You have most likely heard of prescription drugs that are designed to be a sleep aid, but what about individuals that constantly feel tired and sleepy. The inability to fall asleep is not the only type of sleep disorder in existence. Many individuals find it difficult to function with a constant feeling of sleepiness controlling their life. However, there are stimulant-like drugs that are designed to help individuals that are dealing with constant sleepiness. The most common stimulant-like drugs for excessive sleepiness are Provigil and Nuvigil. Both of these drugs are made by the same company, but they are not completely alike. There are some noticeable differences between Provigil and Nuvigil.
What Makes Them Different?
Both of these drugs work similarly in the body and increase the amount of monoamines that are released. These drugs are also designed to increase histamine levels, which will help to give you more energy and combat the feelings of tiredness. However, the main difference between these two prescription drugs can be found in the composition. Nuvigil is an enantiomer of Provigil. This means that Nuvigil works differently within the body and binds with other receptors to produce the same results. This means that most individuals will respond to one of these over the other with more effective results. It should also be noted that they are generic versions of Provigil on the market, but this is not true for Nuvigil. In basic terms, these two drugs do not have the same chemical composition.
How Are They Used?
Both Provigil and Nuvigil are designed to combat narcolepsy and other disorders that make it difficult to stay awake without debilitating feelings of sleepiness. However, the main difference in use between these two drugs is that Provigil can be prescribed for other conditions. Many individuals with ADHD are prescribed Provigil and this drug is also commonly used to treat mood disorders and fatigue. However, Nuvigil is used to treat depression and some schizophrenic conditions.
Dosage Differences
Provigil comes available in 200mg doses and Nuvigil is in 150/250mg doses. These doses are both designed to be taken each morning before work. The dosage destructions are relatively similar for both drugs unless you are treating a condition other than narcolepsy.
Both of these drugs are used in similar fashion, but the main difference can be seen in the chemical composition of these drugs. It should also be acknowledged that both Provigil and Nuvigil can be used to treat other distinct conditions separately.
