Guanfacine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 8, 2013

Guanfacine for ADHD "I am 39 and have dealt with my ADD for all my life. May of 2012, the Dr. started me out on 1 mg. After a week, I could tell a difference. Like a filing cabinet in my brain. However, I was VERY tired. So I decided to take it at night. (I've always had a hard time shutting my brain off to sleep). Next week she upped me to 2 mg. After a few days, I started to notice I focus more...GREAT!! and I was sleeping better!! She then put me on 3 mg. I couldn't tolerate it! I started getting hot flashes and thought I was going to pass out! I couldn't sit out in the sun, I had to stay in. So she lowered me back to 2 mg. A year later and it's the best decision I have ever made. My brain is calm, I am focused and sleep like a bear!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2012

Guanfacine for ADHD "The first few days on 1 mg in the morning, he was so tired in the afternoon, but by the 5th day he was doing better. At 2 mg, it started over but never faded. After 3 weeks, the Dr. suggested taking it at night, but it was no better. He would fall asleep on his desk after lunch, in the car or on the couch after school, and just completely lost his personality. He was calm and could focus better, but he never laughed, was never silly, barely played, it was awful. We tried going back to 1 mg but had more trouble focusing again, so we tried 1mg in the morning and 1 in the evening. But he was still a little zombie. So we gave up. I'd rather have him bouncing off the walls than too tired to laugh and play."

• AFe...
• September 6, 2013

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, and like most parents, I refused to believe that anything was 'wrong' with my son. After research, I decided against medication because of the TERRIBLE reviews and side effects... until I heard about Intuniv. It has been one of the BEST decisions that I have ever made. He still has his happy little personality and is still a rambunctious little boy, but he is able to sit in class without bouncing off the walls, and his grades have really improved. Like previous reviews, he was very tired and had headaches in the beginning, but as the Dr promised, that quickly faded. He is 8 now and will remind me if I forget to give it to him because he says that it makes him feel better, and he sleeps like a log."

• kma...
• October 8, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "It's has been a miracle. My son is 7 and on 1 mg for 8 weeks. He has PDD and ADHD. His impulsiveness and odd behavior last year was so bad that they took him out of the classroom and put him full time in an autistic support room. They pulled all academics from him and were just trying to finish the year without him hurting any other kids. It was bad. I was looking at outpatient facilities for him in case we barely made it through the year. In summer, we tried many medicines, all not effective. The last one was Intuniv. He was so tired for 3 weeks. Week 4 was when the miracle happened. His anger was gone, impulsiveness less. School started and things were great. He is back in the classroom. There have been no incidences of aggression. It has saved him."

• Bri...
• August 16, 2016

For ADHD "Truly a family-saving, life-saving medication. Our son had a near-psychotic reaction to stimulants when he was 10. He had been kicked out of 2 schools for 'not listening' behaviors and aggression. Didn't make sports teams because of his reputation of not listening and doing repetitive behaviors during practice. Our marriage was in trouble over handling him. Within a week of starting guanfacine 1 mg at bedtime, he was over the tiredness. We only had to make one upward dose adjustment, and again the tiredness went away after a couple of days. He became the kid we thought he was - insightful, thoughtful, and curious. He is a highly successful HS student now, an excellent athlete, and a leader both on the field and in the classroom."

• Lim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

Guanfacine for ADHD "I’ve been experiencing side effects that make my day-to-day life very difficult. I’m dizzy, I feel like my vision is blacking out when I walk, I’m extremely lethargic, and find myself sleeping all the time. I’ve been having stomach problems, a high heartbeat (and I thought Intuniv was supposed to subdue you), an extremely dry mouth, and so much anxiety. I haven’t even noticed any positive changes in my ability to focus since I’m constantly disoriented or asleep."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2019

Guanfacine for ADHD "I love Intuniv! It takes time to help with focus, but it started helping with my anxiety within the first week of taking it. I take it in the morning since I take clonidine at night to help me sleep. It made me tired at first, but that eventually went away. Definitely try clonidine and Intuniv if you respond poorly to stimulants!"

• Anonymous
• November 30, 2012

Guanfacine for ADHD "I'm ADHD, no H included. My 11-year-old daughter is also ADHD. Ritalin has always worked just fine for me, however, I decided to try Intuniv after my doctor prescribed it for my daughter, saying that it was better because it wasn't habit-forming and that it wasn't a stimulant. After 2 weeks of feeling extremely tired, I then began to have headaches, feel like I was going to collapse at any given moment, and couldn't even drive due to the extreme comatose state I felt I was in. My vision also became blurred, and I was very dizzy. I can see how this medication might benefit someone with ADHD as it lowers blood pressure and seems to slow the person down, but I don't recommend it for ADHD. It was a miserable nightmare! I took my daughter off it as well."

