This medication is used to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychological, educational, and social support. Unlike other ADHD medications, guanfacine isn’t a stimulant. The exact way it works on ADHD isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to influence certain brain receptors, helping improve working memory, reduce distractions, and enhance attention and impulse control. It might also help with ADHD symptoms like disruptive behavior, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, conflicts with adults, or anger outbursts.
For using Intuniv, be sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet from your pharmacist before starting guanfacine and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as your doctor instructs, usually once a day in the morning or evening. Don’t take it with a high-fat meal because that might increase absorption and side effects. Swallow the tablet whole; don’t crush, chew, or split it as it can release the drug too quickly and increase the chance of side effects. Don’t swap different forms of this medication without your doctor’s guidance, as they might not provide the same dose.
Stick closely to your prescribed dose. Your dose depends on your health condition, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you might be taking. Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. To lower the chance of side effects like low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and drowsiness, your doctor might start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and don’t adjust your dose without consulting them. Taking more or less medication than prescribed or changing how often you take it can hinder progress and increase side effects. Try to take your medication at the same time every day.
It’s not advised to stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly might worsen some conditions. You could experience symptoms like headaches, nervousness, restlessness, tremors, fast heart rate, and high blood pressure. To help with these symptoms, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing your dose. For more details, consult your doctor or pharmacist, and report any new or worsening symptoms. Let your doctor know if your condition doesn’t improve or gets worse.
Intuniv ER (Extended-Release) contains guanfacine, and how long it stays in your body can vary based on things like metabolism, dosage, and other personal factors. Typically, guanfacine’s half-life is about 17 hours, so it may take 4 to 5 days for most of it to leave your system. However, traces can remain longer, especially if you’ve been taking it for a while. If you’re concerned about how long it stays in your system for drug tests or interactions, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, tiredness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain. If any of these persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist. To manage dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying down. Combat dry mouth by sucking on sugar-free candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute. Remember, your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. Many people using this medication don’t have serious side effects.
Serious side effects like a slow heartbeat, fainting, or mood changes (such as depression, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide) require immediate medical attention. Severe allergic reactions are rare but seek help if you notice symptoms like a rash, itching, swelling (especially on the face, tongue, or throat), intense dizziness, or trouble breathing. This isn’t a complete list of side effects, so if you experience anything else, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Before taking guanfacine, discuss any allergies with your doctor or pharmacist, as it may contain inactive ingredients that can cause reactions. Inform them of your medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, fainting, blood pressure issues, heart disease, or mental/mood disorders. The medication might make you dizzy or drowsy, and alcohol or marijuana can worsen these effects. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you know you can do them safely, and avoid alcohol. If you use marijuana, discuss it with your doctor.
To prevent dizziness and fainting, especially in hot weather, stay hydrated and avoid overheating during physical activity. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including medications and herbal products. Children might be more sensitive to this drug’s side effects, especially hallucinations and mood changes. Older adults may experience more dizziness, drowsiness, slower heart rates, or depression, increasing the risk of falls. Use this medication during pregnancy only if clearly needed, discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor. It’s unknown if it passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Interactions can change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document doesn’t cover all interactions. Keep a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Don’t start, stop, or change doses without your doctor’s approval. Inform your doctor if you’re using products that cause drowsiness, like alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers. Check labels on allergy or cold products as they might contain drowsiness-inducing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using such products safely.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule—don’t double your doses. If you miss more than two doses, contact your doctor to reset your dosing schedule. Store the medication at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and don’t keep it in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
