Guanfacine for ADHD User Reviews (Page 4)

• ida...
• October 6, 2014

Guanfacine "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."

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

Guanfacine "No side effects 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, especially a kid. She is on the lowest dose, 1 mg. She won't be taking it anymore!"

• lio...
• July 31, 2016

Guanfacine "I started Intuniv when I was 11, almost 12, and those first 6 months were hell. I would sleep from the time I got home from school, so 3 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, and was still tired! I would fall asleep in class or on the bus, it was miserable. We told the doctor, and she said, 'Well, just push through it and push through the tiredness.' Might I add, if you were ever on this medicine, it is not a tiredness you can just push through. But I tried to anyway for the next year or so, and I would not sleep every day as much, but there were some days when I would sleep the entire days away! It did get better, but I would still fall asleep in class and be exhausted constantly! Finally, when I was 15, the doctor took me off of that, and it's been so wonderful!"

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

"My teenage daughter started twitching after starting school again this year. They had to send her home. She would also roll around on the floor at home when she'd go to her room. Very bizarre behavior, and I was very frustrated because I didn't know what was going on. Her neurologist prescribed this, and the twitching went away immediately. She has ADHD, and I feel like her twitching was just a problem with impulse control because it didn't look like normal tics or Tourette syndrome that I've seen in others. I had to take her off of ADHD stimulants because she was having bad reactions to them. I'm happy that she is able to take a non-stimulant and is able to at least get through a school day. No drowsiness or negative side effects at the moment."

• Anonymous
• February 20, 2012

Guanfacine "My 12-year-old son has been on 3 mg Intuniv for a year, and it works great for him. He weighs about 120 lbs. It hasn't changed his personality at all, he's still funny and social. He's had no side effects. His focus has been great but might be getting a little off. But he's gained a lot of weight since going to 3 mg, and I think he needs to be upped to 4 mg. Going to the doctor next week, and we'll get the prescription then. But Intuniv has been great!"

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

Guanfacine "I'd give this NEGATIVE stars if I could. It caused me to pass out when I got up to use the bathroom one night. I lost my sense of self, felt more tired than normal, had worse anxiety. I would not recommend this garbage drug."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2015

Guanfacine "My 6-year-old was on this medication for about 7 weeks when he began to hallucinate (2 mg). So we had switched to something else, which actually made him worse than he was without any meds. So we put him back on Intuniv and started back at 1 mg. This was about 2 weeks ago, and he has been doing fantastic!"

• hop...
• December 11, 2010

Guanfacine "After many family problems, and added to this, my daughter had ADHD. I was at the end of my rope as far as patience goes. Last year in school was terrible, with my daughter acting out due to all the bad things happening in her life. She was placed on a behavior program, and her grades were reflecting the issues she is dealing with. After some sessions with a counselor, I was referred to a pediatrician who recommended Intuniv. The first week was a bit rough because my daughter was extremely tired and cranky, however, we stuck with it as the doctor advised, and I have been nothing short of amazed. Grades and attitude are outstanding now. Miraculous."

• mom...
• February 29, 2012

Guanfacine "My son is 9 years old and was officially diagnosed a year ago. He was on Focalin for 2 months, then started Concerta 18mg for 6 months. The Concerta was going great, however, he developed odd behaviors like making noises and zoning out. He started Intuniv a month ago. His blood pressure dropped really low, which attributed to him being very tired. We gave it to him at night, and he still woke up groggy and very sleepy. Throughout school, he was dazed and tired. He didn't find anything to laugh about and seemed out of it. During the third week (the 3mg dosage), his therapist took him off. Within 3 days, he was laughing and getting back to normal. I heard great things about Intuniv and wish all of you the best of luck."

• hah...
• May 3, 2017

Guanfacine "Great medication. I was originally prescribed this medication in a treatment center to help me sleep and with anxiety when I got off of amphetamines (Adderall, other amphetamines). I was taking it at bedtime. I found that it helps more with my focus, and it wears off during the day. I take 3 mg once daily. However, I still have some strong ADHD symptoms. Intuniv just helps me... stay less scattered. Oh, and insurance is rubbish, it can be difficult to get this medication even with insurance."

