Side Effects of Waklert 150mg: Is It Addictive? – Safety Measures
Waklert 150mg is a medication containing armodafinil, used to treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy. It promotes wakefulness and cognitive function.
Waklert 150mg is a prescription medicine that promotes wakefulness. As the name suggests, it contains 150 mg of its active ingredient, armodafinil.
Armodafinil (R-modafinil) along with its enantiomer, (S-modafinil) forms modafinil, which is a similar drug. It is available in oral tablet form but you need a valid medical prescription to consume it.
Waklert 150mg is used in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Narcolepsy
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Shift work sleep disorder
These disorders result in excessive daytime sleepiness. Waklert 150mg is used to cure this particular symptom.
Potential Side Effects of Waklert 150mg
Some of the severe side effects that require immediate attention are given below:
Anaphylactic (allergic) reactions
There is always a possibility that a person might be allergic to armodafinil or any of the additional ingredients present in Waklert 150mg. The common symptoms of an allergic reaction are hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, tongue, and eyes, and swollen lymph nodes.
Skin Abnormalities
Seemingly harmless skin reactions can lead to extremely serious consequences. Complications like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) can occur. These are life-threatening and require immediate hospitalization. Hence, look out for skin rashes, blisters, discoloration, purple skin, itching, etc.
Multi-organ hypersensitivity
This condition is also known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and System Symptoms (DRESS). This is a rare but fatal rash due to a drug reaction. Symptoms of DRESS are fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, and any organ involvement like nephritis, myocarditis, hepatitis, etc.
Psychiatric Symptoms
The common symptoms are depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, agitation, nervousness, and irritability. Take special care and precautions before consuming this drug if you have a history of psychosis, mania, or depression.
Other common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Palpitations
Understanding the Addiction Potential
Armodafinil, present in Waklert 150mg, is classified as a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means that this drug has low potential for abuse, but you can purchase it only through a doctor’s prescription.
The addiction potential for armodafinil is not fully known. However, its abuse potential is likely to be very similar to that of Modafinil.
In humans, modafinil produces psychoactive and euphoric effects like other CNS stimulants. This property can be attributed to its effects on dopamine levels inside the brain. Modafinil doesn’t increase dopamine production, but it increases extracellular dopamine by preventing its reuptake. Armodafinil follows a similar mechanism.
Thus, Waklert 150mg, which contains armodafinil, can produce psychoactive effects like other stimulant drugs. Hence, to prevent addiction, you must consume this drug only under medical supervision.
Safety Measures to Minimize Risks
To minimize the risks of side effects and prevent addiction, follow the instructions given below:
- Medical guidance is necessary before you decide to consume Waklert 150mg
- Share your medical history, diet, and ongoing medications with your PCP
- Keep taking the medication exactly as per the prescription and and do not change dosage or suddenly stop it.
- Inform your healthcare provider or call emergency services if you experience any side effects.
- Avoid driving after consuming Waklert 150mg.
- Do not consume alcohol, caffeine, or grapefruit with the medication.
Importance of Responsible Usage
Waklert 150mg, due to its pharmacological differences, has a low probability of causing addiction like other CNS stimulants. However, you must keep in mind that this drug does affect the nervous system by altering the dopamine levels. Thus, if you consume this drug on your own, you will be at risk of being addicted.
A doctor will carefully consider your medical history and health before prescribing this drug in proportionate amounts for you. However, taking it without a prescription would not only affect your health but also expose you to legal trouble. Thus, the best course of action is to thoroughly follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
