Depression And Provigil: The Correlation

What is Provigil?

Provigil is the brand name of the generic drug modafinil. It is a eugeroic medication primarily used to treat narcolepsy and sleeping disorder. It promotes wakefulness and increases alertness among users. Other indications for the drug include sleep apnea, hypopnea, idiopathic hypersomnia and ADD/ADHD.

Provigil is usually taken in a single dose after waking up in 200 mg tablets. Depending on the needs of the individual, doses can increase but not exceed 400 mg. Modafinil is also used for depression since it can effectively improve mood and fatigability. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or ME is another name from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome wherein depression is a common manifestation. Provigil has shown to be useful in treating the disorder.

How Does Provigil Work?

Provigil inhibits dopamine reuptake, norepinephrine reutake and orexin activation. Dopamine and norepinephrine are highly useful during the rest and repair response of the body. Orexins are peptides in the brain found particularly in the hypothalamus which is responsible for wakefulness, sleep and the body clock.

As orexins are activated, dopamine and norepinephrine are also boosted which will result to wakefulness. Effects of Provigil will be noticeable within 2 hours of taking the drug.

Does Provigil Treat Depression?

The use of Provigil in treating depression is presently unlabeled but there are several studies indicating that its effects on the brains neurotransmitters as well as the hypothalamus positively affects mood too. People experiencing stress, trauma and depression can expect to have elevated mood and increased attention due to the increased levels of dopamine and epinephrine.

The hypothalamus is also stimulated which can significantly improve feelings and emotions. The hypothalamus is actually the part of the brain that functions to trigger feelings in people. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for people to use Provigil as an antidepressant.

Does Provigil Cause Depression Too?

Provigil can also lead to depression if taken carelessly or with contraindicated drugs and substances. People with heart, blood vessel, liver and kidney conditions should consult their physicians first before taking the medication.

Common side effects include nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, migraine, chest pain, hypertension, dry mouth and rapid heartbeat. People suffering from severe anxiety should be monitored since Provigil can aggravate the condition and lead to a more depressive state. There are also a number of drugs to watch out for which interact with modafinil and cause various adverse reactions.

Depression and Provigil and Other Controversies

There are many off-label uses of Provigil since the effect of wakefulness has been shown to be highly versatile in several situations. Athletes and the military have been studying the effects of the drug as an alternative for amphetamines. There are also psychological conditions which appear to render positive results when treated with Provigil.

There are risks associated with the drug when taken concurrently without any apparent disorder or condition. Addiction can result and the drug has been known to be used as a doping agent as well. Aside from depression, Provigil can also cause physical impairment on brain structures like hypertrophy of vessels or inflammation of lobes. It is advised to take the drug at the right amounts to avoid complications.