Effect of armodafinil on cognition in patients with HIV/AIDS and fatigue

Fatigue and cognitive impairment are common in HIV+ adults and may occur independently or be causally linked. This study examined whether alleviation of fatigue with armodafinil in a placebo-controlled double-blind 4-week trial had an effect on cognitive function among those with and without mild neuropsychological impairment at baseline. Sixty-one patients completed a standard battery of neuropsychological tests at study entry and Week 4: A total of 33 were randomized to armodafinil and 28 to placebo. While there was a significant effect of active medication on fatigue, cognitive performance measured by a global change score did not differ between treatment groups, or in those on active treatment with or without mild neuropsychological impairment.