Intuniv Side Effects

Generic name: guanfacine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Intuniv.

Applies to guanfacine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release Side Effects associated with guanfacine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Intuniv.

Applies to guanfacine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Precautions

Your doctor should check you or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to take it.

You or your child will also need to have your blood pressure and heart rate measured before starting this medicine and while you or your child are using it. If you notice any change to you or your child's recommended blood pressure or heart rate, call your doctor right away. If you have questions about this, talk to your doctor.

Do not suddenly Stop taking guanfacine (the active ingredient contained in Intuniv) without checking first with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may increase your blood pressure and heart rate (rebound hypertension). Your doctor may want you to slowly reduce the amount you or your child are taking before stopping it completely.

Make sure that you have enough guanfacine on hand to last through the weekends, holidays, and vacations. You should not miss any doses. You may want to ask your doctor for another written prescription for guanfacine to carry in your wallet or purse. You can then have it filled if you run out when you are away from home.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

Guanfacine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you or your child are using this medicine.

Guanfacine may cause some people to become dizzy, drowsy, faint, lightheaded, or less alert than they are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Also, standing up slowly when getting up from a lying or sitting position may also help.

This medicine may worsen heart rhythm problems (eg, sinus node dysfunction, atrioventricular block), especially in patients who are taking other medicines. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Guanfacine may cause dryness of the mouth, nose, and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your physician or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Intuniv

Along with its needed effects, guanfacine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking guanfacine:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking guanfacine:

Symptoms of overdose

• dizziness (extreme) or faintness
• unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)

Other side effects of Intuniv

Some side effects of guanfacine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

• anxiety or tenseness
• increased salivation
• nervousness or restlessness
• shaking or trembling of the hands and fingers
• stomach cramps
• sweating

For healthcare professionals

Applies to guanfacine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General adverse events

The most common adverse reactions were dry mouth, somnolence, headache, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, constipation, appetite decreased, and sedation.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 54%), abdominal pain (up to 15%), constipation (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal/stomach discomfort
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Somnolence (up to 40.6%), headache (up to 28%), dizziness (up to 16%), sedation (10.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy, convulsion, dizziness postural, syncope
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersomnia
• Postmarketing reports: Tremor, paresthesias, vertigo, taste alteration, hypertensive encephalopathy^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 22%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Chest pain
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Malaise^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Appetite decreased (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Weight increased
• Frequency not reported: Body mass index increased
• Postmarketing reports: Edema

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, depression, anxiety, affect lability, middle insomnia, nightmare, irritability
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Agitation, hallucination
• Postmarketing reports: Confusion^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pallor, atrioventricular block first degree, sinus arrhythmia, blood pressure increased, heart rate decreased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypertension
• Frequency not reported: QTc prolongation
• Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, rebound hypertension

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Impotence, enuresis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pollakiuria
• Frequency not reported: Urinary frequency increased
• Postmarketing reports: Erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma
• Postmarketing reports: Dyspnea

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): ALT increased

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Arthralgia, leg cramps, leg pain, myalgia

Ocular

• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision

See also:

Further information

Intuniv side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer