Key takeaways
Guanfacine ER (Intuniv) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are both non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, but they work in different ways. Guanfacine ER is an alpha-2A agonist that lowers norepinephrine levels in the brain, while atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that raises norepinephrine levels. Guanfacine ER is only approved for children ages 6 to 17, whereas atomoxetine can be used by both children and adults. Guanfacine ER is typically taken once daily and is available as a lower-cost generic, while atomoxetine can be taken once or twice daily and is also available as a generic. Common side effects of guanfacine ER include sleepiness and tiredness, whereas atomoxetine can cause nausea, dry mouth, and low appetite. Additionally, atomoxetine has more serious risks, such as suicidal thoughts and severe liver damage, which are not associated with guanfacine ER.
