Guanfacine
Brand
names:
Intuniv®
Tenex®
Generic
name: guanfacine (GWAHN
fa seen)
Medication
class: central alpha agonist
All FDA warnings are at
the end of this fact sheet. Please consult them before taking this
medication.
What
are Intuniv®/Tenex® and what do they treat?
Guanfacine
is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in individuals between 6 and 17 years
of age. Guanfacine is also used to treat blood pressure in both
children and adults.
Symptoms
of ADHD interfere with an individual’s ability to function at
school or work or in social settings and include:
-
Inattention
(e.g., making careless mistakes, losing things necessary for tasks)
-
Hyperactivity
(e.g., inability to sit still)
-
Impulsivity
(e.g., interrupting or intruding on others)
A
person may have severe inattention without hyperactivity or
impulsivity.
Guanfacine is
used in addition to non-medication treatments to manage ADHD
symptoms.
What
is the most important information I should know about
Intuniv®/Tenex®?
Although
some symptoms may improve within days of starting guanfacine, it may
take several weeks before you notice the full benefits of the
medication.
Are
there specific concerns about Intuniv®/Tenex® and pregnancy?
If
you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your healthcare
provider so that he/she can best manage your medications. People
living with ADHD who wish to become pregnant face important
decisions. There are no well-controlled studies of guanfacine use in
pregnant women. Animal studies did not demonstrate evidence of fetal
harm. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment
with your doctor and caregivers.
Regarding
breastfeeding, caution is advised since guanfacine does pass into
breast milk.
What
should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
Intuniv®/Tenex®?
-
Symptoms
of your condition that bother you the most
-
If
you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
-
If
you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with
your provider. Some side effects pass with time, but others may
require changes in the medication.
-
Any
other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including heart
disease
-
All
other medications you are currently taking (including over the
counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any
medication allergies you have
-
Other
non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or
substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these
different treatments work with the medication.
-
If
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
-
If
you drink alcohol or use drugs
How
should I take Intuniv®/Tenex®?
Guanfacine
is usually taken 1-2 times per day. Guanfacine can be taken with or
without food. However, taking it with a high fat meal can increase
absorption and may increase effects.
The
dose usually ranges from 1 mg to 4 mg per day. Only your healthcare
provider can determine the correct dose for you.
Extended
release tablets (Intuniv®)
should not be crushed, chewed or divided. Swallow the tablet whole.
What
happens if I miss a dose of Intuniv®/Tenex®?
If
you miss a dose of guanfacine take it as soon as you remember, unless
it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your
healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than
what is prescribed.
What
should I avoid while taking Intuniv®/Tenex®?
Guanfacine
may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially when first starting the
medication. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before
you drive, operate machinery, or participate in other activities that
may be dangerous if you are not alert.
Avoid
drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking this
medication. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your
condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the
medication.
What
happens if I overdose with Intuniv®/Tenex®?
If
an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent
medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdosing
with guanfacine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, low blood pressure
and slow heart rate.
A
specific treatment to reverse the effects of guanfacine does not
exist.
What
are possible side effects of Intuniv®/Tenex®?
Common
-
Sleepiness,
drowsiness, dizziness, headache, irritability
-
Low
blood pressure
-
Nausea,
stomach pain, dry mouth, constipation and decreased appetite
Rare
Are
there any risks for taking Intuniv®/Tenex®for
long periods of time?
There
are no known problems associated with long term use of guanfacine.
What
other medications may interact with Intuniv®/Tenex®?
The
following medications may increase the levels and effects of guanfacine:
The
following medications may decrease the levels and effects of guanfacine: rifampin (Rifadin®),
carbamazepine (Tegretol®),
and phenytoin (Dilantin®)
Guanfacine
may increase the levels and effects of: valproic acid (Depakene®,
Depakote®,
Depakote-ER®,
Stavzor®)
How
long does it take for Intuniv®/Tenex® to work?
Although
you may experience beneficial effects from guanfacine within a few
days of starting the medication, it often takes several weeks to get
the full effect of the medication. Your healthcare provider may also
need to adjust gradually the dose to find the dose that works best
for you.
Provided
by the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists
(January
2013)
Intuniv®/Tenex®do
not have any Black Box Warnings
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