Manic and Depressive Phases

Mood stabilizers are most helpful when someone is going through a manic phase, as opposed to a depressive phase, which is also known as bipolar depression. Antidepressants do not seem to be as effective on people with bipolar disorder, and as such, when someone is in the middle of a depressive phase, it is difficult to treat their symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a depressive phase associated with bipolar disorder are similar to symptoms of depression. These include persistent sadness, anxiety, memory loss, decreased energy and feelings of hopelessness.

Provigil

Marketed as Provigil, modafinil is a medication prescribed to people that experience excessive sleepiness (ES). This occurs because of diagnosed sleep disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or narcolepsy.

Provigil for Depressive Episodes

People diagnosed with bipolar depression complain of feeling very sleepy and tired. Adding Provigil to the treatment may be effective when a person with bipolar disease is undergoing a depressive episode.

Provigil Side Effects

Like most medicines, Provigil may have side effects that include back pain, headache, nausea, dizziness and nervousness

Source:

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Modafinil Side Effects