16 replies to this topic

[Julie A]

OK so I'm no alcoholic (really!). Always a social drinker. But I notice that by the end of the day while taking Provigil, I crave a beer or drink of some kind. Of course I demonstrate self control. But I have to say, that I never had these cravings (on a week night, at home, for no apparent reason) before. Am I alone? Oh, and I also smoke more cigarettes. Please share.

[Toph4er]

I'm on Provigil and I don't smoke or drink nor do have any urge to, maybe there's another influence for you?

What other meds do you take, and the timeless question, has anything in your household/workplace/family changed?

[Julie A]

Not really in the last month, when I began the Provigil. But I know that it has to be due to the med because on days when I don't take it, I have no cravings.

[Toph4er]

Strange, I guess I'll ask my sleep doctor about that side effect tomorrow...really, has anyone heard of or experienced this?

[Julie A]

Just for observation:
It's 6:55pm and I took my 400mg of Provigil today. At 3:15 I asked my hubby to get some beer as we do not keep in the house every day. He explained to me that we are low on money and should avoid the extra expense (complete role reversal there). I told him I really wanted a beer and he bought some. I am on my 6th (2 per hour and I know I could go more). I have cut myself off for the night and told him in a jokingly but at the same time serious manner that this is not a good thing and we agreed I shouldn't drink anymore. He will assist me tonight. Tomorrow I won't take my Provigil and see how it goes.

What the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on ? Weird. By the way, as you could have guessed, hubby is mad. He's not used to me like this. In fact, usually, he's the one I yell at for drinking on non celebratory occasions. I am known to have a high tolerance for alcohol on nights when I have a babysitter and go out, which is about once every 2 months, but never at home with my kids.

I can tell he is very irritated and knowing where he's comming from I understand. I will be sure not to post anything else on the forum tonight as I may get myself in trouble as I have done in the passed (wink wink nudge nudge)

OOps! I feel bad . I honestly am sorry Honey.

Now I guess I will have to skip my Xyrem tonight. DAMN!

Please, anyone reply to this as I am so humiliated and confused as to what is happening to me.

[Julie A]

I didn't take my Provigil yesterday, and although I took more naps, I had no urge to drink at all. It was nice. My old self. So I have decided to completely axe alcohol for a while. My husband and I will keep Zero in the house and since I don't drive, if I ask him to go get any he won't. I think that if I just don't give in at all for a long while maybe this odd side effect will go away. This is my plan. I hope it works.

[Toph4er]

Good luck! I still haven't heard of medication-induced alcoholism anywhere else though haha.

Keep us updated

[Julie A]

Yeah, I admit it's weird! I just don't drink at all now. Kind of funny though. I never had drinking issues, and now I feel like I'm fighting it off. I think it will go away if I just don't give in, right? I hope so.

[Toph4er]

That or I'll have to beat you or something... (only kidding! )

[Toph4er]

Input from a doctor: medications like Provigil release endorfins (sp?) which he has know has encouraged people on Provigil to go on compulsive shopping sprees. He has not heard of your particular case, but he doesn't see why it wouldn't be the same way. It is basically causing you to lose some self control. How is the dosage you are on maintaining your EDS? Could you do with a lower dose?

Chris"Toph4er"

[Julie A]

Oh my God, that's great to hear! I mean, not the compulsion thing, but that there is a chance that I may not be going crazy ! Thanks so much. Well, the 400mg Provigil alone is not completely doing the trick for my EDS, but I am hoping the Xyrem will help once it really starts to work. We are thinking of adding in an Adderall, or some other stimulant in the morning for a little extra kick. But first need to find out if the Provigil/Xyrem combo will work.

You're the best Chris!

[Toph4er]

Thanks, and just remember that alcohol and xyrem don't mix! (for further reasons not to slip up )

Chris"Toph4er"

[blinkyb]

OK so I'm no alcoholic (really!). Always a social drinker. But I notice that by the end of the day while taking Provigil, I crave a beer or drink of some kind. Of course I demonstrate self control. But I have to say, that I never had these cravings (on a week night, at home, for no apparent reason) before. Am I alone? Oh, and I also smoke more cigarettes. Please share.

well as i've only been taking it one day, i can't say.
I'm curious, has anybody had a drink while on provigil? what happens if you do drink?
If i only take a pill in the morning, can i drink at night?

[Furio83]

The first time I was on Provigil I recall having increased thoughts towards risk-seeking behavior towards but not limited too: drugs, sex, and alcohol. Of course, I was still in control and I thought that was weird. I heard the Provigil + alcohol= no hangover; but as a 240 pound male with adequate self-control, I rarely drink to the point where such a remedy is needed (So I don't know if its true).

[sleepaholic]

Hello all. New to the network and just recently diagnosed with N (about 3 weeks). I have been on Provigil, 200mg morning, 200mg late morning, and 100mg early evening. I have actually found that alcohol has the reverse effect on me where one or two drinks will amplify sleep attacks and make me feel really weird. Provigil was great the first couple of days and I thought I was a 'new' person but the honeymoon quickly ended (which I have read similar posts on here). I actually feel better on the days when I don't take the provigil so I am waiting to try something new. Without the provigil I can consume a couple of glasses of wine or beer and feel fine.

[Henry G]

I don't believe it is inherently more dangerous than drinking and taking other types of medicines: such as sleeping pills.

But Provigil (I found) is already pretty heavy on the liver and mix that with alcohol = more damage.

Because many N's take a lot of medicine (pretty heavy for the liver) it is wise to cut back anything that could add even more pressure or toxins to the system.

[doscious12]

OK so I'm no alcoholic (really!). Always a social drinker. But I notice that by the end of the day while taking Provigil, I crave a beer or drink of some kind. Of course I demonstrate self control. But I have to say, that I never had these cravings (on a week night, at home, for no apparent reason) before. Am I alone? Oh, and I also smoke more cigarettes. Please share.

Yes,provigil gives you dry mouth and dehidrates the human body.I personnally have a hard time with the dehidration of this medicine.