What is Provigil (modafinil)?

Provigil (praw vuh gil) is a wakefulness-promoting agent or central nervous system stimulant. It is an oral prescription medication that is used to treat narcolepsy (a condition in which there is excessive daytime sleepiness), obstructive sleep apnea (a condition in which there are brief periods of stopped breathing during sleep), and shift work disorder (sleepiness during shift hours in people who work the night shift or rotating shifts).

Provigil may have other uses—your pharmacist or physician can give you further information and medical advice.

Who can take Provigil (modafinil)?

Provigil can be prescribed to adults. This medication is not approved for use in children. The safety and efficacy of Provigil in children under 17 years of age are not known.