What is Artvigil?

Artvigil 150 is a generic brand of Armodafinil (AKA r-modafinil). In many countries Armodafinil is sold under the brand name Nuvigil and marketed by Cephalon Inc. We sell the cheaper generic version of the same drug, however, ours is manufactured by HAB Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

You can also buy Waklert which is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals.

Armodafinil is a newer (2007) enantiopure form of Modafinil, consisting only of the (R)-enantiomer of Modafinil.

Artvigil is sold in aluminium blister strips containing 10 tablets per strip. Each blister strip is manufactured to include perforated tear points, meaning each tablet can be separated from the strip individually, without exposing the tablet. This make Artvigil extremely easy to transport and store.

 

What does this mean?

Many drugs are sold as a racemic mixture containing two isomers of the compounds structure. These are often called the (R) and (S) Isomer. This means that once the drug is ingested, there are two “versions” of the chemical structure taking effect within your body.

This can be beneficial for many drugs, as the racemic version is more pharmacologically active that the non-racemic version. For instance, Ibuprofen is sold as a racemic mixture containing both (R)-ibuprofen and (S)-ibuprofen.

With Modafinil, both the (R) and (S) isomer is present within each pill. With Armodafinil however, only the R-Isomer is present, this is why it’s called Armodafinil or r-modafinil. The (R) isomer of Modafinil has a biological half-life of 15 hours, meaning it will keep you alert for longer than the (S) isomer which has a half-life of only 4 hours.

Furthermore, it was found that Armodafinil seems to maintain wakefulness later on in the day when compared to Modafinil. Armodafinil concentrations within the blood were 33% – 40% higher than Modafinil ^[30]. This means that it may be more suitable for those who require a longer period of stimulation.

 

Who Manufactures Artvigil?

Artvigil is manufactured in the same state of the art facility as Modvigil. Produced by HAB Pharmaceuticals & Research Ltd, Artvigil is the most popular generic form of Armodafinil, and is subject to the same stringent cGMP standards as Modvigil and Modalert. We have seen many customers switch from the more expensive Nuvigil, opting to buy Artvigil instead.

“Each batch is processed through a strict Quality Check process to maintain high standards in production output.”

~ HAB Pharmaceuticals & Research Ltd

Artvigil Dosage Recommendations

Based on scientific information and the official recommended dosage provided for Nuvigil – one 150mg tablet of Artvigil is sufficient for the majority of users. Due to Artvigil’s long half-life (15 hours) It’s advised to take Artvigil as early as possible. Artvigil tablets should be swallowed with a drink on an empty stomach. Ingestion with food may delay absorption.

As recommended with all of our products – it’s important to understand your individual reaction to the drug. This means that you should first try 75mg (half a tablet) of Artvigil, so you may understand your personal reaction to the drug. You may then increase your dosage based on how you feel. The effects of Artvigil will be felt within 1 hour of ingestion, with peak concentrations achieved after 2 hours following ingestion. It is not recommended to take more than 250mg in any given 24 hours.

 

The following information is from the official product insert of Nuvigil branded Armodafinil.

 

The recommended dosage of NUVIGIL for each indication is as follows:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Narcolepsy: 150 mg to 250 mg once a day in the morning. Shift Work Disorder (SWD) 150 mg once a day, taken approximately one hour prior to start of the work shift.

Hepatic Impairment: reduced dose in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Geriatric Patients: consider lower dose.

Artvigil Side Effects & Precautions

Artvigil is considered very well tolerated in healthy individuals. As Artvigil is essentially one-half of Modafinil’s ingredients, similar safety precautions are warnings are observed. Artvigil has been prescribed for over 8 years, with zero recorded deaths to date. Side effects with Artvigil are minimal and infrequent. However, as with all drugs the following warnings and precautions should be read.

 

Please read the official product insert of Nuvigil branded Armodafinil:

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NUVIGIL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Serious Rash, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: discontinue NUVIGIL at the first sign of rash, unless the rash is clearly not drug-related.

Angioedema and Anaphylaxis Reactions: if suspected, discontinue NUVIGIL.

Multi-organ Hypersensitivity Reactions: if suspected, discontinue NUVIGIL.

Persistent Sleepiness: assess patients frequently for degree of sleepiness and, if appropriate, advise patients to avoid driving or engaging in any other potentially dangerous activity.

Psychiatric Symptoms: use particular caution in treating patients with a history of psychosis, depression, or mania. Consider discontinuing NUVIGIL if psychiatric symptoms develop.

Known Cardiovascular Disease: consider increased monitoring.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (≥5%): headache, nausea, dizziness, and insomnia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Steroidal contraceptives (e.g., ethynyl estradiol): use alternative or concomitant methods of contraception while taking NUVIGIL and for one month after discontinuation of NUVIGIL treatment.

Cyclosporine: blood concentrations of cyclosporine may be reduced.

CYP2C19 substrates, such as omeprazole, phenytoin, and diazepam: exposure of these medications may be increased.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy: based on animal data, may cause fetal harm.