Should I ask my doc about trying Provigil? - Pain Management Message Board

brianpain33 · 04-10-2008, 01:43 PM

I was wondering if I should even ask my doc about trying Provigil? I know that I will be completely shot down and my doc would not even want me on any type of amphetamine type stimulant since I am a recovering addict? However, I really need something to counteract the drowsiness/tiredness symptoms of the pain meds (fentanyl patch & Percocet & Lyrica). Does anyone here take Provigil and what is your take on it? I was just wondering if it is safe enough for a recovering drug addict to take or not?

brian

forginon · 04-10-2008, 04:48 PM

Brian,

As you know I take dexedrine, which works fairly well for me. There's no high (for me) as my dose is only 10mg. If I didn't have it I'd be a zombie all day. My Rx is for 5-10mg 2-3 times per day. I use it pretty regularly, but never close to the max I'm allowed. I always have lots left over each month, so there's some months when I don't get a refill (new script). The times when I've been hospitalized, like the bowel obstruction, I just didn't take it and had no problem with that.

If stimulants were your drug of choice then I'd stay well away from this or Provigil (personal opinion). I've tried Provigil and the effect is very similar to dexedrine.

steve

conductor · 04-10-2008, 06:20 PM

Brian,

Would you remind me of the drug's name to which you were addicted? Was it an amphetamine? What was the specific name? Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)

brianpain33 · 04-10-2008, 06:26 PM

Jon,
You know I always dislike telling people what it was but it was "crack-cocaine" so obviously a stimulant. I just need some help with the chronic fatigue because I am having a much harder time driving & being productive here at work because of this.

brian

Executor · 04-10-2008, 06:57 PM

Brian- I think I would tell the Doc about your problem / issues in staying alert and ask him for a recommendation. I would not ask him for a specific drug, especially a stimulant given your background.

Also, if you do a search on the drug, you will see that a single 8-week double-blind study of Provigil for cocaine dependence produced inconclusive results. The number of cocaine-positive urine samples was significantly lower in the modafinil group as compared to the placebo group in the middle of the trial.

If your Doc is aware of this, he may think you're requesting the drug to help with a Cocaine addiction.

More than likely, if you are having this issue, he will reduce your meds to find a point where you still get pain control, but not the non-functional side effects.

Hope this helps.

Ex