I started taking 100 mg of Provigil daily two years ago, after a sleep study ruled out sleep apnea. A few weeks ago I began to notice a tremor in my tongue and it is now in the inside of the left side of my mouth and lip. It is such a fine tremor that it is not visible and may, instead, be a tingling. I have never had either. My bi-polar husband has parkinsons that we believe was caused by his anti-psychotic meds and it started in similar fashion. I am a 72 year old diabetic on oral medication who, as caretaker, has to drive. My blood sugar has always been and is now stable. If this is caused by Provigil, will the symptoms reverse by discontinuing the drug? Thank You.
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10/13/08 6:02pm
Here are the common side effects associated with Provigil
The most commonly observed adverse events ( ≥ 5%) associated with the use of PROVIGIL more frequently than placebo-treated patients in the placebo-controlled clinical studies in primary disorders of sleep and wakefulness were headache, nausea, nervousness, rhinitis, diarrhea, back pain, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, and dyspepsia.
That being said -if you think these symptoms are associated with onset of a new medication, you should report it to the prescribing doctor/pharmacy and see what they say.
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By Kathy— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/05/08
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Though parkinsonism is not listed as a side effect, I was told that this medication does cause these side effects. I also have been on Provigil for several years and now have problems. My mouth chatters as if I am extremely cold. It comes and goes but seems to be worst when I am in a rush, nervous or anxious, but it may start up at any time. It is extremely annoying and embarrassing as it is very noticeable. The only way I have found to slow it down is to clench my teeth. This makes it less visible, but I can still feel it. I was also told the Vitamin B12 deficiency may be causing the sleep disorder and fatigue problem and getting proper doses of B12 may eliminate the need for Provigil. When I went on "Just Answers" and asked about this, I got this response.
From Pauline
Sun, Feb 21, 2010 1:54 PM EST
Involuntary mouth movements are called dyskinesia and are a common side effect in some drugs used for mental health issues. This problem can be long term even after the drugs have stopped. So you need to consider if you have ever been prescribed clompramine or risperidone for example.
However the provigil has been associated with unwanted movements and this is the most likely cause of your symptoms. You need to make an appointment with the doctor that prescribed this so that you can discuss the side effect and whether you need to review the medication.
When I tried to look up dyskinesia, I found many types and couldn't narrow it down to my symptpms. but it is apparently caused by the Provigil.
I hope this helps.