About Intuniv: Larry Silver, M.D., the author of Dr. Larry Silver's Advice to Parents on AD/HD explained that Intuniv is an "extended-release formulation of the high-blood pressure medication guanfacine (sold for hypertension under the brand name Tenex)." According to Dr. Silver, in the past Intuniv was prescribed "off-label" to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Read Dr. Silver's expert opinion on prescribing Intuniv to treat ADHD.
Patient Information: Intuniv may not be effective for children under the ages of 6, adults, or after nine weeks of use.
According to Intinuv's patient information sheet, you should notify your doctor if you:
• have heart problems or a low heart rate
• have fainted
• have low blood pressure
• have liver or kidney problems
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
How to Take Intuniv
• Intuniv should be taken 1 time a day.
• Intuniv should be swallowed whole with a small amount of water, milk, or other liquid.
• Do not take Intuniv with a high-fat meal.
Side Effects of Intuniv Include:
• low blood pressure
• low heart rate
• fainting
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• drowsiness
The most common side effects of Intuniv include: • sleepiness
• drowsiness
• low blood pressure
• headache
• nausea
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• irritability
• constipation
• not hungry (decreased appetite)
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Head to the ADDitude forums to read reviews of Intuniv and to discuss side effects.
