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Guanfacine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Intuniv

Guanfacine has an average rating of 6.0 out of 10 from a total of 304 reviews on Drugs.com. 49% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 35% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Guanfacine

  • mary
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 8, 2016

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "This has to be taken at least 3 weeks to see if it works/get adjusted to the Body. This has been a Transformation for my Little brother Age 6 still in kindergarden he used to be very moody and seemed to get very hyper all the time. I would recommend this med to anyone suffering from ADHD and other behavioural issues. Side effects seem to be tolerable and gets less by time has had mild headaches and vivid dreams."

10 / 10
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  • jmsdoe
  • October 30, 2016

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "Our son has been on Intuniv for 3 yrs. We started in K when he was diagnosed with ADHD he is very impulsive, not easily compliant, underlying anexity. The behavioral issues in school, we began at 1mg. BIG NOTE HERE, I have read reviews, I'm surprised a Dr. prescribes this Med to a patient at a higher dosage! Always start at 1mg & increase as time goes on, if needed. My son was on 1mg for a yr, we increased to 2mg in October. By that summer, I reduced to 1mg. Having to raise it again one mth into school. We were able to get thru that school year on 2 mg. Now, Year 3 & we increased to 3mg 3 days ago. Anyone have experience with 3mg with their 8 yr old? He is super sleepy as he adjusts and irritable. naps, wakes up, seems happy again."

10 / 10
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  • LEO...
  • December 20, 2017

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My child has Aspergers & ADHD Combined. Today is day one for my six year old being on this medication: 1mg extended release. This is the first medication I have ever had him on aside from tylenol or ibuprofen once in a while when he doesn't feel good. He took the medication last night around 7:30pm. He had a bit of a meltdown today, not as long lasting as it has been. He cleaned up everything, then started crying silently at his desk. His teacher said he hasn't done that before. She asked if he needed a break and he said yes. He proceeded to fall asleep in his "safe place" in the classroom (under the teachers desk) from 10:45am to 12:30pm. She tried to get him up several times but he fell back to sleep. Pharmacist said it's normal for about 2 weeks. More to come..."

10 / 10
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  • Scared...
  • October 22, 2014

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My son was given Intuniv on October 8th of this year. He was on it for eleven days when he started having really bad uncomfortable full body ticks. I stopped the medicines Sunday night it's now Wednesday and he's still having ticks. Dr says it will wear off but as a parents it's very scary."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 26, 2014

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My 9 year old son has been taking Intuniv for about a year now and has greatly improved his behavior, mood, impulse control and more. Both myself and his dad suffer from ADHD as well but need Adderall to manage. I was so happy to see a non-stimulant medicine work so well. The only problem we've had is excessive weight gain (excess of 30 lbs in 1 year). To the point its very worrisome. Appointment is set to switch to something new."

8 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Anonymous
  • May 29, 2010

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "I'm a 19 year-old male college student. I've been on Strattera 100 mg (another non-stimulant like Intuniv) for the last 4-5 years, but I wanted to try another drug because Strattera is starting to be less effective. While on Intuniv, I've noticed that it is doing what it's supposed to (decrease in anxiety, hyperactivity, and increase in focus), but the side-effects are almost not worth it. I've been on Intuniv for two weeks now, and I've been on the 3 mg capsule for the last few days. But, I don't know if I'll be able to finish out the month due to a number of things. I've experienced extreme dry mouth, headaches, INCREASED appetite, and extreme fatigue at awkward hours. I've also found it impossible to wake up in the mornings."

3 / 10
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  • Humbl...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 16, 2022

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "I have been on various doses of Adderall for years and simply put, it has changed my life. I went from being pretty undirected in life - to finding a truly niche career, buying a house, having kids, and perhaps most of all, just feeling more in control of my life than ever. Adderall has been a miracle for me. However, I have also always struggled with anxiety. I was actually initially hesitant to even try a stimulant because of this, but I find Adderall sometimes helps anxiety. All of this said, I eventually added Intuniv/guanfacine ER to my Adderall and WOW, it was like the final 'missing piece' was found. I get the huge benefit of the Adderall without the over-the-top jitters and ruminations amphetamine can cause. Curiously, even my skin looks better (it has basically stopped the Raynaud's from Adderall). I am sleeping a lot deeper, find sitting and working easier, and I think it's worth noting, I seem to be able to drink a few cups of coffee again without much issue."

10 / 10
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  • JaneKB
  • September 27, 2017

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My eight year old started this medication after a failed trial of stimulants. Prior to that he had extensive behavioral therapy. In addition to ADHD he has a tic disorder and sleep onset disorder. The stimulants exacerbated his tic causing muscle strain and pain. This medication has helped with all of the above and takes the edge off of his difficult personality. He will now sit still and read a book. He is still irritable at times, but this has always been a problem for him; I don't feel this medication has made it any worse. Last year his standardized test showed below basic comprehension. The school feels this was due to his lack of impulse control on multiple choice tests more than a lack of knowledge. We've got high hopes for a better school year."

