Nuvigil

Nuvigil is FDA approved for treating excessive daytime sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy and shift work sleep disorder as well as jet lag. Unfortunately the benefits Nuvigil provides seem rather meager. In fact in 2010 the EMA, the European equivalent of the FDA, drastically restricted prescriptions for the parent form of the drug or Provigil.
Nuvigil is a non-amphetamine related stimulant first approved in 2007 and now available as a generic preparation. Nuvigil remains a controlled substance and appears in schedule 4 - the same as the benzodiazepines.
While Provigil contains both the “R” and “S” mirror image molecules, Nuvigil contains only the more active “R” enantiomer. This minor modification provides Nuvigil with a longer duration of activity compared to Provigil. Nuvigil may assist in maintaining concentration and focus for as long as 14 hours.
While the concept of a “smart pill” to aid in educational and occupational activities appeals to some, whether Nuvigil fulfils its promise remains a topic of debate. Although Nuvigil might assist some elements of brain function, benefits are neither universal nor guaranteed. Currently evidence suggests those functioning at high levels fail to gain any advantage from the pill.
Over time the most effective memory boosters are sleep and physical exercise. Nuvigil interferes with normal sleep cycles that remain critical to memory consolidation.