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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7 to 31 of 34. Go back in thread:
Posted by Dinah on March 31, 2008, at 17:52:03
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by JayBTV2 on March 31, 2008, at 11:20:18
I'm going to hope for the best again this month, but if that doesn't work, I will contact them. My doctor also told them to call him if they couldn't fill the prescription.
Posted by Dinah on March 31, 2008, at 19:09:08
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by Molybdenum on March 31, 2008, at 12:25:02
That's why my sleep doctor doesn't even want to try Ritalin or Adderall. He doesn't think it's wise given my anxiety disorder.
Although I certainly manage to take a fair amount of caffeine.
Posted by bleauberry on March 31, 2008, at 20:14:15
In reply to Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by Dinah on March 31, 2008, at 10:37:26
Generic provigil is all over the world. Just not the US. Type in google "modafinil generic" and you'll find bunches of overseas pharmacies that ship it internationally. The FDA is ok with it as long as it is for personal use, under a doctor's care, and not more than a 90 day supply. Prescriptions are not needed, but having one anyway is a good idea.
As with all generics though, USA or not, you cannot be guaranteed the generic will be of equal potency, equal quality, or equal efficacy of the real stuff. We've seen that a lot here with drugs like Xanax, Prozac, and others. Some people do fine with generics, while others can tell a huge difference from brand.
Posted by cactus on April 1, 2008, at 2:32:44
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic? » Molybdenum, posted by Dinah on March 31, 2008, at 19:09:08
> That's why my sleep doctor doesn't even want to try Ritalin or Adderall. He doesn't think it's wise given my anxiety disorder.
>
> Although I certainly manage to take a fair amount of caffeine.I'm in the exactly same predicament in Australia Dinah. It's outrageously expensive and I have to pay the full amount myself, but I'd rather watch my pennies and take modafinil (modavigil here) than take amphetamines. It's been a fantastic drug for me and I too get by on 200mg daily with coffee, it's all I can afford, but I get 120 tabs per script which costs me between $400-500 Australian Dollars and it lasts me 2 months. I don't even want to consider amphetamines being a GAD sufferer, my sleep specialist was even a quite reluctant to let me try it. Modafinil made me a little edgy at first but it went away very quickly. ARRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!! It's so frustrating, maybe I should go pimp myself for a little extra cash, LOL!!!!
Posted by Dinah on April 1, 2008, at 17:28:30
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » Dinah, posted by cactus on April 1, 2008, at 2:32:44
It really is great in that way. I feel less sleepy but in no way jittery or speeded up. The caffeine does that but not the Provigil.
I understand the need to recoup research and development costs. But this is the highest priced med I've ever been on.
Posted by undopaminergic on April 1, 2008, at 22:09:24
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by bleauberry on March 31, 2008, at 20:14:15
Co-administration of methylphenidate may lower the effective dose of modafinil, thus reducing cost. Indeed, I don't notice any effect of modafinil (up to at least 800 mg) at all unless I also take methylphenidate.
Ordering modafinil (or other substances) in bulk (as pure crystalline powder) can lower cost. I recently got some from [xxx], but there are probably cheaper sources, at least for larger quantities.
Note that modafinil is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) in the US (but not Europe/Australia), and the importation without proper licencing may - at least in theory - result in legal problems. At the very least, any modafinil discovered by customs is likely to be confiscated.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 2, 2008, at 0:52:02
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by undopaminergic on April 1, 2008, at 22:09:24
> I recently got some from [xxx]
Please don't use this site to exchange information that could be used to import into the US prescription medication without a prescription.
But please don't take this personally, either, this doesn't mean I don't like you or think you're a bad person.
I encourage anyone who has questions about this or about posting policies in general, or is interested in alternative ways of expressing themselves, to see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforceFollow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by cactus on April 2, 2008, at 2:14:48
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » cactus, posted by Dinah on April 1, 2008, at 17:28:30
> It really is great in that way. I feel less sleepy but in no way jittery or speeded up. The caffeine does that but not the Provigil.
>
> I understand the need to recoup research and development costs. But this is the highest priced med I've ever been on.Me too, but you can't get 200mg tabs here, they are all 100mg tabs.
Posted by llurpsienoodle on April 2, 2008, at 11:29:18
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » Dinah, posted by cactus on April 2, 2008, at 2:14:48
OTOH,
with worldwide coffee prices rising, many people pay close to 2$ per retail cup. Perhaps 5 cups of coffee is not prudent, but it comes *close* to the price of provigil.-Ll
Posted by cactus on April 2, 2008, at 16:04:25
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » cactus, posted by llurpsienoodle on April 2, 2008, at 11:29:18
> OTOH,
> with worldwide coffee prices rising, many people pay close to 2$ per retail cup. Perhaps 5 cups of coffee is not prudent, but it comes *close* to the price of provigil.
