Guanfacine and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Lou...
• March 6, 2017

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son has ADHD and is taking Intuniv 3 mg. I find with this drug, he is so sleepy, all he wants to do is sleep. It's supposed to help his concentration, but it doesn't. He's too tired. It also makes him angry, and he's in a bad mood all the time. I stopped giving it to him for a few days to see if it would make a difference in his mood, and it did - he was so much happier. I don't know what to do, whether to keep him on it or stop it. The doctor is adamant that it's not the drug, it's behavior, but I know it is the drug. Anyone else have this problem..."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2013

Guanfacine for ADHD "This is a great medicine. I have known that my daughter, now 7, has always been extremely energetic and talkative her entire life, but her impulsivity, inability to concentrate on work (or play), and energy were really interfering with her school and home life. I was so stressed out every day. The behavioral problems were never-ending. I mean this child was ALWAYS in trouble, poor girl! She is now like the little girl that I always knew was hiding away in there, but would only rarely come out. She has all of the same positive personality traits plus more. I feel like I can finally connect with her, like her brain just clicked and she is now living in the same reality as everyone around her instead of lost in her mind. It does make her sleepy."

• Kri...
• February 10, 2014

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD recently. This is the first medication he has taken. We started at 1mg, working our way up to 3mg, and it's taken in the evening around 5pm. Once at 3mg, my son was extremely sleepy, even falling asleep in class and on the bus ride home. He was emotional about everything, even looking for toys, he would cry. He also experienced terrible tummy aches. He became very irritable, I'm guessing because he was sleepy. I had his doctor lower the dosage to 2mg, and he is becoming that little guy I know again! He's still kind of sleepy but not as bad, and his teacher is noticing a big improvement in his focus at school. We are still working out the kinks, but I am hopeful! Best of luck to you all!"

• ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2014

Guanfacine for ADHD "I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and ADHD. Stimulant control of ADHD was out of the question because it would exacerbate Bipolar 2. My doc started me tentatively on Intuniv and told me I may be groggy at first, but over time it could help me feel more calm and focused. She was right. The first day I took it right before bed and woke up feeling lethargic. But every day since got progressively better. I was more calm, experienced less anxiety and mood swings, was able to focus and handle stresses more easily, and because I wasn't so anxious or emotional I wasn't overeating. My weight leveled out, I was sleeping through the night and quit getting insomnia, I was able to sit still through classes without fidgeting and really concentrate."

• hth...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2013

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is almost six years old and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. He was evaluated due to the fact that he was always in trouble in school, home, and getting kicked off of the bus. He also seemed to struggle with focusing on us when we talked. His doctor had us try Intuniv... we started at 1 mg every morning. The positive change was very noticeable. He was calmer, had a less aggressive attitude, and even used his indoor voice. It did make him sleepier but that only lasted for the first two days. He is on his third day of 2 mg and is doing well. For the past few weeks, he hasn't been getting into trouble at school and his bus driver said he is doing amazing. He also seems to be focusing better."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is halfway through his fourth week of Intuniv. We became concerned when he began this last week, when he started taking the highest dose he will be on. For two days, he could hardly get out of bed, was very cranky, and slept for nearly 8 hours on a drive home from school vacation (very unusual for him.) I called his doctor on Monday morning and she said to stick it out a few days. See how he did at school, and with getting up in the morning. The last two days have been problem free. He is MUCH more agreeable than ever. He is less emotional (a good thing), less cranky. He is remembering all the things he should. Overall his behavior is better. We have tried many different medications and so far this is the most effective."

• con...
• November 30, 2011

Guanfacine for ADHD "My daughter did well at the 2mg dose of Intuniv for about 2 months, then they upped her to 3 mg and shortly after she went for a weekend visit and the medicines were not given to her. Monday morning she was dosed and around 9 am she fell asleep at school. The staff was unable to wake her. She was rushed to the ER where they found that her blood pressure was extremely low. She was taken off Intuniv. POINT OF STORY: If you miss doses, don't start back at the top dosage. Gradually reintroduce it to their systems from a lower dose."

• LEO...
• December 20, 2017

Guanfacine for ADHD "My child has Asperger's and ADHD combined. Today is day one for my six-year-old being on this medication: 1 mg 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 7:30 p.m. 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 teacher's desk) from 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. She tried to get him up several times, but he fell back to sleep. The pharmacist said it's normal for about 2 weeks. More to come..."

• Ins...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 14, 2013

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 not having 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 in dose to see if lower doses will help or not. If not, he will be putting me on another medication. I also tried not taking it for a couple of days, but it caused withdrawal symptoms at the end of day 2."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 7, 2021

Guanfacine for ADHD "I can personally say from taking this medication for 5 years I've been okay. I've experienced sleepiness, withdrawal effects, and more severe symptoms. I'm 18 years old 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-that's if I remember my old self."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2015

Guanfacine for ADHD "This medication has 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 of 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."