• SF1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2020

"I have bipolar 2 and ADD inattentive type. Bipolar is well controlled with meds, but social anxiety, mental fuzziness, and my ability to recall things I know have stayed the same or gotten worse even though I take Dex. Just over a month ago, I started guanfacine 2 mg at bedtime and 1 mg on arising. Memory and mental sharpness have improved. I now use PRN Xanax rarely instead of daily and finally feel comfortable being myself on social occasions. Dr. Dodson at ADDitude magazine says the drug is a miracle for 1 in 3 patients. I feel lucky."

• yey...
• January 19, 2012

Guanfacine "My 9-year-old is now taking Intuniv for three weeks. At the beginning, he was very sleepy and tired. So I decided to give him the pill at bedtime, he's been much better. This medication was a miracle for my son, his mood is better, he is happier, less emotional, and finishing his school tasks. Before, he was on Concerta for 6 months, it made his personality change. He started to bite his clothes and pick on his nose. It was bad. He could focus, but the side effects were worth it. I also tried Strattera with similar side effects. My son is doing great on Intuniv. I hope it will continue to work for him."

• jes...
• February 3, 2012

Guanfacine "My son is 6 years old and has sensory processing disorder, ADHD, and maybe Asperger's. He has been on it for 2 months now and recently has been very sleepy and more awake at night. I got a call from his school saying he fell asleep cold on the computer and went to the nurse, where he slept for an hour. He is now home today and sleeping again. I am very concerned about this and made him an appointment. He is starting 2mg instead of 3 tonight. I have seen behavioral improvement in him and my 9-year-old who has no side effects. Good luck to all you parents out there. Hope this was helpful."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2022

Guanfacine "I have been using Intuniv 2 mg alongside Adderall IR 30-40 mg/day. I have been on the Adderall for many years, and it is very helpful for planning, focus, and following through with things, but it most definitely has some side effects that are related to its stimulant effects: anxiety, restlessness, agitation, etc., which are all pretty normal for stimulants. Lowering the dose of the stimulant can help, but then the positive benefits are not as pronounced, in my experience. After a few months of discussing this with my doctor, we decided to try guanfacine ER (Intuniv). My experiences with this drug combination have been life-changing. If you look up 'guanfacine and stimulants' on PubMed or Google, you will see there are a number of studies that show they synergize very well. I feel as though I have all of the benefits from the Adderall, but now the anxiety and restlessness are very much turned down. The effects of both seem to last all day. I am also sleeping better. Amazing."

• Med...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2017

Guanfacine "Have been on Intuniv for about a month now. I feel like I have been crawling out of my skin and emotionally very upset. I feel at times I could break down in tears over a commercial, or when my kids hug me and tell me they love me. I am normally an emotionally reserved man and keep them in check because of my line of work. I really do feel like I am going nuts on this medication. I have officially stopped taking the medication until I can talk with my doctor."

• mom...
• September 22, 2010

Guanfacine "My 9-year-old son was diagnosed with ADHD a year ago and has had OT services for 6 months. We started Intuniv 2 weeks ago. First day on 1 mg, he was super hyper, then seemed unchanged. A week later we went to 2 mg. It's great. He is more focused, less wiggly, finishes tasks in a more timely manner. He still squirms but not as much. His teacher is happy with the improvement. Side effects: sleepy, dry mouth, emotional. We have been giving him the pill in the morning. Around 5 pm, he gets super sleepy. The doctor told me there is no peak in when the drug works but there is a peak in when the side effects occur. They tend to be 8-10 hours after taking the drug. We are going to try giving him the pill at night and see if it helps with drowsiness."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

Guanfacine "I agree with the other reviewer that this drug has minimal side effects. However, my 7-year-old son has a significant rash, which doctors suspect may be from the Intuniv. The rash is not itchy, just unattractive and widespread. We have been using the Intuniv for 2 1/2 weeks but may have to stop due to the rash. Here are the results we've seen on this medication: better moods, less aggression, only minimal improvement with attentional/focus issues, and slight improvement in impulsivity. Sleepiness has not been an issue, even though I had read many reviews and the label that said it might be. My son has taken every ADHD drug out there except two (literally), and this one is very gentle on the body in comparison (except for the rash)."

