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What is Intuniv
GuanfacineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryGuanfacine 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.
Tenexis the brand name
Intuniv Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tenex
Guanfacine
1986
127
Effectiveness
How Intuniv Affects PatientsGuanfacine 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 bodyGuanfacine 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
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
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
Gilles de la Tourette's 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 ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Guanfacine may interact with Pulse Frequency
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 RiskThe 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.
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
53 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
70 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
0 Actively Recruiting
treatment as monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
21 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Intuniv Reviews: What are patients saying about Intuniv?
5Patient Review
3/9/2015 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.
5Patient Review
7/18/2016 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.
4.3Patient Review
1/25/2022 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.
4Patient Review
7/6/20142.3Patient Review
12/17/2014 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?
2.3Patient Review
2/27/2015 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.
2.3Patient Review
11/18/2014 I did not have a good experience with this treatment. I think there's potential for legal action here.
2Patient Review
7/19/2016 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.
1.7Patient Review
12/6/2016 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.
1Patient Review
9/2/2014 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.
1Patient Review
8/4/2014 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.
1Patient Review
9/27/2016 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.
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
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