Intuniv

Migraine, Migraine Disorders, Tourette Syndrome + 3 more

Treatment

20 Active Studies for Intuniv

What is Intuniv

Guanfacine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Guanfacine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It was first developed in 1974 and approved by the FDA in 1986. Guanfacine works by stimulating alpha-A2 adrenergic receptors, which helps regulate blood pressure and can improve focus and attention in ADHD patients.

Tenex

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Intuniv Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Tenex

Guanfacine

1986

127

Effectiveness

How Intuniv Affects Patients

Guanfacine helps manage ADHD by activating an alpha-2A adrenergic receptor. It only needs to be taken once a day and is usually considered safe, but it can cause low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, or fainting. Patients should be warned of these potential side effects.

How Intuniv works in the body

Guanfacine helps treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by targeting the sympathetic nervous system, which controls how your heart and circulatory system work. It does this by binding to alpha-2A receptors, which decreases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

When to interrupt dosage

The prescribed dosage of Intuniv is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as monotherapy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Migraine. The quantity of dosage varies, in accordance with the technique of administration laid out in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Migraine Disorders

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

Tourette Syndrome

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

Hypertensive disease

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

treatment as monotherapy

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

Migraine

1.0 mg, , 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, extended release, Tablet, extended release - Oral, , Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Kit, Kit - Oral

Warnings

Intuniv Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Guanfacine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Intuniv.

Common Intuniv Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Amifostine

Major

Guanfacine may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.

Azelastine

Major

Guanfacine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Iobenguane

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Iobenguane can be decreased when used in combination with Guanfacine.

Oliceridine

Major

The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Guanfacine is combined with Oliceridine.

Thalidomide

Major

Guanfacine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Thalidomide.

Intuniv Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of the drug in rats has been found to be 142mg/kg orally, and 15.3mg/kg in mice, and 114mg/kg subcutaneously in rats and 46mg/kg in mice. Those who overdose may experience low blood pressure, drowsiness, fatigue, and a slow heart rate. If someone is suspected to have overdosed on this drug, call poison control and they may need to receive saline intravenously to stabilize their blood pressure.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Intuniv Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Intuniv?

153 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the potential of Intuniv in providing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Hypertensive Disease and Prophylactic Migraine Headache relief.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Migraine

51 Actively Recruiting

Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

63 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 4, Phase 1, Phase 2

Migraine Disorders

1 Actively Recruiting

Phase 3

Tourette Syndrome

0 Actively Recruiting

treatment as monotherapy

0 Actively Recruiting

Hypertensive disease

27 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3

Intuniv Reviews: What are patients saying about Intuniv?

5

Patient Review

3/9/2015

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

My daughter has been on Intuniv for a few years. We started her on 2mg, and now she's up to 4mg. I'm not happy because she's gained about 25lbs in just 3 months. Her doctor says the meds can cause this on high doses, so we're looking for something new.

5

Patient Review

7/18/2016

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

My daughter has been reaping the benefits of this medication for years now. At just 9 years old, she is able to focus much better in school thanks to the 3 mg dosage. Additionally, she doesn't have any trouble sleeping and takes the medicine first thing in the morning.

4.3

Patient Review

1/25/2022

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

This medication has really helped me focus on my daily tasks. The only downside is that it makes me feel nauseous. I would still recommend it to others, though.

4

Patient Review

7/6/2014

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

2.3

Patient Review

12/17/2014

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

I'm not thrilled with this medication because my son has started wetting the bed since taking it. I've tried giving it to him in the morning, but that hasn't helped. Has anyone else had this problem?

2.3

Patient Review

2/27/2015

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

My son was taking this in conjunction with concerta. He became a very different person; low energy, depressed, mood swings, and feelings of worthlessness characterized his demeanor. There were also anger issues at school. We weaned him off of the Concerta, Prozac and Intuniv. He now takes a small dose of generic Ritalin. He's doing great now.

2.3

Patient Review

11/18/2014

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

I did not have a good experience with this treatment. I think there's potential for legal action here.

2

Patient Review

7/19/2016

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Almost immediately after taking this medication, my heart rate slowed down to a dangerous level. I felt weak and dizzy, and could barely move. I tried to keep taking it, but after the second dose, I was terrified my heart was going to stop. I called my doctor and stopped taking it.

1.7

Patient Review

12/6/2016

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

I was prescribed this drug to take in addition to Lamictal 50mg and Vyvanse 50mg. I started taking this drug a few days before visiting my parents for Thanksgiving. I was overtaken by spells of obsessive thinking and was so tormented by vivid memories of childhood that I was unable to sleep. After I came off the drug, I got better within a few days. Not worth it for me.

1

Patient Review

9/2/2014

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

My son's behavior changed dramatically for the worse after being put on this medication. He became angry, depressed, and had thoughts of self-harm. I am grateful that we are getting him off of this drug and hope that the effects are not permanent.

1

Patient Review

8/4/2014

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Intuniv has been a much better option for my 8-year-old son than previous stimulant medications. He's gained weight, grown taller, sleeps better, and is more social now.

1

Patient Review

9/27/2016

Intuniv for Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG. I was absolutely horrified reading the reports of children taking this drug, and then I took it as a 20 year old and had an awful experience myself. I'm generally a very active person, but after taking this medication I was unable to even get out of bed without passing out. Additionally, it gave me chest pains and really sapped my energy and personality.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about intuniv

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Intuniv do for ADHD?

"Intuniv is a blockbuster medicinethat is designed to help with emotional sensitivity, hyperarousal, rejection sensitivity, and social aggression. It is different from other stimulant medications because it acts on the central alpha2A-adrenergic receptor."

Answered by AI

Is Intuniv good for anxiety?

