Hypersomnia and Provigil

I experience hypersomnia when not in a manic/hypomanic period. This is likely related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea. My sleep doctor, after consultation with my psychiatrist prescribed Provigil. I started taking it about a month ago following a deep depression. I thought that I was at my baseline. But after taking this I felt like my depression truly lifted. I worried I was going to be sent into a hypomanic/manic episode. There are times that I appear to be a little hypo but manageable. Anyone else have experience with this med?

I was prescribed it several years ago for likely the same reasons you take it. It definitely lifted my mood and decreased my need for sleep. Actually, it eventually made me manic, but I have read and been told it need not. So definitely give it a try.

My advice when using Provigil is to take the least amount needed. Do talk to your psychiatrist about that and definitely don't take more of it without your psychiatrist's (and/or other doctor's) approval. I'd also let them know how your mood and sleep are changing since taking it. It might be a medication for you that is good as a temporary one, not permanent. You'll know that through close cooperation with your doctors...and time.

One unique thing I noticed about Provigil-induced mania/hypomania is that when it was stopped for me, the mania eased quickly. That was rarely the case when stopping antidepressants when they induced mania. In that respect, I saw an advantage to Provigil. But one disadvantage was that I experienced Provigil as a medication I tried to abuse, unlike antidepressants. Regarding abuse, I was prone to such things. I'd think that people not prone to abusing substances would be better with it.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the information on your experiences, Soup. I truly value your input. You are always a source of valuable insight and information. I also really enjoy traveling vicariously through your journeys. (Long time lurker )

Hi Bugtussel, I have never taken Provigil, but I want to wish you good luck with it.

Thank you BethRags!