Nuvigil side effects? Magnesium for anxiety?

Hi Everyone,

I am on a number of medications for a variety of health problems, including anxiety and depression. I also have issues with sleep. I tend to need more sleep than most people, and usually after being awake for just a few hours in the morning, I need a nap. I usually take another nap or at least rest around dinner time. The sleepiness is likely caused by one or more of my meds, along with just a general lack of energy from the medical stuff and the depression. I was taking Ritalin for a couple years to help me stay awake during the day and to help with focusing better. However, in recent months, the problem became worse, and I had to increase the Ritalin dosage. Unfortunately, if I take a high enough dose to function well, I get a pretty intense heart pounding sensation. Tests done, heart is pretty healthy, just a bit enlarged. I decided to stop the Ritalin because the pounding heart really increased my anxiety a lot.

So, a couple days ago, I was started on Nuvigil. I guess it's generally used for people who suffer from sleep apnea. I am taking 150 mg in the morning, with an option to take 5mg of Ritalin in late afternoon if I'm getting too tired. It's really working quite well. I'm pretty much able to stay awake for almost the whole day, but do get tired at times. I'm confused though.

I am technically dx with Bipolar Type 2, have had very few hypomanic episodes. Did have one recently, 2-3 months ago, probably caused by stress. I'm having similar symptoms now, since I started Nuvigil. Good thing is that I'm getting a lot done, but I have become obsessed with cleaning again. Like, to the point where I used Q-tips the other night to clean the little slits in the air conditioner, scrubbed the bathtub with an old toothbrush, and cleaned every last crumb and cat hair under the couch cushions. It's not normal. I am always thinking about what else I can clean. (I guess as far as mania goes, what I do isn't at all harmful, unlike some people who end up spending $$ or engaging in risky behaviors). Just not sure if the Nuvigil is causing this or if it's just a coincidence. The other possible side effect I'm experiencing is that if I go more than a few hours without eating, I start feeling really sick (nausea, weak, light headed).

Wondering if these things might be temporary while my body adjusts to the med change, or maybe I need to try a lower dose? I know I need to talk to my psychiatrist about what I should do. I was just hoping that maybe someone on here had been on Nuvigil and could share their experience with it.

I also started taking 250mg of Magnesium in the morning at the suggestion of my doc. She thought it may help to lower my anxiety level and also help with memory and concentration as well. Anyone tried this?

Thanks Karen.

I have tried Adderall in the past. I had some weird side effect/reaction to it, can't remember what it was though.

Thinking I will call my doc this afternoon and see if it's ok with her to cut down the dose of Nuvigil.

Thanks for your suggestions and your support!

Again, thanks Karen.

I put in a call to my psychiatrist a little while ago about decreasing the dose a bit, even just temporarily, til my body gets used to it. We'll see what happens.