Nuvigil vs Waklert
Same Armodafinil, Different Price
Discover why thousands of Americans choose generic armodafinil with overnight domestic shipping.
Written by Shane Hellmrich, Last Updated: November 2025 | Fact Checked | Cite This Research
What Are Nuvigil and Waklert?
Nuvigil is the brand name for armodafinil, a eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting) medication developed by Cephalon Inc. and approved by the FDA on June 15, 2007. It is prescribed to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
Waklert is the generic version of armodafinil manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., one of India’s largest and most respected pharmaceutical companies. Both medications contain the same active compound at the same strength: armodafinil 150mg.
The relationship between Nuvigil and Waklert mirrors that of any brand-name drug and its generic equivalent. When Cephalon’s patents expired, pharmaceutical manufacturers like Sun Pharma developed bioequivalent versions through the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) process.
Understanding Armodafinil: Armodafinil is the R-enantiomer of modafinil, meaning it contains only the “right-handed” molecular structure of the parent compound. This refined version maintains higher plasma concentrations later in the day compared to racemic modafinil, potentially offering more sustained wakefulness effects.
The Science: Why They’re Identical
The active pharmaceutical ingredient in both Nuvigil and Waklert is armodafinil. This is not a similar compound or a derivative – it is chemically identical. The molecular formula C15H15NO2S is the same whether the tablet is manufactured in Pennsylvania or Mumbai.
Armodafinil primarily inhibits dopamine reuptake by binding to the dopamine transporter (DAT). This mechanism increases extracellular dopamine levels in key brain regions, promoting wakefulness without the harsh stimulant effects associated with amphetamines.
Key Pharmacological Facts: Armodafinil reaches peak plasma concentration approximately 2 hours after oral administration. The terminal half-life is approximately 15 hours, providing sustained effects throughout the day. A 150mg dose of armodafinil produces wakefulness effects equivalent to those of 200mg of modafinil due to its enantiopure formulation.
Clinical studies comparing armodafinil to modafinil in shift work sleep disorder patients found comparable responder rates – 72.12% for armodafinil versus 74.29% for modafinil – with similar safety profiles. The evidence confirms that armodafinil, regardless of manufacturer, produces consistent therapeutic outcomes when properly formulated.
Key Differences Between Nuvigil and Waklert
While the active ingredient is identical, there are practical differences worth understanding before choosing between brand and generic armodafinil.
Manufacturer and Origin
Nuvigil was initially manufactured by Cephalon Inc. (now owned by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries) in the United States. Waklert is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. in India, where it is produced under strict quality control standards that meet international pharmaceutical guidelines.
Inactive Ingredients
The inactive ingredients (fillers, binders, coatings) may differ slightly between products. Nuvigil contains lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate. Waklert uses similar pharmaceutical-grade excipients appropriate for tablet formulation.
Regulatory Status
Nuvigil is FDA-approved and classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. Waklert is manufactured in India, where it is legally produced and regulated by Indian pharmaceutical authorities. For US consumers, armodafinil requires a prescription regardless of brand.
The Bottom Line: Both products deliver the same therapeutic compound to your system. The choice comes down to cost, accessibility, and shipping preferences. Many users report no discernible difference in effects between brand and generic armodafinil.
Who Makes Waklert? Sun Pharma Profile
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. is not some obscure manufacturer – it is the fourth-largest generic pharmaceutical company in the world and the largest in India. Founded in 1983, Sun Pharma has grown into a multinational corporation with manufacturing facilities across six continents.
Sun Pharma at a Glance: Headquarters: Mumbai, India. Global presence: Over 100 countries. US market: Major supplier of generic medications to American pharmacies. Quality certifications: FDA-inspected facilities, WHO prequalification. Annual revenue: Over $5 billion USD.
Sun Pharma’s US subsidiary supplies generic medications to major pharmacy chains across America. The same company that manufactures Waklert also produces medications dispensed at CVS, Walgreens, and hospital pharmacies throughout the United States.
The company’s track record for quality control is demonstrated by its ability to maintain FDA approval for US market distribution. Manufacturing standards for Waklert meet the exact requirements as any generic medication sold in American pharmacies.
Price Comparison: Brand vs Generic
The cost difference between Nuvigil and Waklert is substantial – often the deciding factor for people exploring generic options.
Nuvigil Pricing Reality: Brand-name Nuvigil costs approximately $600 or more for a 30-day supply at US pharmacies. Even with insurance coverage or discount cards, out-of-pocket costs often exceed $200- $ 300 per month. Many insurance plans have removed Nuvigil from formularies or require prior authorization.
Waklert Value Proposition: Generic armodafinil from Sun Pharma costs a fraction of brand-name pricing. When purchased through reputable online pharmacies offering domestic US shipping, the savings become even more significant – often 80-90% less than pharmacy prices for equivalent medication.
Why Such a Price Difference? Brand-name pharmaceutical pricing in the US includes research and development recovery, marketing costs, and profit margins that generic manufacturers do not carry. Sun Pharma can produce bioequivalent armodafinil at a dramatically lower cost because it did not fund the original clinical trials; it simply manufactures the same proven compound.
How to Take Waklert – Dosage Guide
Waklert dosing follows the same guidelines established for brand-name armodafinil through FDA clinical trials.
Standard Dosage
The typical dose is 150mg taken once daily in the morning for narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, or approximately one hour before the start of a work shift for shift work disorder.
Dosage Considerations
For individuals new to armodafinil, starting with half a tablet (75mg) allows assessment of personal response before moving to the full dose. Waklert tablets are scored for easy splitting.
Timing Matters: Take Waklert early in the day. The 15-hour half-life means evening dosing will likely interfere with nighttime sleep. For shift workers, take the dose 1 hour before your shift begins, not at the start of the shift.
Food Interactions
Waklert can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with food delays peak plasma concentration by 2-4 hours. If a rapid onset is desired, take it on an empty stomach.
What to Avoid
Do not exceed 250mg in 24 hours. Avoid combining with alcohol, which can increase side effect risk and reduce effectiveness. Armodafinil may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives – alternative birth control methods should be considered.
Side Effects and Safety Profile
Armodafinil has been extensively studied in clinical trials involving thousands of participants. The safety profile is well-established and consistent between brand and generic formulations.
Common Side Effects
Most Frequently Reported: Headache (occurring in approximately 17% of users), nausea (7%), dizziness (5%), and difficulty sleeping (5%) are the most common adverse effects. These are typically mild to moderate and often diminish with continued use.
Less Common Effects
Some users report dry mouth, decreased appetite, anxiety, or digestive discomfort. These effects are generally dose-dependent and may be minimized by starting with a lower dose.
Severe Reactions (Rare)
Seek Medical Attention If: You experience severe skin rash, allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, throat), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or mood changes, including depression or thoughts of self-harm. While rare, severe skin reactions have been reported with armodafinil use.
Contraindications
Armodafinil should not be used by individuals with known hypersensitivity to modafinil or armodafinil. Use caution if you have a history of heart problems, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or mental health conditions. Always disclose all medications to your healthcare provider to check for interactions.
How to Buy Waklert Online in the USA
Purchasing generic armodafinil has traditionally meant ordering from overseas pharmacies and waiting 2-3 weeks for international delivery, with the added uncertainty of customs inspection. That model is changing.
International Shipping Problems: Orders from India typically take 14-21 days. Customs can delay or seize packages. Tracking is limited once packages leave the origin country. Reshipping adds weeks to delivery times.
Overnight USA Domestic Shipping: Products shipped from within the United States eliminate customs concerns. Delivery in 1-2 business days. Full tracking from dispatch to doorstep. No international shipping anxiety.
The BuyModa Advantage: We maintain a domestic US inventory of Sun Pharma Waklert, enabling overnight delivery to most US addresses. Your order ships from within the country – no customs, no extended waits, no uncertainty.
What to Look for in a Vendor
Reputable vendors offer genuine Sun Pharma products with verifiable batch numbers, secure payment processing, clear refund policies, and responsive customer service. Avoid vendors who cannot confirm product authenticity or who operate without clear contact information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Waklert the same as Nuvigil?
Yes. Both contain armodafinil 150mg as the active ingredient. Waklert is the generic version manufactured by Sun Pharma in India, while Nuvigil is the brand name developed initially by Cephalon. The therapeutic effect is identical.
Is Waklert FDA-approved?
Waklert itself is not FDA-approved because it is manufactured in India for international markets. However, armodafinil – the active ingredient – received FDA approval in 2007. Sun Pharma operates FDA-inspected facilities and supplies generic medications to US pharmacies.
What is the difference between Waklert and Nuvigil?
The active ingredient is identical. Differences include manufacturer (Sun Pharma vs Teva/Cephalon), country of origin (India vs USA), price (Waklert costs significantly less), and inactive ingredients (slight variations in fillers and binders).
How much does Waklert cost compared to Nuvigil?
Brand-name Nuvigil costs approximately $600+ for 30 tablets at US pharmacies. Waklert typically costs 80-90% less when purchased from reputable online sources, making it accessible for those without comprehensive prescription coverage.
Is Waklert safe?
Waklert has the same safety profile as brand-name armodafinil. Common side effects include headache, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. Sun Pharma manufactures to international pharmaceutical standards. As with any medication, consult a healthcare provider before use.
How long does Waklert last?
Armodafinil has a half-life of approximately 15 hours, meaning effects typically last 12-15 hours. Most users experience peak effects 2-4 hours after taking the medication, with gradual tapering throughout the day.
Can I buy Waklert without a prescription?
In the United States, armodafinil is a Schedule IV controlled substance requiring a prescription. Online pharmacies serving international markets may have different requirements. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine whether armodafinil is appropriate for your situation.
Where can I buy Waklert with fast shipping?
BuyModa offers overnight domestic USA shipping for Waklert, eliminating the 2-3 week wait times associated with international orders. Products ship from within the United States for rapid, reliable delivery.
Ready to Try Waklert?
Thousands have switched from expensive brand-name armodafinil to high-quality generics from Sun Pharma. Same active ingredient, same effects, delivered overnight to your door.
Experience the cognitive clarity and sustained wakefulness of armodafinil without pharmacy markups or international shipping delays.
References
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nuvigil (armodafinil) Approval History. FDA Drug Approval Database. Approved June 15, 2007.
[2] Darwish M, Kirby M, Hellriegel ET, Robertson P Jr. Armodafinil and modafinil have substantially different pharmacokinetic profiles despite having the same terminal half-lives. Clin Drug Investig. 2009;29(9):613-623.
[3] Loland CJ, Mereu M, Okunola OM, et al. R-modafinil (armodafinil): a unique dopamine uptake inhibitor and potential medication for psychostimulant abuse. Biol Psychiatry. 2012;72(5):405-413.
[4] Nuvigil Prescribing Information. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Revised February 2017.
[5] Tembe DV, Dhavale A, Desai H, et al. Armodafinil versus Modafinil in Patients of Excessive Sleepiness Associated with Shift Work Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double Blind Multicentric Clinical Trial. Neurol Res Int. 2011;2011:514351.
[6] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. NUVIGIL (armodafinil) tablets, for oral use, C-IV. Full Prescribing Information. accessdata.fda.gov.
[7] Hirshkowitz M, Black JE, Wesnes K, Niebler G, Arora S, Roth T. Adjunct armodafinil improves wakefulness and memory in obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. Respir Med. 2007;101(3):616-627.
[8] Battleday RM, Brem AK. Modafinil for cognitive neuroenhancement in healthy non-sleep-deprived subjects: A systematic review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015;25(11):1865-1881.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Armodafinil is a prescription medication in the United States. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new medication. Individual results may vary.
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