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Compare Guanfacine vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Guanfacine (Intuniv) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine salts) are both medications that can be used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they belong to different medication classes. Guanfacine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist; its immediate-release form is used to treat high blood pressure, and its extended-release form (Intuniv) is approved for ADHD. Adderall, on the other hand, is a stimulant used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It comes as an immediate-release and extended-release (Adderall XR) medication. Guanfacine is typically taken once a day, while Adderall is taken once or multiple times a day, depending on the form and condition being treated. Both medications are available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of guanfacine include sleepiness and dizziness, while Adderall can cause trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Adderall is also a controlled substance with a high risk of misuse and dependence. Guanfacine can interact with medications that cause drowsiness, whereas Adderall can interact with blood pressure medications and those affecting serotonin levels.

  • Guanfacine
    Adderall
  • Guanfacine
    Adderall

  • Summary of Guanfacine vs. Adderall

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Guanfacine is used to treat high blood pressure, but it's not a first-choice option. It's taken by mouth, typically once a day at nighttime. Common side effects of guanfacine include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Some medications, such as sleep medications or certain pain medications, can interact with guanfacine by worsening those side effects. The brand name Tenex is no longer available.

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

  • Indications of Guanfacine vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Guanfacine vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Available in a lower-cost generic version
    •Taken once a day
    •Taken by mouth
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for treating high blood pressure
    •Stopping suddenly can lead to anxiety and nervousness
    •Can cause sleepiness and dizziness
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
    •Starts working within an hour after taking
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
    •Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

  • Common Side Effects of Guanfacine vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (up to 54%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 39%)
    •Dizziness (up to 15%)
    •Constipation (up to 15%)
    •Headache (up to 13%)
    •Weakness (up to 10%)
    •Tiredness (up to 10%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Guanfacine vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Nervousness and anxiety (from stopping guanfacine too suddenly)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and addiction
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Serious heart problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drug interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Guanfacine vs. Adderall

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