Tenex Side Effects

Generic Name: guanfacine

Please note - some side effects for Tenex may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Side Effects of Tenex - for the Consumer

Tenex

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Tenex:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; tiredness.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in heartbeat; inability to have sex; pounding in the chest.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

General

Guanfacine is generally well-tolerated. In a study of 580 hypertensive patients, only 7% withdrew due to adverse side effects. In addition, most side effects were mild, dose-related, and resolved over time.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included fatigue or a sedative effect and dizziness in 33% and 15% of patients, respectively. After one year of therapy, the incidence of these side effects falls to 6% and 1%, respectively. Headaches occur in less than 5% of patients. Nervous system side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included somnolence (38%), fatigue (14%), headache (24%), lethargy (6%), dizziness (6%), and postural dizziness (less than 2%).

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included dry mouth in up to 60% of patients. Constipation has been associated with the use of this drug in 14% of patients. After one year of therapy the incidence of dry mouth and constipation averages 15% and 3%, respectively. Gastrointestinal side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included dry mouth (4%), upper abdominal pain (10%), nausea (6%), and dyspepsia (less than 2%).

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included orthostatic hypotension and palpitations, each of which is rare. There is limited, indirect (ECG) evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy resolution after guanfacine therapy. Cardiovascular side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included hypotension/decreased blood pressure (6%), atrioventricular block (less than 2%), bradycardia (less than 2%), and sinus arrhythmia (less than 2%) .

Genitourinary

Genitourinary complaints in male patients are limited to impotence, which is associated with higher doses (daily doses of 3 mg or more).

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included decreased appetite (5%), and constipation (3%).

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included irritability (6%)

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects associated with the extended-release formulation have included asthma (less than 2%).

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. In addition, the drug information contained herein may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a reference resource beyond the date hereof. This information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This drug information is a reference resource designed as supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill , knowledge, and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug of drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Drugs.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.