>
> -LlThanks Li, but like Dinah I get more jitters from coffee than modafinil, so I've had to limit my intake of caffeine. Wobbly pictures aren't greatly appreciated in the newsroom.
Also Dinah I'm paying almost $11 a tab for 100mg tabs and 2 coffee's is less than 1 pillLi i have missed your sense of humor, you made me laugh out loud
Posted by llurpsienoodle on April 2, 2008, at 16:25:43
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? Dinah)) » llurpsienoodle, posted by cactus on April 2, 2008, at 16:04:25
> > OTOH,
> > with worldwide coffee prices rising, many people pay close to 2$ per retail cup. Perhaps 5 cups of coffee is not prudent, but it comes *close* to the price of provigil.
> >
> > -Ll
>
> Thanks Li, but like Dinah I get more jitters from coffee than modafinil, so I've had to limit my intake of caffeine. Wobbly pictures aren't greatly appreciated in the newsroom.
> Also Dinah I'm paying almost $11 a tab for 100mg tabs and 2 coffee's is less than 1 pill
>
> Li i have missed your sense of humor, you made me laugh out loudAww, thank you cactus :) In all earnestness, I found that the provigil augments the caffeine, that you need less to feel good. yes, I believe caffeine boosts mood, well, before you die of heart palpitations and getting fired for wobbly pics.
you can usually find my sense of humor in my posts scattered over the /psychology/ board. if you dare to go there! And Sometimes I'm just plain not funny, so maybe best stay away and keep the illusion alive,
-Ll
Posted by cactus on April 3, 2008, at 2:57:44
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » cactus, posted by llurpsienoodle on April 2, 2008, at 16:25:43
we all have our good and bad days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you're doing well, take care. C.
Posted by Dopamine123 on April 4, 2008, at 12:16:32
In reply to Re: I bloody hope so? » llurpsienoodle, posted by cactus on April 3, 2008, at 2:57:44
Somehow the maker of provigil was able to stop generics makers from making this drug.
http://www.modafinil.com/generic/index.html
>"Barr spokeswoman Carol Cox said the generic-drug maker won't have a product on the market any time soon because the application is subject to litigation.Cephalon Inc., the maker of Provigil, the brand name for Modafinil, alleges Barr infringed its patent on the drug. A trial is scheduled for next January in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
Modafinil had annual sales of about $289 million, as of Nov. 30."
According to this website:
>Modafanil is marketed as 'Alertec' in Canada - and over the Net. 'Alertec' is less expensive than 'Provigil'. Cheap generic modafinil has been available since 2006. But Cephalon is vigorously litigating to defend its patents.So maybe it won't be too much longer for the generic to come out.
Posted by Molybdenum on April 5, 2008, at 19:38:55
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by undopaminergic on April 1, 2008, at 22:09:24
> Co-administration of methylphenidate may lower the effective dose of modafinil, thus reducing cost. Indeed, I don't notice any effect of modafinil (up to at least 800 mg) at all unless I also take methylphenidate.
>
> Ordering modafinil (or other substances) in bulk (as pure crystalline powder) can lower cost. I recently got some from [xxx], but there are probably cheaper sources, at least for larger quantities.
>
> Note that modafinil is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) in the US (but not Europe/Australia), and the importation without proper licencing may - at least in theory - result in legal problems. At the very least, any modafinil discovered by customs is likely to be confiscated.
>I'm glad I found your post again, 'cos I was reading the data sheet for modafinil & thought you should be aware....
"Methylphenidate The absorption of MODAVIGIL® may be delayed by approximately one hour when co-administered with methylphenidate."
That's from a PDF I found on the net. The filename is "cspmodav28126.pdf" If you want it or can't find it let me know & I'll email you.
Take Care
M.
Posted by undopaminergic on April 6, 2008, at 21:18:35
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by Molybdenum on April 5, 2008, at 19:38:55
> > Co-administration of methylphenidate may lower the effective dose of modafinil, thus reducing cost. Indeed, I don't notice any effect of modafinil (up to at least 800 mg) at all unless I also take methylphenidate.
>
> I'm glad I found your post again, 'cos I was reading the data sheet for modafinil & thought you should be aware....
>
> "Methylphenidate The absorption of MODAVIGIL® may be delayed by approximately one hour when co-administered with methylphenidate."
>
> That's from a PDF I found on the net. The filename is "cspmodav28126.pdf" If you want it or can't find it let me know & I'll email you.
>Thanks for the reminder, but I don't think delayed absorption is a serious problem. Probably a rapid onset would be desirable if you were trying to produce euphoria, but I'm unfortunately immune to such effects of stimulants (although I haven't tried IV or smoking).
Posted by FredPotter on April 8, 2008, at 15:37:13
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by undopaminergic on April 6, 2008, at 21:18:35
Is Provigil a good antidepressant or anxiolytic?
