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Petunia said:
So I won't fall asleep on my driving trips for work. Anyone take this? Is it like speed?

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Hi Petunia

Provigil is a novel drug that is structurally distinct from amphetamines. It is indicated to improve wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness (ES) associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD). However, it is often used by doctors off-label for antidepressant augmentation, treatment for ADD/ADHD and to combat fatigue, apathy and sexual side effects from SSRIs like Prozac and Celexa, etc.

Provigil makes you more awake and alert - but does not do so in the same ways that amphetamines (or "speed) do. Most people who take Provigil feel more "naturally" awake and alert with better abilities to focus and concentrate - compared to amphetamines that make people feel "artificially" stimulated. Provigil also has less effects on blood pressure, heart rate, etc compared to amphetamines.

One interesting thing about Provigil is that it doesn't inhibit that parts of the brain that allow you to sleep - in other words, if you wanted to take a nap in the middle of the day, you could because Provigil doesn't effect sleep. However, if you were on an amphetamine like Adderall or Dexedrine - it would be difficult to sleep when you wanted to - especially at night because the amphetamines interrupt areas in the brain associated with sleep.

Provigil is a controlled substance - but is Schedule IV - the lowest controlled schedule (same as Xanax, Valium, etc). It has mild abuse potential compared to amphetamines.

From my own experience with Provigil - it certainly made me more awake and alert. I wouldn't fall asleep at the wheel, etc. Side effects were minimal if any at all.

I hope this helps answer your questions.

Jerry