Provigil in Cerebral Palsy
In patients treated with Provigil with previous assisted or unassisted ambulation, the majority (73%) showed gait improvements. When compared with the non-Provigil-treated group, only 3 (15%) showed any improvement in ambulation. In the initial Provigil pilot study, the study patients were noted to walk faster with Provigil treatment. The current study supports the idea that by improving tone in cerebral palsy, long-term functional improvements, such as improved gait, can be obtained.
Provigil for Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy commonly begins in young adulthood, but in many individuals 10 to 15 years may pass between the onset of symptoms and proper diagnosis of the disorder. The most common symptom of narcolepsy is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which is characterized by irresistible sleep attacks that can last from a few seconds to more than an hour. These attacks can take place any time, such as during conversation or while eating or driving, and can occur frequently. As a result, narcolepsy can greatly impair an individual’s ability to perform basic daily activities such as working, studying, and socializing, as well as significantly impacting the quality of life.
Does Provigil activate the locus coeruleus in man?
Provigil is a wakefulness-promoting drug which is likely to activate some wakefulness-promoting and/or inhibit sleep-promoting neurones in the brain. The locus coeruleus (LC) is a wakefulness-promoting noradrenergic nucleus whose activity can be “switched off” by the a2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine, leading to sedative and sympatholytic effects.
The aim of the study is to compare the effects of single doses of Provigil and clonidine on arousal and autonomic functions in human volunteers.
Warnings with Provigil
Before starting Provigil, warnings and precautions for the drug should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure safe treatment. Provigil may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions (like heart problems or high blood pressure), so tell your healthcare provider about all existing conditions before taking Provigil.
Warnings and precautions also extend to people who are allergic to any components of the medication.
Provigil: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Provigil® (modafinil) if you have: