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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by clipper40 on November 19, 2008, at 20:10:09
Since Provigil is so expensive, my pdoc said I could order Alertec from Canada with his script. I don't think Alertec is made by the same company so I'm wondering if it's as good. Does anyone here have any experience with Alertec or with both of these drugs?
Also, I haven't taken this medication before so I'm wondering how often do people here take it and at what time(s). My doctor said that it might interfere with sleep at night because its effects can last a long time. Has sleep been a problem for any of you?
Posted by Racer on November 19, 2008, at 22:30:01
In reply to Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by clipper40 on November 19, 2008, at 20:10:09
I'll admit -- I abandoned Provigil for a time. For a couple of years, in fact. It has now forgiven me, and is once again my good and trusted friend.
I take it twice a day -- 200mg at breakfast, and half a 200mg tablet at lunch. (For me, it's far less about staying awake, and far more because it seems to be the most effective thing found to date for my depression. Keep in mind, I'm one of those who become too agitated on benzos -- my biochemistry apparently never read the textbook about drugs, you know?) The front-loaded split dosing seems to be pretty optimal for me, after much trial and error. Whether it will be equally helpful for any other human being? I certainly can't say.
As far as sleep goes -- the first time I took it, it actually improved my sleep a huge amount. In fact, I slept better than I have ever slept in my entire life! Chronic insomnia started in my teens, if not before, and had continued as long as I could ever remember. Provigil not only seemed somehow to break that cycle, but the improved sleep continued long after I stopped it. (Long story on stopping it -- let's say I think now it was a mistake.) Now, it wasn't only the Provigil -- I also made some behavioral changes, like no caffeine after noon or so. Nonetheless, the improved sleep started when I started the drug.
So, while it's great for me, that means nothing for anyone else. But it hasn't had a negative impact on my sleep, and I hope hearing that helps.
Best luck with it.
Posted by West on November 20, 2008, at 16:09:33
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by Racer on November 19, 2008, at 22:30:01
Made sleep worse for me. Take it before 8 am to minimise the problem - i felt it wearing off after about 14-15 hours though probably most won't be as sensitive.
Posted by desolationrower on November 20, 2008, at 20:34:44
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by West on November 20, 2008, at 16:09:33
i've had no problem sleeping on adrafinil
-d/r
Posted by clipper40 on November 21, 2008, at 7:51:30
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by Racer on November 19, 2008, at 22:30:01
Thanks for your detailed response. It's good to read about how beneficial it has been for you. I'm also hoping that it will provide an antidepressant effect along with increasing motivation. Also good to hear that it actually helped you with sleep. That's one of the reasons my pdoc prescribed it for me - to help keep me more fully awake during the daytime so that I will sleep better at night. Time will tell if it will deliver in that way.
Posted by clipper40 on November 21, 2008, at 7:52:46
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by West on November 20, 2008, at 16:09:33
Interesting how we all respond so differently. Did you end up taking anything along with the Provigil to help with sleep?
Posted by clipper40 on November 21, 2008, at 7:55:13
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by desolationrower on November 20, 2008, at 20:34:44
Thanks for your reponse. Did you have any problems sleeping if you took the medication any other time besides first thing in the morning?
Interesting posting name, btw.
Posted by West on November 21, 2008, at 15:32:57
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl » West, posted by clipper40 on November 21, 2008, at 7:52:46
> Interesting how we all respond so differently. Did you end up taking anything along with the Provigil to help with sleep?
I take something everynight to sleep without exception so i'm not sure how helpful my answer would be. Usually trazodone, diphenhydramine or zopiclone.
Posted by desolationrower on November 21, 2008, at 17:29:43
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl » desolationrower, posted by clipper40 on November 21, 2008, at 7:55:13
> Thanks for your reponse. Did you have any problems sleeping if you took the medication any other time besides first thing in the morning?
>
> Interesting posting name, btw.i always take it in the morning, I haven't noticed anything different if i have slept in and take it around noon. Also no problems if i take larger amounts so based on half life a decent amount is still in my body when i go to bed.
-d/r
Posted by cactus on November 26, 2008, at 20:53:36
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by Racer on November 19, 2008, at 22:30:01
i take 200mg am and sleep much better now than I have in years. If I do take a little extra around lunch (which I might do every 3 months) I must admit it's a little harder to get off to sleep at night. It's been a great drug for me. I don't have any other option than modavigil, it's all I can get where I live and it seems to work just fine. It's not generic, just a different name.
Posted by desolationrower on November 26, 2008, at 21:45:32
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl, posted by cactus on November 26, 2008, at 20:53:36
Hm, an update. Yesterday i woke up, and it was 4:00. I was pissed I had wasted the whole day, but i took my meds and sat down to check email and news rss feeds. Everything was the same as when i had last checked, and I realized it was 4:00 AM. I went back to bed and slept no problem. Had taken 300mg adrafinil.
-d/r
Posted by clipper40 on November 28, 2008, at 7:58:02
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl, posted by cactus on November 26, 2008, at 20:53:36
Seems to be a pattern emerging in that those who have a problem with sleep it's because of a second dosage a little later in the day.
Thanks for your input.
Posted by clipper40 on November 28, 2008, at 8:00:10
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl, posted by desolationrower on November 26, 2008, at 21:45:32
Is 300 mg. more than you usually take? Is that why you woke up at 4:00 am?
Posted by desolationrower on November 28, 2008, at 13:53:22
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl » desolationrower, posted by clipper40 on November 28, 2008, at 8:00:10
No thats the same amount. I wake up occasionally during the night as I've been on an MAOI (although don't have any more problems falling asleep), I guess i just got confused because it was so dark out these days. I've been unemployed the last month so i'm not quite as regular about time i get up, so that confused me too.
-d/r
Posted by Tony P on December 1, 2008, at 20:34:31
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl, posted by desolationrower on November 28, 2008, at 13:53:22
Definitely we react differently -- I've taken 100 mg provigil (Alertec) + 300 mg Adrafinil in the early AM then gone back to bed in teh hope that they would gently wake me up. No such luck! I slept like a baby, at least on that dose.
Worth noting, though, that I have 1) been taking sedative meds at night (Remeron, Seroquel), and 2) having a lot of problems with oversleeping/hypersomnia/DSPS.
The wake-up pattern some people describe sounds like what often happens to me with caffeine: I drink coffee in the evening, actually get sleepy in the short-term, than am wide awake at 1 in the morning. I've always assumed that was a blood-sugar rise-and-dip thing, though.
Tony
Posted by JadeKelly on December 3, 2008, at 12:23:41
In reply to Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by clipper40 on November 19, 2008, at 20:10:09
> Since Provigil is so expensive, my pdoc said I could order Alertec from Canada with his script. I don't think Alertec is made by the same company so I'm wondering if it's as good. Does anyone here have any experience with Alertec or with both of these drugs?
>
> Also, I haven't taken this medication before so I'm wondering how often do people here take it and at what time(s). My doctor said that it might interfere with sleep at night because its effects can last a long time. Has sleep been a problem for any of you?Hah! People do respond SO differently sometimes! Take Racer's reaction to Provigil and mine is exact opposite on all counts. My mind was racing, but in a bad way. Felt no physical energy to offset racing mind. Agitated, irritable, and depressed. Also stayed up all night first night, insomnia next night, dropped it after that.
Whats funny is that I responded (many years ago, for ADD) beautifully to Ritalin! I loved it! Go figure.
Btw- not trying to be negative, just in case you don't respond as you'd like.
~Jade
Posted by clipper40 on December 4, 2008, at 2:58:16
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl, posted by Tony P on December 1, 2008, at 20:34:31
I have blood sugar issues as well as DSPS. I'm also taking a low dose SSRI. It will be interesting to see which way I respond to Provigil.
Posted by clipper40 on December 4, 2008, at 3:02:38
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by JadeKelly on December 3, 2008, at 12:23:41
Light therapy can give me that racing mind and irritability. Not exactly the result we're looking for.
I'm not really expecting much from this trial. I've grown so cynical and discourage easily. Perhaps it's better than having too high hopes which can rarely be met.
If you don't mind my asking, what amount of Ritalin did you take and why did you stop taking it? Did you ever try Dexedrine or Adderall?
Posted by JadeKelly on December 5, 2008, at 22:12:10
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl » JadeKelly, posted by clipper40 on December 4, 2008, at 3:02:38
> Light therapy can give me that racing mind and irritability. Not exactly the result we're looking for.
>
> I'm not really expecting much from this trial. I've grown so cynical and discourage easily. Perhaps it's better than having too high hopes which can rarely be met.
>
> If you don't mind my asking, what amount of Ritalin did you take and why did you stop taking it? Did you ever try Dexedrine or Adderall?
>
Many years ago I was having some add issues and tried Ritalin and Dexedrine. Dexedrine gave me a headache. I only took it once. Ritalin I took 5mg 3x day. early morn, late morn, afternoon (can interfere with sleep) I took that for years and would recommend it to anyone. I may take it again. I stopped taking it because I wanted to try a/d's and didn't want to mix. I had zero w/d's other than maybe tired for a few days, thats it. I tried Adderall when in denial about my depression. It was just way too strong for me.So don't let my original post bum you out, most people that post love provigil, most people love adderall, Dex., and Ritalin. I think I'm really the exception here as I'm pretty sensitive to stims and amps. Ritalin was good for me cause you can lower dose and it comes in low doses. You can take it or leave it as needed. Really, of the choices you have you'll find something. Its not like trying to find A/D. My Doc mentioned something new that is an extended release form of Adderall also.
Good Luck!
~Jade
>
Posted by JadeKelly on December 5, 2008, at 22:23:04
In reply to Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by clipper40 on November 19, 2008, at 20:10:09
Clipper40, I just remembered I know a guy on the board (we talk about Parnate) but I remembered he said once that Alertec would be good to add if I was getting tired in afternoons from Parnate. I bet he's from Canada then. I'll post him and see. His "name" is Parnatestarted2008.
Lets see if he can help you!
~Jade
Posted by ParnateStarted2008 on December 6, 2008, at 0:26:19
In reply to Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep, posted by clipper40 on November 19, 2008, at 20:10:09
> Since Provigil is so expensive, my pdoc said I could order Alertec from Canada with his script. I don't think Alertec is made by the same company so I'm wondering if it's as good. Does anyone here have any experience with Alertec or with both of these drugs?
>
> Also, I haven't taken this medication before so I'm wondering how often do people here take it and at what time(s). My doctor said that it might interfere with sleep at night because its effects can last a long time. Has sleep been a problem for any of you?Hi, yes Im from Canada and have Alertec. hmm lets see here..
- Alertec is made by Shire in Quebec
- Alertec is a brand name, not a generic, so I'm sure you'll get the same grade A modafinil as you will from Provigil.
- Alertec is in my top 3 favorite meds that actually work and has almost zero side effects. you can use it as needed or long term. BUT if you use it long term(6+months), stop and restart you probably wont get the same effect when you restart. So you'd need a couple weeks+ holliday for it to be as strong again.
- As needed it works wonders and it all has to do with dosage.
- previous post is right(like me) If I wake up early and take 1-300mgs or maybe more then go back to bed It doest wake me up. But if I get up its nice to be awake.
-I sleep fine after a day of alertec as long as im not going above 400mg.
- Ive used it in so many ways(for attention, studying, driving, antidepressant, benders,) I know those arent all good. but im just trying to say its dose related.
- I have no problems sleeping after. It just makes it easier to stay awake. I can nap during the day too. This is assuming I did not take more then 400mg during that day. split dose between wake up and noon is a good idea for a good productive day.
- You will find what dose(s) works for you quite quickly. Its easy to notice and figure it out.
- I'm on Parnate now and if I take 200mg's I have the ultimate AD effect, focus, speed, clarity, and I know that lasts for 3-4 hours. I havent been needing it much since Parnate but Ive already figured that out after just two times using 200mg while on Parnate. After the 3-4 hours I can nap just fine and feel normal, NO hangover.
- now that im on Parnate Alertec is much stronger, so meds, genetics, illness all plays a role on how it will work, give it a try it may be a great med for you.
Hopefully my story helps you with all the other posts and you give it a try. Alertec/provigil= same thing except Alertec only comes in 100mg tabs. Canada is stricter on stimulants.And to that other previous post Adderal XR is the only adderal you can get here in Canada.
One Love..
Posted by clipper40 on December 6, 2008, at 12:40:16
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sl » clipper40, posted by JadeKelly on December 5, 2008, at 22:12:10
Your original post didn't bum me out. I'm very sensitive to meds and esp. stims too. I appreciate hearing everyone's story.
Posted by clipper40 on December 6, 2008, at 12:42:11
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by JadeKelly on December 5, 2008, at 22:23:04
Just read the post below from Parnatestarted2008. Thanks so much for your help!
Posted by clipper40 on December 6, 2008, at 12:44:31
In reply to Re: Provigil vs. Alertec and effects of both on sleep » clipper40, posted by ParnateStarted2008 on December 6, 2008, at 0:26:19
Thanks a million for all of that info. It is very, very helpful and answers all of the questions I had!
This is the end of the thread.
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