I read an article recently that concluded that it is more 'habit forming' than initially suspected-- not a surprise, as that is the typical pattern for newly-released psychotropics.
The medication works at central histamine receptors; most people are aware of the sedating effect of antihistamines like benadryl; think of Provigil as an 'anti-antihistamine', or a 'pro-histamine' (but only in the brain-- peripheral histamine effects would be a disaster).
I prescribe the medication now and then; it is very expensive so insurers often balk at paying for it (10-12 bucks per pill). The main problem I have had with it is that tolerance DOES develop, so it works great for the first couple months, then the sleepiness returns, at least partially.
I find Vyvanse to be much more useful; it is a schedule II, not a schedule IV like Provigil or schedule III like phentermine (which also has significant tolerance). I prescribe it almost exclusively now for my ADD patients, as it is very hard, if not impossible, to abuse-- it is a prodrug and requires activation, which takes time... so even if 'insufflated' there is no way for a teen to get a rush from the drug. It seems to hold its effects much longer than does provigil in my experience.
thanks, i started taking tenex for aspergers, its taking away some of my energy, but i knew that any drug that promises energy has to be related in some way shape or form to speed, and i just cannot tollerate that stuff
well, you know i am an addict, if i think i can get away with something i will ask about it
its more like speed......but not quite.....not as long a duration nor as huge a high....much more "museum quality" energy.....has built in inhibitor that makes you feel like you had 50 cups of coffee if you abuse it - jitters really bad I hear! Will probably be rescheduled if it hasnt been....sorta like tramadol the full pharmocological truth only came out after being on the market for awhile..........probably safe if used intelligently .........