Summary
An FDA approved alternative to modafinal will soon be available that will allow patients who suffer from sleepiness during the wrong parts of the day . Modafinil is not a scheduled drug like the amphetamines and provided a much needed alternative. Modafinil has been tweaked to armodafinil (Nuvigil is the brand name, to be launched by Cephalon) to provide a longer course of action so that dosing once daily will allow someone to stay alert until it is time for them to get some zzzs when they desire. This will help those who suffer from jet lag, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work disorders.
Analysis
It will allow patients the convenience of dosing once daily and maintaining alertness. I would be curious to know if side effects compared to Provigil are less due to the extended course of action. If so this would pick up many patients who have not been able to tolerate Provigil.