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2016

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is 14 and has Tourette's and ADHD. He was put on Intuniv, 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 1 mg and are now on 3 mg. It is my son's choice whether he wants to be on meds or not. He had chosen 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."

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

Guanfacine for ADHD "My 8-year-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 irritability, 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. Stimulants work best, but will try more behavioral therapy along with her current medication that helps, as Intuniv didn't help any behavior issues and being impulsive in my daughter."

• Par...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2019

For ADHD "We struggled with ADHD and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) since our son was around 3 years old (was not diagnosed until age 6-7). We used a supplement called RelaxMax, which worked well for the first year (2nd grade). When that stopped working, we started on guanfacine 1 mg (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 and seemed to fade. So we upped to 2 mg and had the same thing happen. Upped to 3 mg and was still having tiredness around 3-4 pm, so the doctor advised switching to dosing at night. Now everything is normal, and we've been on 3 mg for a few months now, and 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 doctor and trying different things with it because everyone is different. Don't give up if the first try doesn't work because it's so worth it when you figure out the right dose combined with other factors."

• Aus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2019

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 1 mg 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."

• Anonymous
• October 31, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "My son is 4 years old. I knew from a very young age he had ADHD because I see the same behaviors in my husband, and he was diagnosed as a child. It did take some getting used to. Like others have said, he was tired and emotional at first. He has been on Intuniv for about 6 months now, and I have seen great improvement. He has next to no aggression, he focuses a good bit better, but I still feel that could improve. Impulsive behavior is gone, he started caring about his actions and other people's feelings, and now he actually cares if he is in trouble. I am pleased, I feel like he is too young to try the heavier alternatives, and for us, we are happy with how he is doing."

• Van...
• April 14, 2017

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 Guanfacine 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."

• lio...
• July 31, 2016

Guanfacine for ADHD "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!"

• lio...
• July 31, 2016

Guanfacine for ADHD "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!"

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

Guanfacine for ADHD "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."

• hop...
• December 11, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "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."

• 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."

• Air...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 8, 2017

Guanfacine for ADHD "I've been on Intuniv for about 10 months, and I am in high school. Intuniv has been working for me. I mean, the first few months I was really tired and was falling asleep in band class. But it has been working, I am not as tired anymore, but I get dizzy whenever I stand up, no matter how slow I stand up or drink water. I have been getting really mad lately, though. My mom won't let me change my meds, any ideas?"

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2022

For ADHD "I’ve been on 1 mg Intuniv for adult ADHD and hypertension (which is caused by anxiety surges) for 8 days. I’ve tried most other things and was a little bit afraid of this when I read some of the reviews. I have to tell you, I cannot believe how much better I feel even after such a short time - my mind is quiet and I feel calm - this is a very low dose and usually only used for children, but OMG for me, it’s amazing. I’m so glad I tried it. It’s supposed to make people have hypotension and feel tired, but for me, who is completely hyper at all times and never tired, that has not been the case - I feel normal, and it’s been years since I’ve been able to say that!"

• DX-...
• May 6, 2010

Guanfacine for ADHD "I am a 33-year-old female. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 10 years old. I have been on all the older ADD medicines: Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Focalin. This is my third week on Intuniv. I started on the 3 mg dose last night. I can hardly get up in the morning. I am so tired at work. When I get home, all I want to do is sleep. I am also so cranky. I am also noticing that I am having the famous 'ADD stare' often. I haven't had that in years. I started this medicine because the Concerta 72 mg I take every morning at 7 am is wearing off at 1 pm."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2020

For ADHD "I have taken many medications like Mirtazapine, Abilify, Klonopin, propranolol, and Vyvanse, and none of them have had side effects close to guanfacine. I’m not a doctor, but I can tell you guanfacine was the worst one by far. My doctor increased my dose from 1 mg to 4 mg after every week. I am an 18-year-old healthy male, and I can tell you this medication had horrible side effects. I felt like a zombie, was constantly tired, had trouble remembering the simplest of tasks, and avoided everyone I was around. This is not how everyone reacts to the drug, but I would just be careful and watch how it affects your body."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2017

For ADHD "I am a 24-year-old male with ADHD, high-functioning ADD, as well as impulse control issues. I've only been on this medication for a few weeks now, but I can feel a strong difference in my ability to make decisions and keep a steady train of focus in everyday tasks. I am noticing, however, from these other experiences, that Guanfacine ER is not a medication for young children. I take 1 mg every morning when I wake up. It makes me a tad tired for the first hour or so, but after that, if I make my mind up to do something, I stick with it. I don't feel like I have no control over myself anymore. I highly recommend this more to adults 20-30. It seems to be more effective in that age range. But then again, I'm not a doctor."