What it means
A wake-promoting agent that acts on brain chemicals such as dopamine. It is taken once in the morning (or before a work shift). Side effects include headache, nausea, anxiety and insomnia, and rarely a serious skin rash. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
For the nurse
Teach the client to stop it and report any rash, and that it can make hormonal birth control less effective during use and for a month after.
At a glance
| Drug class | wakefulness-promoting agent (CNS stimulant) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Provigil |
| Also written | Provigil |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
dextroamphetamine
A central nervous system stimulant used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.