Posted by Robert35 on April 9, 2008, at 12:05:30
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by FredPotter on April 8, 2008, at 15:37:13
> Is Provigil a good antidepressant or anxiolytic?
Some say it augments ad's very well.
Atmlady wrote a message about her very good experience on 27-2-'08 in the Neurotransmitters forum (on this site).
I started taking it (100 mgs per day next to fluoxetine and tramadol) last Saturday but first days I had some bad side-effects (mostly fear, confusion and slowness of mind (which are bad at my work of course)).
Now I split one tablet in four and take it during the day after I felt the lift in the morning was followed by a crash around 5.00 pm..
I still have to see if it will work for me.
(Options I have after say 2 weeks: leave out tramadol bit by bit (and use it only late in the evening; increasing the dose of provigil).
I remember some people reported doing very well at askapatient.com; the av. rating is 3.7 (314 ratings).
Hope this helps,Robert
Posted by atmlady on April 9, 2008, at 17:06:13
In reply to Re: Any hope for Provigil generic?, posted by Robert35 on April 9, 2008, at 12:05:30
Yep, I am very happy with the Provigil I have added to my Ixel. It has lifted my brain fog and I am much more alert and focused. I am still struggling with a more physical fatigue - just can't seem to get back to running, working out. But as for work or school or gardening or photography, things like that I am very much able to enjoy again. I am only taking 100mg of the provigil, and it did take about 2 weeks for me to get used to. First few days I was flying high and had trouble falling asleep at night, but now it's just an alertness and an interest in cerebral things like crossword puzzles, planning a new area of the garden, learning more of the functions of my camera. Schoolwork is going well, I can pump out an essay in no time. Stuff I can sit on the couch and do comes easy. Sleep not an issue anymore. But wish I felt like exercising again. I am so fatigued, physically, still! Am pumping myself full of vitamins and glutamine, but so far no luck on that. Anyone have ideas on what could help pep me up physically but not mentally?
Posted by Robert35 on April 11, 2008, at 6:00:34
In reply to Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO » Robert35, posted by atmlady on April 9, 2008, at 17:06:13
> Anyone have ideas on what could help pep me up physically but not mentally?
Hi atmlady,
I did run last Friday and to my surprise I could run more distance than usually and in a breeze !
I am a pain patient but I wasn't distracted by pain !!
It still can be a hassle to get yourself ready to run (maybe it works for you (like for me) when you don't 'think' too much about it: like they say "just do it" ;-).
Supposedly provigil is not a stimulant in a physical way, but apparently I worked right for me.
Maybe you could drink a extra cup of coffee before running ... it feels like provigil enforces the action of caffeine and that works physically (at least it seems to be doing that for me) ?Can I ask you a question ?
Do you think provigil interferes badly with creativity or 'higher mental processes' ?
This first week I experienced: difficulty finding the right words and being clumsy (things like: flipping a box with my contacts on the floor :-P but also socially) and being continuous fearfull (though not extreme still hard to cope with; battling this with benzo's don't seem to work at all).
And also: a lack of interest (lack of focus ?) in my job.
Does it interfere with your writing a thesis ?
E.g. faulty build of sentences (seeming to be done too hastily)?
Do you think the benefits come with a prize ?Thanks anyway !
I am much interested in reading more about your experiences with the provigil (and of others as well).
I hope you keep doing so well !Robert
Posted by undopaminergic on April 12, 2008, at 15:18:15
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO » atmlady, posted by Robert35 on April 11, 2008, at 6:00:34
> Do you think provigil interferes badly with creativity or 'higher mental processes' ?
> This first week I experienced: difficulty finding the right words and being clumsy (things like: flipping a box with my contacts on the floor :-P but also socially)
>The opposite of all the above, in my experience: it improves higher mental processes, etc.
> and being continuous fearfull (though not extreme still hard to cope with; battling this with benzo's don't seem to work at all).
>It may cause anxiety in some people, but doesn't have such effects on me.
>
> And also: a lack of interest (lack of focus ?) in my job.
> Does it interfere with your writing a thesis ?
> E.g. faulty build of sentences (seeming to be done too hastily)?
>In my experience, modafinil is beneficial for all of the above. In fact, it has been used with considerable success in ADHD to improve focus.
Posted by Robert35 on April 12, 2008, at 17:49:00
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO, posted by undopaminergic on April 12, 2008, at 15:18:15
Posted by atmlady on April 13, 2008, at 19:51:35
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO » atmlady, posted by Robert35 on April 11, 2008, at 6:00:34
Hi, Robert - I have to agree with undopa - Provigil has improved my memory, concentration, focus, creativity, alertness, happiness. Now, the first week or so took some getting used to; it is quite powerful. I only take 100mg and have no desire to take more, even though my pdoc says 200mg is the standard dose. So something to think about may be to lower your dose and allow yourself to get used to the drug and find your own best dose.