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  • Conce...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 9, 2015

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: My son is 8 years old and has started taking Intuniv for his behavior, concentration and mood swings. He does have CP. He has never been diagnosed with ADHD so that concerned me when the neurologist wanted to put him on Intuniv. He's taking 1mg at night and I have to tell you he is a new boy! He's cooperative, sleeping well and he is doing better in class."

8 / 10
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  • Jacob
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 7, 2021

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "Hi everyone I can personally say from taking this medication for 5 years I've been ok. I've experienced sleepiness withdrawal effects and more severe symptoms. I'm 18 years as of this month and most people have good effects while on the drug but after 5 years I've finally decided to quit wish me luck I'll report back if I see any changes thats if I remember my old self"

6 / 10
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  • Aussie...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 26, 2019

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My son has anxiety and mild ADHD. He had about 3 months on Ritalin and Concerta and after coming off it I know he is far worse than he was before. Intuniv is a better option for him and helps him when struggling to focus at school. He is also on Lexapro for anxiety. He can only take 1mg Intuniv as it makes him tired. I have just started to give him his dose straight after school as I figure it might help him stop feeling so tired in the last period of school as this is a problem for him. We live in Australia so it only costs me $5.50 for 28 tablets. I feel for you all having to pay those ridiculous prices for medicine and hospitalization."

6 / 10
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  • Vana...
  • April 14, 2017

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My son took generic for about 6 months. His dr actually prescribed it to him to help him sleep. He has ADHD combined type with emotion dysregulation. I actually can't believe it was prescribed to help control ADHD behaviors. My son was taking Vyvanse during the day then Guafacine at night. It made him extremely irritable and tired. I took him off both of the meds. He's hyper but a whole lot less frustrated that's for sure"

1 / 10
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  • Mom
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 18, 2018

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My 8yr old daughter started this medication to help her behavior in school along with her other stimulant medication she takes for ADHD. This medication increased her irritablity, aggression, and changed her happy sweet self. It did not help her it made her symptoms worse. Took her off of it as it didn't improve anything besides making her overly tired and grumpy. Increasing her bad behavior. Stimulant works best, but will try more behavioral therapy along with her current medication that helps, as Intuniv didn't help any behavior issues and being implusive in my daughter."

2 / 10
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  • Jayds...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 24, 2016

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My son is 14 and has tourettes and adhd. He was put on Intuitiv and it has helped with his focus and his tics. At first he was extremely tired, but after taking it for a bit that part is not as bad. The teacher noticed a big improvement. Luckily there have been no other side effects. We started at 1mg and are now on 3 mg. It is my sons choice whether he wants to be on meds or not. He had chose to go off for a bit in the summer and then once back in school he wasn't doing so great so he chose to go back on it. It really helps with the tics."

8 / 10
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  • Mompo...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 16, 2017

For Tourette's Syndrome "My 3rd grade son was diagnosed with ADHD and Tourettes in first grade. We decided not to do any medication and tried behavioral and holistic therapy. 2nd grade the tics (coughing, grunting, sniffing) were worse. School work was a struggle because he could not concentrate. He spent so much energy trying not to have the tic. Now, the tics are severe. He jumps up each time he coughs, can't sleep at night. depressed saying he doesn't want to live like this. School nurse insisted I take him to the doctor. He was placed on Guafacine 1 mg. Takes it at night. NO more tics, happier, calmer, focused. LIFE CHANGER! The last 2 months have been unbelievable. I only wish I had started meds earlier. I have my kid back!!!"

9 / 10
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  • Insur...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 14, 2013

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "25 year old female taking 3mg of Intuniv. I started Intuniv while I was unemployed. It does really help with my focus, keeps me from being super hyper and helped my blood pressure. During this time I would take a lot of naps during the day or even just sleep in till noon. I thought it was just me liking naps and having not much to do during the day. Well I started a new job a month ago and have been falling asleep at my desk. I thought it was another medicine but it did turn out to be my Intuniv. So my doctor is having me go down and see if lower doses will help or not. If not he will be putting me on another medicine. I also tried not taking it for a couple of days, but it caused withdrawal symptoms at the end of day 2."

8 / 10
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  • Paren...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 25, 2019

For ADHD "We struggled with ADHD & SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder ) since our son was around 3 yrs old (was not diagnosed until age 6-7). We used a supplement called RelaxMax which worked well for the 1st year (2nd grade). When that stopped working we started on Guanfacine 1mg (age 9). Lots of issues at first - very tired, upset stomach. But the change at school was near immediate. That was good for 2-3 weeks & seemed to fade. So we upped to 2 mg & had the same thing happen. Upped to 3 mg & was still having tiredness around 3-4pm, so Dr. advised to switch to dosing at night. Now everything is normal & we've been on the 3 mg for a few months now & the change in his behaviors has been life altering. We are thankful to have found something that works that was a non-stimulant. Our advice - keep talking to your Dr and trying different things with it because everyone is different. Don't give up if the 1st try doesn't work because it's so worth it when you figure out the right dose combined with other factors."