"Some studies have shown that guanfacine ER (Intuniv) can help treat anxiety in children and adolescents, but more studies are needed to confirm this. Currently, the medication is only FDA-approved to treat ADHD."

Answered by AI

How does Intuniv make you feel?

"If you take this medication, there is a 20% chance you will not experience any benefits and may even feel worse. Approximately 10% of people who take this medication experience irritability from the first dose. In my opinion, this irritability does not go away, so I advise patients experiencing it to stop taking the medication."

Answered by AI

Is Intuniv similar to Adderall?

"Intuniv and Adderall are both drugs that can have similar side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, headache, stomach pain, or irritability."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Intuniv

Image of Miles Square Health Center Chicago in Chicago, United States.

Food is Medicine for High Blood Pressure and Obesity

Any Age
All Sexes
Chicago, IL

The goal of this clinical trial is to treat both hypertension and obesity in adults using a food is medicine framework. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to FIM+DASH or usual-care control. The 24-week trial includes a 12-week FIM+DASH intervention followed by a 12-week maintenance period and leverages existing partnerships with community-based organizations for home food delivery and culinary skill-skill building. The main questions it aims to answer are: (1) What is the effect of FIM+DASH vs. usual care control on blood pressure? (2) What is the effect of FIM+DASH vs. usual care control on DASH diet adherence (diet quality), body weight, and waist circumference? (3) How to identify factors associated with the sustainability and scalability of FIM+DASH in real-world settings?

Phase 2
Waitlist Available

Miles Square Health Center Chicago (+3 Sites)

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App-based Breathing Program for Migraine

18+
All Sexes
Phoenix, AZ

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent headaches, sensitivity to light and movement, nausea, and autonomic dysregulation. Although mind-body interventions like biofeedback have shown their efficacy, they remain underutilized due to barriers such as transportation, time constraints, lack of awareness, stigma, and cost. A targeted approach to enhancing HRV is HRV biofeedback (HRVB), a technique using visual or auditory feedback to help people regulate HRV through slow-paced breathing and positive emotional regulation to promote ANS balance and emotional resilience. Investigators will conduct a remotely delivered pilot RCT of an 8-week, 10 min/day, novel app-based HRVB intervention compared to a sham control intervention (matching intervention time and attention with no biofeedback component) in adult with chronic migraine. Investigators hypothesize data collected from the study will: a) support the feasibility and acceptability of the remotely delivered app-based HRVB intervention among adults with chronic migraine, and b) provide insights into refining the intervention by examining patterns of change in migraine and psychological outcomes from pre- to post-intervention.

Waitlist Available
Online Trial

Arizona State University

Image of Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle, United States.

Organizational Skills Training vs Mindfulness for ADHD

13 - 17
All Sexes
Seattle, WA

This randomized control trial comparing Organizational Skills Training (OST) and Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) among adolescents with a pre-existing ADHD diagnosis presenting to the Duke ADHD Program. Both treatments are eight 90 minute sessions. The research component will involve a pre-treatment assessment and post-treatment assessment. Both assessments will involve adolescents and one caregiver to complete questionnaires over REDCap. Rating scales will include ADHD symptom severity (Conners 3: self and parent report), functional impairment (IRS: self and parent report), executive functioning (BRIEF-2: parent report), emotion dysregulation (DERS: self and parent report), trait mindfulness (FFMQ: self report), organizational skills (BRIEF-2: parent report), treatment satisfaction (self report and parent report) and credibility (self report and parent report). Post-treatment assessments for feasibility will include attendance (measured over the course of treatment) and homework completion rates on a scale of 1 to 5 in which 5 indicates higher homework completion. We will also assess acceptability via individual items on a Likert scale (self report): overall satisfaction, how much was learned about ADHD, usefulness of information learned, content relevance to individual experience, comprehension of strategies, confidence about using strategies, likelihood of using strategies, helpfulness to share with the group, benefits from hearing from other group members, willingness to recommend the same treatment to others, and whether or not treatment was beneficial.

Recruiting
Has No Placebo

Seattle Children's Hospital

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Cuffless PPG Monitor for High Blood Pressure

18+
All Sexes
Miami, FL

This study aims to validate the accuracy and reliability of blood pressure (BP) estimates obtained over 24 hours using a PPG-based chest-patch device compared to the gold standard ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) method using an upper arm cuff-based oscillometric BP device, in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals referred by their provider to undergo a 24-hours ABPM for clinical indication. The Awake/Asleep test, which is the primary test recommended for automated wearable cuffless BP devices that are cuff-calibrated (based on the 2023 European Society of Hypertension (ESH) recommendations for the validation of cuffless blood pressure measuring devices), will be conducted in this study. The secondary aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and convenience of the PPG-based device.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

U Health (+1 Sites)

Ziad Zoghby, M.D., M.B.A.

Biobeat Technologies Ltd.

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Embolization for Migraine

18 - 80
All Sexes
Baltimore, MD

This study is to test the safety and feasibility of a procedure called embolization of the middle meningeal arteries (MMA), using a product called Onyx. Embolization creates a plug in the arteries. MMA embolization with Onyx is not approved for use in patients with migraines, but is currently used in patients with subdural hematomas. The FDA is allowing the use of Onyx in this study. It is thought that by using Onyx to block the middle meningeal arteries, the amount of migraine-causing substances which are released into the brain's bloodstream will be reduced. The company that manufactures Onyx, Medtronic, is providing the supplies for this study. Participants will be in the study for about 8 months after enrolling, including 6 months of follow up after the procedure. The participants will be asked to complete a daily headache diary and continue the participant's regular migraine medications. Participants will also have several clinic visits and be asked to provide blood samples for research.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Risheng Xu, MD, PhD

Medtronic

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Intuniv, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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