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2011

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is 11 with ADHD and APD and has tried all the ADHD medicines out there. We had trouble with mood swings, appetite, and overall inconsistent results. We started on the Intuniv in November 2010. He has stopped at the 2 mg level. It was hard at first, but his doctor encouraged us to do the full 12 weeks on the medication to see full results and it has been worth it. He has gained about 8 pounds and grew almost 3 inches. We give it to him between 4-7 pm before bed and with food. He still gets a little dizzy some days, but we also note that if he doesn't drink enough fluids, that seems to be more prevalent. Some of the early side effects we saw were sleepiness. A little caffeine in the afternoon helped. THIS is by far the best we have had with our son ever."

• mom...
• February 29, 2012

Guanfacine for ADHD "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."

• mom...
• February 29, 2012

Guanfacine for ADHD "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."

• yey...
• January 19, 2012

Guanfacine for ADHD "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."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "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)."

• Ply...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2024

For ADHD "This medication is absolutely amazing. Initially, it caused drowsiness, but once that side effect faded after a week, the benefits have been amazing. I have hyperactive and inattentive ADHD, and it has helped with almost all symptoms. My memory has improved, specifically working memory. I now have a good flow when I’m working without mental blanks. I also have much better impulse control. My emotional regulation has increased as well, I don’t get random depressive episodes anymore. I feel like I have been missing out on life because I should have been on this way earlier in my life. My brain fog and all aspects of life have improved."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 10, 2016

Guanfacine for ADHD "My 5-year-old son started off on the generic version for 2 weeks before switching to the Intuniv. He did OK on the generic Tenex (not an extended release), it just made him drowsy. The 1st day on the Intuniv (extended release), however, he was busy, could not sit still for nothing, and sleep was not on his mind. 2nd day, his Dr. told me to up the dose to 2 mg (b/c he had been taking 1 mg of the generic 2 weeks prior). My son was worse! He was worse than he was before he started any of the meds. Dr. took him off and put him back on the generic, 1 mg, no problems so far besides the drowsiness. Generic, $60 some bucks, Intuniv $300. Surprised the cheapest works better!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2022

For ADHD "Day 1 of guanfacine: chatting in my brain was gone within 2 hours of the first dose. It was quiet for the first time ever. Day 2: was rough. Felt my brain was not able to retain anything I read. Felt as though I had a gap in the center of my forehead and my left and right hemispheres were slowly coming together. Drowsiness/brain fog. Day 3: felt the gap shrink and felt clearer thinking. Less brain fog. Day 4: I could take in more information at once and process it faster. I’m usually a slow reader, but now I am reading more quickly and retaining more. I’m able to recall more. I have noticed my emotions are not in check. I’m not as emotionally reactive. I feel more logical than emotional. I feel as though I’m a better critical thinker. If your doctor recommends this medication, give it a try and wait it out a bit before stopping. I almost stopped it on day 2, and each day got better after it. I have always felt I was different since childhood and know at 36 I know why."

• Lor...
• September 26, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is 12 and was on Focalin for about 3 years. It worked OK, but he had problems with appetite, irritability, and mood swings. This summer we started him on Intuniv and completely dropped Focalin. The behavior and personality are great now. He is the sweetest boy when on Intuniv. He grew 3 inches in 3 months and gained weight (which is great for him!). However, huge side effects are sleepiness, tiredness, and headaches (which he never had before). School work or homework remains undone. We have issues at school where teachers are complaining that he just does not care about anything and does not participate in class. We have huge issues with completing homework. I am very frustrated."

• Anonymous
• September 18, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "My seven-year-old son has been on Intuniv for three weeks now. His behavior at school and home is finally starting to improve. He is much more focused and less irritable. Although at the end of week one and the beginning of week two of this medicine, he was very cranky and irritable. He is sleepy in the afternoons, but he also takes Clonidine along with this medicine, which also makes him sleepy. So I hope the sleepiness improves. He has started the last week having severe stomach pain. He gets up many times in the night saying his tummy feels funny, and he gets some diarrhea in the night. He also has a harder time staying asleep at night, which is new. Hoping the stomach pain stops so we can continue the medicines, as I feel they are helping him."

• Lis...
• February 11, 2018

For ADHD "I've been taking this medication twice a day, 1 mg, for 9 days. I have never felt more depressed, agitated, and scatterbrained, and the worst tired all day, severe drowsiness. This medication has affected my marriage and relationship with my son. I'm so lethargic and sad. I'm stopping this medication at this moment, I have a gut instinct I'll end up in a psychiatric ward if I don't. I hate this medication."

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "My six-year-old son has been on Intuniv for 6 months. He has had an improvement in mood, attention, and hyperactivity. However, he is tired in the afternoons, and it is hard for him not to fall asleep due to how drowsy he is."

• Rea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2022

Guanfacine for High Blood Pressure "I took 3 mg total over 3 days. Side effects started immediately. By day 3, I couldn’t understand speech, I was having trouble with walking, breathing, and I was extremely sleepy and very confused. My vision was changed. I have constant headaches. That was in 2019. It is now 2022. With the assistance of a neurologist, I manage symptoms but will be fighting this my whole life. I had to increase my level of care to a neurologist, out of state, at a specialty center. I wish that I had never taken it. Obviously, my problems are unique, and others will be successful in taking it."

• Kyl...
• May 4, 2020

For ADHD "I am supposed to give guanfacine to my child twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. When I give him the morning dose, he immediately falls asleep, and he sleeps the entire day. It would be better off as a sleep aid. I would not recommend this medication."