excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorder. It is the R-enantiomer of modafinil and works through unknown mechanisms to promote alertness. This medication should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include sleep hygiene counseling.
Armodafinil is a prescription wakefulness-promoting medication used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness caused by narcolepsy, sleep apnea, or shift work.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06BA13
- RxNorm
- 641465
- Generic
- Armodafinil
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Nuvigil
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 150mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily in the morning
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- Not approved for pediatric use
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily in the morning
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use or switch to alternative therapy
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near term due to potential placental transfer
fetal monitoring and assessment for preterm labor
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
armodafinil passes into breast milk; breastfeeding mothers should either discontinue drug or discontinue breastfeeding
monitor infant for excessive sleepiness or feeding issues
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose to 50mg
start at lowest effective dose; monitor for cardiovascular effects
regular blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not established
not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age
safety and efficacy not established
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentconsider dose reduction
use with caution; monitor renal function
periodic monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose to 50mg
reduce dose to half in patients with severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Armodafinil (Nuvigil)
Drug class
Central nervous system stimulant classification
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications for armodafinil
Controlled substance schedule
Federal controlled substance classification
Armodafinil is FDA-approved for treating excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea (as an adjunct to standard treatments like CPAP), and shift work disorder. It helps patients stay awake and alert during normal waking hours.
The exact mechanism through which armodafinil promotes wakefulness is unknown. It is the R-modafinil enantiomer and shares similar pharmacological properties with the racemic mixture modafinil, though the precise molecular targets and pathways remain to be fully characterized.
Armodafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance with potential for abuse and dependence. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and insomnia. It may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. Patients should be monitored for skin reactions and psychiatric symptoms. Armodafinil is not a replacement for adequate sleep and should not be used to treat normal fatigue.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy