Provigil

Lyndsey · Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 7

My sleep specialist is the only one in town. I think I will be starting treatment with my neurologist instead.

That being said, I was diagnosed with IH about 2 1/2 weeks ago and Dr. put me on Ritalin. I had a horrible time on it, auditory halucinations, shaking, confusion, hypersensitivity and so forth. He then put me on Provigil. I have been taking it for about 5 days and I just now found out that it can interfere with my birth control pills. That is the bigges reason I am thinking about changing again, but I wonder if anyone else has had any problems with slight headache all the time and I hate to say it, but stink?!? I smell chemicals. I think other people can too. I know it is the Provigil, because the smell is exactly like the taste of the pill. I am embarassed. Is this something that will go away? My Sleep Dr. said these are the only 2 meds he would use to treat IH. I have seen others on this site. Am I missing something?

Justme · Joined: 31 Jul 2001 Posts: 113

I was on Provigil for only 6 months, but I did have a slight headache and I do remember I would smell like the med when I was working in the back yard and sweating. I never thought about others smelling this, tho they may have.

newbie28 · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 55

Hi, I've been taking Provigil since last December. I don't remember a smell, but I do think some foods taste very strange now... and yes, it is a bummer that it interferes with the Pill and the Patch.

<catnap> · Guest

Hi! I have been taking Provigil for N for about 8 mo now. I do not notice any smell as much as a taste. To me, I always have a bad chemical taste in my mouth. I just keep a lot of tic tacs on hand. My main sensetivity was the nausea. I have to be extremely careful of what I eat, how much, and when compared to taking my meds. As long as I do, Provigil works great for me!
Good luck, and let us know how it works out!

Catnap

Lyndsey · Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 7

Thanks for your posts.

Since I also have hormonal problems that are pretty much kept in check by oral contraceptives, I felt that the Provigil just wasn't worth it. My neurologist (I got rid of the sleep specialist) has started me on Dexadrine. I don't see many side effects from it as of yet (almost a week) I'm hoping it does the trick.

<Rachel> · Guest

quote:
Originally posted by Lyndsey:
My sleep specialist is the only one in town. I think I will be starting treatment with my neurologist instead.

That being said, I was diagnosed with IH about 2 1/2 weeks ago and Dr. put me on Ritalin. I had a horrible time on it, auditory halucinations, shaking, confusion, hypersensitivity and so forth. He then put me on Provigil. I have been taking it for about 5 days and I just now found out that it can interfere with my birth control pills. That is the bigges reason I am thinking about changing again, but I wonder if anyone else has had any problems with slight headache all the time and I hate to say it, but stink?!? I smell chemicals. I think other people can too. I know it is the Provigil, because the smell is exactly like the taste of the pill. I am embarassed. Is this something that will go away? My Sleep Dr. said these are the only 2 meds he would use to treat IH. I have seen others on this site. Am I missing something?

This just shows how differently meds effect different people. The problems you describe with Ritalin sound exactly like the problems I was having on Provigil (among others). I've recently been switched to Ritalin and haven't noticed any bad side effects so far.

I had a constant headache while on Provigil. For the most part it wasn't severe, but extremely annoying. It did at one point trigger a migraine though, which is when I stopped taking it. I didn't notice a smell, except for my urine (which was pretty strong).

Queen Citrus · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 476

I had ALL the problems that were refered to on the package. The worst was the headache.

I want to warn about NOT TO MIX IT WITH ALCOHOL!!
I had a terrifying experience, where I totally lost control. Two pints of beer felt like five, and I had a severe blackout where I had ended up yelling and throwing things at my (now x-)boyfriend!! It was terrible. I also felt that my personality altered on it, I was becoming a terrible and nasty Cruella DeVille.

QC'sPal · Joined: 08 Oct 2003 Posts: 90

Hi QC,
I remember that drinking story!

so... I thought I'd stop by your place for a pint or two of some nice dark Ale!

Queen Citrus · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 476

I am soooooo happy to be able to toss down a coupe of pints like normal! Yea, please step by! Lotsa nice small clubs with great concerts in my town (you would like that, I recon)...

QC'sPal · Joined: 08 Oct 2003 Posts: 90

Yes, music is a big part of my life. Only thing is... I get really drunk off of just one beer! You'll have to help me out of the pub.

sa

Denver · Joined: 10 Nov 2003 Posts: 5

The thing I would suggest if you are having headaches is to drink more water and be sure you are not low on potassium.

mzluvy024 · Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 6

i also taking provigil and have had the headaches and the terrible smell and taste. i wasnt really sure why the taste because i take so many different meds. again i am new and have already heard things that i couldnt figure out but now it seems so clear. i am so glad i got this info in the mail and glad i found this site!!! i feel like i've found a home of sorts. people who understand what is going on.to explain these symtoms to others who dont have these disorders is like telling a blind person how to see.well hello all and i hope i get to hear from you

dougfairful · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 3

I have been on provigil for about 2 months. I only take 1/2 tablet per day which has been quite effective so far. A full tablet caused anxiety. I initially experienced a metallic taste as well as headaches, but both have gone away.

Thankfully I can still enjoy a couple of pints on occasion, although 3 or more will cause a nasty headache the next day...

Now I just need to reverse the ADD like behavior patterns I have developed over the years...

Cheers, djf

<CamCro> · Guest

I have heard many references to Provigil interfering with Birth Control. Can anyone enlighten me on this. I have not heard this before.

Also, I have a strong smell to my urine and until now did not know which of my meds was causing it. I always thought it smelled a little like marijuana. I also started with headaches when I started to take Provigil but my Sleep Medicine doctor lowered my dose to a half a tablet a day and it got rid of my headaches.

Now that I have been taking it for about 3 months it seems to be losing it's effectiveness. Has anyone experienced this? And if so what did you do?

Thanks,
CamCro

sleepymoon · Joined: 13 Jan 2004 Posts: 2239 Location: CA

There are lots more posts about Provigil on the narcolepsy page. Umm...I started taking it in December. I've noticed no smell, but then again I also have allergies and allergy meds, so I can't really smell anything. I'm on 200mg/day so far. I don't take B/C so that is not an issue. It says right on the package that it can interfere with that. Also, for you guys out there, some people say it can cause Viagra-like effects.

I don't know why it is that way. But it does say that about B/C on the label or at least in the fine print on that pamphlet that nobody reads. I read the whole thing before I took the first pill, then sat and waited for it to hit me. Hehe. I was in such fear. And hit me it did. Anxiety big time. But that lasted only 2 days and since then I've been doing great on it. Many people up the doses after a few weeks. I just go off it on weekends or any day I think I don't need to use my brain or get a lot done. Hope this info helps. Check out the narcolepsy board and see what they have to say about it.