Another thing, I started with the generic provigil ordered through the mail. I now get the brand thanks to my understanding pdoc, and I must say it is MUCH better. Not stronger, but more evenly ... distributed in my system, I guess you could say. The generic, which I take sometimes if I'm slow on refilling the brand name, seems more likely to cause an extreme ramp up, a peak, and a crash. THe brand is not like that in my experience......
Good luck!
And PS. Some folks on this site complain that provigil stops working after a week or two or three, and they take "breaks" of a few days. I have found this doesn't work for me. Some days I do feel not "AS" fabulous, but I found that stopping the provigil doesn't help, in fact, it made me start crying. So I take it like clockwork and the fabulous feeling comes back, maybe the next day or the next, but at least I'm not on a roller coaster!
Posted by Robert35 on April 14, 2008, at 15:52:54
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO, posted by atmlady on April 13, 2008, at 19:51:35
> Hi, Robert - I have to agree with undopa - Provigil has improved my memory, concentration, focus, creativity, alertness, happiness. Now, the first week or so took some getting used to; it is quite powerful. I only take 100mg and have no desire to take more, even though my pdoc says 200mg is the standard dose. So something to think about may be to lower your dose and allow yourself to get used to the drug and find your own best dose.
>
> Another thing, I started with the generic provigil ordered through the mail. I now get the brand thanks to my understanding pdoc, and I must say it is MUCH better. Not stronger, but more evenly ... distributed in my system, I guess you could say. The generic, which I take sometimes if I'm slow on refilling the brand name, seems more likely to cause an extreme ramp up, a peak, and a crash. THe brand is not like that in my experience......
>
> Good luck!
>
> And PS. Some folks on this site complain that provigil stops working after a week or two or three, and they take "breaks" of a few days. I have found this doesn't work for me. Some days I do feel not "AS" fabulous, but I found that stopping the provigil doesn't help, in fact, it made me start crying. So I take it like clockwork and the fabulous feeling comes back, maybe the next day or the next, but at least I'm not on a roller coaster!Thank you, Atmlady for your elaborate and good advice!
I cut back on the dose already (I take 50 mg per day)... though less still anxiety/restlessness remains a problem.
I got a presciption from my paindoc and get the brand Provigil (called Modiodal here).
I want to continue however the next two weeks; like you say the side effects could subside.
Also good to know to take it regularly (@ the same dose at the same time each day).
If things will work out right I will let you know !
Take some good pics between classes I would say.
(Btw did you try running ;-) ?)
Wish you (and undopaminergic of course) well,Robert
Posted by undopaminergic on April 14, 2008, at 23:09:29
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO » atmlady, posted by Robert35 on April 14, 2008, at 15:52:54
I should point out some differences in my experience and use of modafinil.
I don't find it to be strong at all - I've taken more than 800 mg in a single dose without noticing anything (no different from 200 mg). I've found that I also need to take methylphenidate for a sufficiently stimulating effect - to get up to speed in the morning. Often I need to add amisulpride and selegiline too. The modafinil is very subtle and unnoticeable, but when I take it, I don't notice when the methylphenidate wears off, and I've been finding myself staying up for more than 24 h, despite taking only single small doses of the stimulants soon after waking. Before starting modafinil, I needed multiple doses of methylphenidate even for a more modest period of wakefulness.
It should be noted that I've always had trouble getting out of bed at a reasonable time, and to get started with the day. Furthermore, for most of my life I've been good at staying up very late, so my experience is probably not applicable to "morning" persons.
Posted by atmlady on April 15, 2008, at 7:05:21
In reply to Re: Provigil Good w/ ADs IMHO » atmlady, posted by Robert35 on April 14, 2008, at 15:52:54
Well, Robert - I;m going to try to drag my lazy rear into the gym later this afternoon. I have self-diagnosed myself with adrenal fatigue after reading some other babbler posts, like beauberry. I'd never heard of it before, but it sounds exactly like what I'm experiencing. Could be the NE stimulation I get from the Ixel (and the 1.5 years of wellbutrin before that) has taxed my poor adrenals. Well, I certainly don't want to stop taking the Ixel or Provigil right now. Mentally and emotionally I've never been happier or more productive. But by golly I am drained physically. So.
I have purchased something called Isocort, which many with similar fatigue issues seem to find helpful, and that should arrive soon. And after reading that exercise (hard, like the running) stimulates the adrenals (maybe too much for me, which is why I am out of commission for two days after a used-to-be-routine 3 mile run) I am going to try GRI - gradual re-introduction of exercise. So the goal is to get to the gym and at least walk on the treadmill for 30 min, maybe do some abs. Start small. Man, I haven't exercised in over a month and this is SO not like me. So, we'll see how it goes. Thanks for asking, and good luck with your Provigil trial!
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