• rgl...
• May 1, 2017

Guanfacine "Five days into starting on Intuniv XR (1 mg 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 hopelessness, 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 an inner tremor causing insomnia. The doctor refuses to believe it, but I'm convinced the drug caused the attack."

• Jod...
• January 5, 2016

Guanfacine "My 17-year-old daughter has been on Ritalin XL for three years, after having tried Concerta and Adderall. The doctor switched her to Intuniv, and it's wreaked havoc on her body. She developed constipation so quickly, we thought she had appendicitis-ended up in the emergency room! To date, she has slept about 18-20 hours per day, has eaten only half a grilled cheese and some blueberries in 24 hours. She's also lightheaded and dizzy. Last night, she thought someone was showering at 4 AM. From reading these experiences, I believe Intuniv isn't right for her body. We know many kids it's worked for-unfortunately, not ours."

• mik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 30, 2017

Guanfacine "My 10-year-old son has severe ADHD and autism. He has been on Intuniv for almost a year, starting with 1 mg and progressively increasing until 4 mg. While it did help a bit with his sleep at night, we have taken him off the medication with no difference in his behavior, other than he seems to have fewer and less severe meltdowns. I don't think it did much for him."

• MsD...
• September 30, 2011

Guanfacine "My 10-year-old son was placed on Intuniv for his severe case of ADHD because stimulants make him angry due to his anxiety. All other medicines have not worked. My son, after 2 weeks, began communicating with his teachers. They love this new kid, and he talks about his feelings like he never has before. His friends are not asking to come visit again. His true personality has appeared, and I love it. He writes like he's in 8th grade, he has a very high IQ, but it was not showing up on his classwork. He is now able to keep up, and he plays basketball with no anxiety. He scored 25 points in one game, his self-esteem has improved drastically. I love it. Although we still have some work to do for his obsessive-compulsive disorder, he loves the medication and reminds me if I forget about it."

• Suk...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2014

Guanfacine "My adopted 13-year-old son has fetal alcohol syndrome, causing severe ADHD and failure to thrive. Has been on Concerta for four years. For years, his special education teachers let him run around in the halls to tire him out and lessen the hyperactivity. Even with the Concerta at 36 mg, he was extremely hyper. He started Intuniv about a year ago, takes 3 mg per day plus a reduced Concerta dose (18 mg). No side effects of note. He seems to be doing better hyperactivity-wise in school, but I have not noticed a big difference at home. I also still have big problems with him homework-wise too. At 10 years old, he weighed 60 lbs, with the reduction in Concerta dose, he's finally gaining weight (13 years old, 91 lbs), so that's the trade-off we're making."

• CSL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2015

Guanfacine "My 8-year-old daughter has been taking the medication for 4 months now, and although we have seen a good improvement in her behavior, the weight gain has been substantial. She has gained over 10 lbs in 4 months, which is incredibly unhealthy. Her blood pressure has also been on the very low side. Unfortunately for us, we can't risk the bad side effects even though we have seen a positive behavior change."

• JNi...
• February 1, 2013

Guanfacine "My 7-year-old son has ADHD/ODD. His doctor has him on 10 mg Prozac and 30 mg of Vyvanse in the morning, and 3 mg of Intuniv before bedtime (she just upped it from 1 mg). Unfortunately, for the two days he's been on the increased Intuniv, each day he's gone to the nurse's office twice because he can't stay awake in class. Getting it reduced to 2 mg today and hoping he becomes less zombie-like."

• Anonymous
• July 6, 2011

Guanfacine "My daughter is 9 and has been switching through several stimulant ADHD medicines for 2 years. She can't sleep at night without a sedative, and she weighs 65 pounds at almost 10 years old because she just can't eat. She would literally eat something small for breakfast and nothing for the rest of the day. It's the most hopeless feeling watching your child starve and refuse to eat. We are switching to this and Vyvanse from clonidine and Concerta. It's only her first day, but she ate 3 FULL meals today. We are hoping to get her down to just this medication, but you can't just pull her off the stimulants. I'll be sure to post and update how happy I am with it several times to see how it progresses. After reading here, I am very hopeful."