Guanfacine is a non-stimulant drug prescribed to manage ADHD in children and teens. It’s in a class of drugs known as alpha-2A-adrenergic receptor agonists, which act on brain chemical imbalances that may be associated with inattention and impulsivity. In studies, Guanfacine was found effective when attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder occur comorbidly (at the same time). Other research suggests it may be helpful in treating anxiety in adolescents, although it hasn’t been approved by the FDA yet in regards to treating the medical condition.
Like almost all medications, Guanfacine can have side effects. While it can help reduce ADHD symptoms, it’s important to understand what else may happen when starting treatment. Common reactions to this prescription drug can include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, and severe drowsiness. These are usually mild and don’t last long, but if they persist or worsen, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible to acquire additional information and advice.
Continue reading to learn more about the side effects of Guanfacine.
Common Side Effects of Guanfacine
Common side effects of this ADHD treatment include blurred vision, confusion, dizziness or faintness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, sweating, and feeling unusually tired or weak.
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Blurred vision
Guanfacine can lead to blurry sight, a frequent adverse reaction that’s reported. This may manifest as difficulty focusing on objects in front of you or seeing double images. If you experience blurred vision while taking Guanfacine, consult your doctor about possible dosage adjustments or alternative medications.
Confusion
Confusion is another potential side effect of taking Guanfacine. You may experience difficulty understanding simple instructions or have trouble remembering recent events and conversations.
Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness
Rising from a lying or sitting position too quickly while taking Guanfacine can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and light-headedness. Rather than abruptly getting up, rise gradually to maintain stable blood pressure levels and avoid feeling dizzy.
Sweating
Excessive perspiration can occur when taking Guanfacine regularly. It’s usually not to the extent that medical attention is required, but if it persists despite increasing fluid intake, consulting with your doctor may be necessary to adjust dosages accordingly.
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Fatigue and weakness are additional potential adverse reactions linked to Guanfacine. Both can lead to further complications, such as poor concentration. Getting adequate rest is crucial to ensure overall well-being while taking Guanfacine.
Insomnia
Insomnia can occur when taking Guanfacine for ADHD. Taking it in the evenings can help since sleepiness is also a side effect.
Less Common Side Effects of Guanfacine
Less common reactions to taking Guanfacine may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Difficulty or noisy breathing
- Cough
- Pounding, irregular, fast, or slow heartbeat
- Increased need to urinate
- Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Depression
- Frequent urination
- Tightness in the chest
Guanfacine weight gain isn’t incredibly common in children who use the medication for ADHD. Clinical trials showed that 3% of children did actually gain weight, although 2% who didn’t take the drug also gained weight.
Serious Side Effects of Guanfacine
Though Guanfacine can effectively treat ADHD, there are some serious risks to consider. Understanding these potential risks before taking Guanfacine is vital to make an informed treatment decision.
“Sedation, dry mouth, and dizziness can be side effects of Guanfacine. If these persist, please reach out to your doctor.”
– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger
Slowed heart rate
One of Guanfacine’s serious adverse effects is slowed heart rate. A slow heart rate can cause dizziness, fatigue, and fainting spells. If any of these occur while taking Guanfacine, contact your doctor immediately.
Heart block (ER form)
Heart block occurs when electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart become blocked or delayed. Signs of heart block may include chest distress, breathing difficulty, dizziness, and an uneven heartbeat. If you have any symptoms of heart block, immediately seek medical help.
Very low blood pressure (ER form)
Hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is a serious side effect of Guanfacine. If you feel faint or unsteady when rising quickly from a sitting or reclined position, it may indicate low blood pressure resulting from taking Guanfacine.
Hallucinations (ER form)
If any hallucination occurs while taking Guanfacine, it is important to speak with your doctor about adjusting the dosage accordingly to prevent further issues from arising over time.
Wheezing
Wheezing is a rare yet severe side effect of Guanfacine and should be taken seriously. If you experience difficulty breathing or a sensation of tightness around your throat area after taking Guanfacine, seek medical attention immediately.