9 / 10
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  • Rodgert
  • June 19, 2018

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "Male adult ADHD mostly inattentive (but restless on the inside!), also bipolar type 2. I was on Ritalin for about a year and had a lot of problems with dry and stuffy nose with frequent infections. Atomoxetine had similar effects sleepy, nasal stuffiness, premature ejaculation (only ejaculation was premature). Intuniv actually reversed nasal dryness, my nose never felt better. Intuniv is both stimulating and calming effect, and my mood generally is better. I have more frequent urination at night, often have to get up 5am to go to the bathroom, sometimes it is hard to get back to sleep, but then usually instant release Clonidine helps (clonidine has helped for problems with insomnia). I have NOT had any problems with sexual side effects on intuniv which is great. Perhaps only slight increase in libido but could be due to improvement in mood as well. Appetite is normal , has helped me lose a little weight. Ritalin used to give me increased hunger and sugar cravings."

10 / 10
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  • Sarai
  • July 15, 2016

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "I had been taking intuniv for a week at 10mg. 32 year old female, for add. Yesterday out of the blue at night I started getting brain zaps. My anxiety got so high I felt my heart was going to explode. I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin. It was an utter nightmare and I ended up in the ER. I was afraid I was losing touch with reality. I'm still feeling anxious now too. I am never touching this med again. I just hope it gets out of my system soon. I can't believe they give it to kids. I almost went psychotic! It was a nightmare drug for me. Be careful please. Even at a low dose it can cause a nasty reaction. I'm also bipolar so that might have played a role in it too."

1 / 10
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  • Rach
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 6, 2020

For ADHD "My son was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and prescribed Guanfacine when he began kindergarten to help with his hyperactivity and trouble focusing. He was initially put on Vyvanse and did absolutely HORRIBLE! He three major meltdowns regularly and couldn’t be consoled. He lost 10 pounds in 1 month because he would not eat or drink. Then his doctor put him on Guanfacine and it was like a light was switched. He’s been on it since, now age 11. Since he’s still growing, every so often his dose has been increased. He now takes 2 tablets in the morning and 1 at night. He is about due for another increase but he does wonderful on it. It calms him to where he’s not bouncing off the walls (think Daffy duck screaming woohoo!) definitely wouldn’t be able to function without it!"

10 / 10
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  • idaho...
  • October 6, 2014

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "My son took this for a couple of years. At first it was very effective, and I was excited to have a non-stimulant medication to treat his ADHD. It did make him sleepy, and that was problematic, and then its effectiveness wore off. "

7 / 10
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  • MomOf...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 17, 2015

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "This medication had been a life changer. Adding it to the Concerta helped with the emotional sensitivity, fidgeting and focus. No side effects other than a little sleepiness and that wore off after a couple weeks. We recently got the generic and it did not work nearly as well. We had side effects from it, but not the brand name."

10 / 10
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  • rglen...
  • May 1, 2017

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "Five days into starting on Intuniv XR (1mg daily at bedtime) for mild hypertension, a massive panic attack occurred. I am a 52 year old male with no prior history of such attacks. I stopped the medication the next day, but it continued at 100% intensity for five days straight. Sweating, shivers, tremors, moaning, racing pulse, hot flashes in face and extremities, tight sternum knot, stabbing pain in left chest. Constant feelings of hopeless, despair and suicide. Luckily by day six it had dropped 50% strength, tapering off quickly at first, then more slowly over the next ten days. Three weeks later I still have palpitations and inner tremor causing insomnia. The doctor refuses to believe it, but I'm convinced the drug caused the attack."

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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 22, 2015

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "No side affects on my six year old the first two weeks except for a tummy ache, the last two nights she has woke up screaming completely tripping throwing pillows scratching her head hallucinating and seeing stuff I do not recommend this pill to anyone.!!!! Expecially a kid she is on the lowest dose 1 mg. she won't be taking it anymore!!"

1 / 10
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  • Tired...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 22, 2019

Intuniv (guanfacine) for ADHD "I DONT RECOMMEND TAKING THIS DRUG Intuniv 18male 63kg 170cm Was prescribed for my ADHD and anxiety 2mg all the way first 2 weeks only tired but concentration improved. 3rd week was real bad, I got extremely anxious random panic attacks all the time, heart pain ,dark thoughts , started crying every other hour , were exhausted and irritated also lost control of my emotions got angry out of nowhere And worst of it was that I forgot who I were sometimes panicked because I couldn’t remember my parents. Pls don’t take this drug look for something else stimulates or whatever but inutniv can destroy your life or make it much worse."

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.