I'm really struggling with fatigue and what's worse I have an hour commute at 6 am and have been struggling driving since the RA hit. I'm quite nervous I will get into an accident on the highway. I asked my first rhuemy for Provigil which is similar to Nuvigil and she said I'd have to get that from another type of doctor. I can't believe how little concern these doctors have about me coming close to falling asleep at the wheel. My current rheumy seems concerned but the first 2 couldn't care less. They basically ignored me and it was as though they cared little about my safety,

Provigil and maybe Nuvigil are prescribed for people with sleep apnea, narcolepsy and some other disorders. They are supposed to increase alertness which is clearly what I need. My friend with sleep apnea loves Provigil as it gives him a ton of energy. I would think it would help with our RA fatigue but I don't know if there is "price to pay" by taking it and maybe the fatigue will catch up with us. I haven't asked for it in a while and not one doctor has suggested it including my psychiatrist and PCP who both know I'm struggling with fatigue and driving in the early morning. Either they don't care or don't feel it's a good option. Keep us posted. I'd love to hear how you make out.

Oh, I have insomnia and maybe it will make that worse and that's why it hasn't been suggested to me. If it kept you up 3 hours then maybe that's the drawback. I would think you should take it as early in the day as possible. That's how my friend takes his and he claims he can sleep fine at night.

I took Provigil for a long time for RA related fatigue. At the time, it was only approved for narcolepsy and shift worker fatigue. My hrheumatologist gave me the RX but I had to send it to a Canadian Pharmacy or would have to pay 300 dollars for it as insurance would not pay (not approved for RA fatigue). That worked well but I felt like a criminal picking it up at the post office where they kept the package locked up, asked for 2 picture ID's and made me sign a million forms. I was doing nothing illegal, but it was a pain.

I don't know if Nuvigil has been approved for RA fatigue yet. I sure hope so.

I am currently revved on steroids so don't need it, but will ask for it again if I do, and hopefully will not have to go the Canada route.

You do need to take it first thing in the morning to avoid sleep prevention at night.

RA fatigue is the worst, most debilitating thing and safety behind the wheel is definitely a good reason for Nuvigil. gyrd1963, I feel for you. Ask away and get someone to prescribe for you so you can be safe.

The fatigue part might be the worst part... Except for that occasional intense stabbing pain thing...

I take Nuvigil only when I work - just my preference. I was falling asleep on my way home, and that's not cool. Nuvigil... well... it helps. I split it in two because an entire pill is uncomfortable for me. I guess stimulants and I don't get along. But half helps me stay awake, and then I go to sleep fine, that is unless pain keeps me awake.

If I'm home and exhausted, I just do what my body wants. Yes, it sucks and a lot of housework goes undone, but... that's how it is.

I got it from my rheumy who was reluctant at first. I agree that they realy don't take it too seriously. He paid attention when I said the words "I am falling asleep at the wheel and that is unacceptable."