Guanfacine vs. Intuniv for Hypertension and ADHD: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Guanfacine

Intuniv

(guanfacine ER)

Summary for Guanfacine

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.

Indications for Guanfacine

High blood pressure in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Guanfacine

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

Common Side Effects for Guanfacine

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%)

Warnings for Guanfacine

Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
Nervousness and anxiety (from stopping guanfacine too suddenly)

Summary for Intuniv

Prescription only

Intuniv (guanfacine extended release) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kids ages 6 to 17 years old. It's not a controlled substance and can be used instead of stimulant medications for ADHD. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) belongs to the drug class called alpha-2A agonists. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day, either in the morning or at bedtime. Common side effects include sleepiness and tiredness. Taking it in the evening might help with these side effects. Intuniv (guanfacine ER) comes as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Intuniv

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6 to 17 years

Pros and Cons for Intuniv

Pros

A non-stimulant medication for ADHD
Can take alone or with other ADHD medications
Only taken once a day, either in the morning or at night
Not a controlled substance

Cons

Can make you feel sleepy or tired
Might take a few weeks to start working
Might not work as well for teens between 13 and 17 years old
Not approved for adults with ADHD

Common Side Effects for Intuniv

Sleepiness (38%)
Headache (23%)
Tiredness (14%)
Stomach pain (11%)
Low blood pressure (7%)
Low energy (6%)
Dizziness (6%)
Nausea (6%)
Low appetite (6%)
Feeling irritable (6%)

Warnings for Intuniv

Low blood pressure and low heart rate
Sleepiness
Irregular heartbeat
Rebound high blood pressure and other symptoms after stopping

Prices with our coupons for Guanfacine vs. Intuniv

Guanfacine30 tablets / 1mg

$13.64$28.22

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Guanfacine ER30 tablets / 1mg

$15.05$35.82

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Guanfacine vs. Intuniv

Guanfacine

Intuniv

Summary for Guanfacine

Indications for Guanfacine

Pros and Cons for Guanfacine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Guanfacine

Warnings for Guanfacine

Summary for Intuniv

Indications for Intuniv

Pros and Cons for Intuniv

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Intuniv

Warnings for Intuniv

Prices with our coupons for Guanfacine vs. Intuniv

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Guanfacine

Intuniv

Summary for Guanfacine

Indications for Guanfacine

Pros and Cons for Guanfacine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Guanfacine

Warnings for Guanfacine

Summary for Intuniv

Indications for Intuniv

Pros and Cons for Intuniv

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Intuniv

Warnings for Intuniv