Severe allergic reactions
If any type of severe allergic reaction occurs while taking Guanfacine, get emergency assistance immediately to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences. Signs and symptoms may include hives/rash on the skin surface area(s), swelling around eyes/mouth areas, itching sensations throughout body parts, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, and nausea, among other things.
Fainting or passing out
Experiencing sudden weakness or dizziness followed by an actual loss of consciousness is an uncommon but potential event linked with taking Guanfacine for treating ADHD. If any fainting or passing out occurs while taking Guanfacine, get medical help immediately.
Seizures (ER form)
Seizures can be a serious side effect of taking Guanfacine for treating ADHD conditions. Warning signs vary from person to person, but common ones include uncontrollable jerking movements and loss of awareness.
High blood pressure if stopped suddenly
When abruptly stopping Guanfacine, high blood pressure is a common side effect.
Withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
Discontinuing Guanfacine without consulting medical professionals can result in mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Talk to a doctor before quitting medication to avoid Guanfacine withdrawal.
How Long Do Guanfacine Side Effects Last?
The duration of Guanfacine side effects can differ depending on multiple elements, including individual physiology and metabolism, along with the amount taken and for how long.
How long does Guanfacine take to work and for symptoms to pass? Most side effects will subside within a few days, but if they persist, an adjustment to dosage may be necessary. If troublesome side effects last beyond several days, a doctor might want to change the dosage or switch medications altogether. Note that it can take 2 – 3 days for all side effects to resolve after taking the last dose of Guanfacine.
How to Manage Guanfacine Side Effects
To manage the side effects of Guanfacine, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Use exactly as directed: It’s important to take this non-stimulant medication exactly as prescribed and not to skip doses or stop taking it without consulting a doctor first. A missed dose can cause adverse effects.
- Talk to the doctor if you have concerns: If you have any issues with Guanfacine, tell the doctor promptly so that the matter can be dealt with quickly and competently.
- Stay hydrated: Adequate amounts of fluids can help flush out toxins from the body, potentially alleviating some Guanfacine side effects.
- Watch caffeine intake: Avoid caffeine or other stimulants until after taking the daily dose.
- Talk to a mental health professional: Talking with a mental health professional about how best to manage other symptoms related to Guanfacine is an excellent way to get more personalized medical advice on what works best.
“Reducing the dose or switching to a new medication is the most effective way to reduce side effects. Always discuss options with your doctor first.”
– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger
See If Guanfacine Is Right for You with Talkspace Psychiatry
Guanfacine acts on the brain’s chemical messengers, which manage behavior and feelings, to aid in treating ADHD. Before beginning this ADHD medication, it’s important to consider the potential Guanfacine side effects associated with its use.
Talkspace provides users with remote support from licensed online psychiatrists who understand how to use Guanfacine treatments safely and effectively, so it’s important to consult a professional regularly throughout therapy sessions.
Get started with Talkspace today to get Guanfacine online with a prescription.
Sources:
- DailyMed – Guanfacine extended-release- Guanfacine tablet, extended release. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=07a701e2-39b7-4bb1-a7c7-d9baed4ab18a. Accessed March 27, 2023.
- Newcorn JH, Huss M, Connor DF, Hervás A, Werner-Kiechle T, Robertson B. Efficacy of guanfacine extended release in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid oppositional defiant disorder. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 2020;41(7):565-570. doi:10.1097/dbp.0000000000000822. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32482970/. Accessed March 27, 2023.
- Strawn JR, Compton SN, Robertson B, Albano AM, Hamdani M, Rynn MA. Extended release guanfacine in pediatric anxiety disorders: A pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 2017;27(1):29-37. doi:10.1089/cap.2016.0132. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5695796/. Accessed March 27, 2023.
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. INTUNIV (guanfacine). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/pediatric-advisory-committee/intuniv-guanfacine-er. Accessed March 27, 2023.
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