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Guanfacine vs. Intuniv

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.

• High blood pressure in people ages 12 years and older

• 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%)

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

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.

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

• 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%)

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