Key takeaways

  • Nuvigil (armodafinil) is a prescription drug used in adults to treat excessive drowsiness from certain sleep disorders. It comes as a tablet taken once per day.
  • The typical dosage for excessive drowsiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy is 150 to 250 milligrams (mg) once per day, usually taken in the morning. For shift work disorder (SWD), the typical dosage is 150 mg once per day, taken 1 hour before starting shift work.
  • Do not take more Nuvigil than your doctor prescribes. The maximum dosage for Nuvigil is 250 mg per day. Exceeding this amount can lead to fast heart rate, anxiety, hallucinations, and more.

The active ingredient in Nuvigil is armodafinil. Nuvigil belongs to a group of drugs called central nervous system stimulants.

This article describes the dosage of Nuvigil, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Nuvigil, including its side effects and uses, read this in-depth Nuvigil article.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage. They may adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect for your condition.

What is Nuvigil’s form?

Nuvigil is available as an oral tablet.

What strengths does Nuvigil come in?

Nuvigil comes in four strengths:

  • 50 milligrams (mg)
  • 150 mg
  • 200 mg
  • 250 mg

Keep reading for more dosage information.

Nuvigil is used in adults to treat excessive drowsiness associated with the following sleep disorders:

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

Dosage for excessive drowsiness associated with OSA and narcolepsy

The typical Nuvigil dosage for treating excessive drowsiness associated with OSA or narcolepsy is 150 to 250 mg once per day. Doctors usually recommend taking Nuvigil in the morning.

The armodafinil (Nuvigil) starting dose is 150 mg, which you take once per day. This dosage may be effective for the condition. But if needed, doctors may prescribe up to 250 mg once per day, which is Nuvigil’s maximum dosage.

Dosage for excessive drowsiness associated with SWD

For adults with excessive drowsiness associated with SWD, the typical dosage of Nuvigil is 150 mg once per day. Doctors usually recommend taking the dose 1 hour before starting shift work.

You may take Nuvigil tablets with or without food. For OSA and narcolepsy, take your dose in the morning. For SWD, take your dose 1 hour before starting shift work.

Is Nuvigil taken long term?

Yes, Nuvigil is usually taken as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely take it long term.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Nuvigil’s dosage.

Is there a way to make Nuvigil more effective?

Doctors usually prescribe a dosage of Nuvigil between 150 mg and 250 mg per day, depending on the condition it’s treating. Your dosage also will depend on any other health conditions you may have. If Nuvigil isn’t treating your condition effectively at the current dosage, your doctor may decide to increase it.

The maximum dosage (for excessive drowsiness associated with OSA and narcolepsy) is 250 mg per day.

Do not increase your dosage without speaking with your doctor first.

What is the Nuvigil dosage for depression?

Nuvigil is not approved for treating depression, but some doctors may prescribe it off-label for this use. (With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent.)

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to discuss treatment options for depression.

What is the Nuvigil dosage for weight loss?

Nuvigil is not approved for treating weight loss. If you are prescribed Nuvigil, you should take it only the way your doctor prescribes it.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Nuvigil. They can also discuss treatment options for weight loss.

What is the armodafinil dosage for studying?

Armodafinil (Nuvigil) is not approved for alertness to help people during periods of studying. Taking it in this manner for wakefulness could be harmful, as it has the potential for misuse. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. You should take Nuvigil only as your doctor has prescribed it.

To find safe ways to stay awake and alert while studying, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Nuvigil than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. Nuvigil’s maximum dosage is 250 mg per day.

Doctors have reported misuse of Nuvigil because of its stimulant effect, which may cause an atypical state of happiness. Taking doses of Nuvigil above the maximum dosage can lead to overdose.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Nuvigil

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Nuvigil. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.