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Guanfacine: Drug Information, Side Effects and Precautions

Guanfacine is a medication that is a part of the class called antihypertensive. It has been used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and may also help reducing symptoms in ADHD. The drug is also used to treat other conditions, and doctors can give you more information regarding this.

How Guanfacine Works

Guanfacine controls the nerve impulses along specified nerve pathways. It does this by regulating the neurotransmitter levels of norepinephrine. It also relaxes blood vessels so that blood can pass through them more easily, which helps lower blood pressure.

Dosage Information and Precautions

This medication should be taken with or without food in the dosage that the doctor prescribes, as the doctor has directed. This medication should never be stopped without first consulting a doctor, who will most likely gradually take you off this medication.

In addition, you will need to inform your doctor before and during being prescribed Guanfacine of any medications (even non-prescription ones) that you are taking or plan to take. This is important, because certain medications could cause an unwanted reaction within your system if combined. In addition, you will need to keep your doctor (the one who has administered Guanfacine to you) informed of any other medical conditions at all times.

In addition, if you are having surgery or any emergency treatment you should always inform the person caring for you that you are on Guanfacine. In addition, you need to be careful never to miss a dose of this medication, or to never overdose on it.

In Case of Overdose

If it is an emergency you will need to contact a medical professional immediately. For non-emergency overdose concerns you can contact your local poison control center.

Side Effects

Some of the less serious side effects of Guanfacine include the following

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

The more serious side effects that sometimes could occur include the following

• Difficulty breathing
• Closing of your throat
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, or face
• Hives
• Depression
• Very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute)
• Unusually high or low blood pressure (fainting, a severe headache, flushing of your face)
• Unusual fatigue, dizziness, or tiredness

How to Store Guanfacine

You will always need to keep this medication sealed tight in the container that it came in. In addition, you will need to make sure that it is kept away from children, and to store it at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture. Any medication that is no longer needed or outdated should be properly discarded. If you are not sure how to discard your medication your pharmacist can assist you.

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