Dr. Byrne Talks About a Nonstimulant Medication for ADHD: Guanfacine

Today Dr. Byrne talks about a non-stimulant drug that helps treat ADD/ADHD. You can reach out with more questions or to schedule an appointment at www.Cognitive-Psychiatry.com or 919-636-5240.

[@andrewjordan3518]

I take this medication for ADHD along with some stimulants. a wonderful drug. It counter balances the blood pressure effects of the stimulants, as well as the anxiety they may bring as well. For me, it seems to slow my body down just a notch which helps me to be more aware and focused. In the past I did have some issues with it making me very tired, and some minor drips in libido. But after a slight reduction in dosage I was fine. When I miss a dose I notice that I do get agitated, and even a bit manic. I feel that turnaround could almost be classified as an anxiety, depression, blood pressure, and focus medication. The fact that it can help balance blood pressure when taken with stimulants makes me think that this should almost be prescribed anytime stimulants are involved. Without it, I would feel like a tweeker. With it, I feel like a productive and balanced person.

[@andrewjordan3518]

@@christophersurnname9967 I am currently 31. I am allergic to amphetamine salts so I don't take those. I take an extended release Ritalin and a wonderful fast acting dexmethylphenidate, along with the guanfacine as well as some vitamins for a folate genetic disorder. If your medications are correct then I don't feel that taking a drug vacation is a good idea. The medications should be taken everyday. If you need to take time off from the meds, then your dosages may be wrong. Consider looking into b12 vitamins, and make sure you don't have a folate issue such as MTHFR gene mutation (common in those with ADHD or Depression)

[@Gumbrases]

does the exact opposite for me made living unberebale

[@saratogawinner934]

@@christophersurnname9967 ive been on Adderall for many years and I've basically just accepted that, at least for me, the only way to overcome the side-effects that seem to build up over the weeks is just to take a break every few days. That said.. Guanfacine seems to help a LOT.

[@mariocc3472]

My I ask what are those side effects that build up over time for you when on stimulants? I'm currently taking Elvanse (Vyvanse), and am also feeling a bit off after taking it for a few weeks.

[@picashlio3361]

​@MarioC for me if I take my Adderall everyday it makes me anxious and sometimes grouchy and shaky.

[@saratogawinner934]

I have been on Adderall XR for years and it works great for the raw, down-to-the-grind energy and focus, but the side-effects, specifically the classic stimulant jitters, restlessness, and racy brain, anxiety, etc are sometimes just too much and began being more powerful than the benefit. I mentioned my psychiatrist that I had seen KZbin videos and heard podcasts of psychiatrists discussing Intuniv and I said I wanted to try adding it. She agreed. It's only been a few days but within the first day, I knew I was onto something. So far, I am finding the focus aspect is hugely helped, and the feeling of kind of "jumping out of my skin" is much improved, even in the first few days. The only surprising thing to all of this is the fact that I had never even heard of guanfacine until just a few weeks ago. There's not a lot of info on it, but it seems many adults who combine it with stimulants have great, even life changing results.

[@haydengaines5445]

When do you take your guanfacine dose?

[@saratogawinner934]

@@haydengaines5445 I take it first thing in the morning. I work early shifts, so like 3-4am, when I get up.

[@saratogawinner934]

@@haydengaines5445 I should add that I am now stable on 3mg, it's been about 6 weeks and WOW, I am no doubt the best I have ever been in my entire life. I am sleeping better, more calm throughout the day, and the Adderall seems to be significantly enhanced (in a good way). One dose of Adderall IR in the morning seems to last virtually the whole day and I do not have that CRASH. I can also seem to drink caffeine again without getting really uncomfortable and edgey. I think this is all related to the guanfacine's ability to help 'clamp down' the sympathetic nervous system. I just feel more 'in control', less reactive. Like the Adderall helps me with energy and motivation, but the guanfacine seems to be really helping just keeping me in check and grounded. It wasn't until week 4-5 where I began to notice it really helping with overall focus and productivity. My ability to plan, organize, and follow-thru with tasks is greatly improved. I should also mention that my overall resting heart rate is about 8-10bpm lower, too. Which is pretty profound, and a good thing. My Fitbit cardio score went up 6pts lol. Best of luck. Guanfacine is a fascinating drug. Glad I found out about it and mentioned it to my doc.

[@bryanutility9609]

If someone has trouble sleeping from adderall would this help sleep before bed? Or is it stimulating?

[@jodyslifetipschannel9684]

Gah, it's so hard to find a doc that actually *knows* this stuff and is willing to help! Bouncing around to psychiatrists who just give me a max dose of adderall because "that's the only thing that really works" and then tell me that I just need to modify my behaviour.... like, that's what I'm trying to do! Thank you for putting these videos out there. I'm actually making a playlist to share with my PCP so she can hopefully get past the "nothing but adderall works, just up the dosage" mindset! So tired of having to choose between study and ever sleeping.

[@ignorethis214]

Yeah. Most psychiatrists I've met have a 'one size fits all', especially family practitioners who don't specialize. I have tiks after being on riddalin as a kid, and tried to make it clear I wanted a nonstimulent to ensure they didn't get worse. They offered me a nonstimulent, but I found out today that wellbutrin (or whatever its called) increases the severity of tiks. One size fits all doesn't work for this type of medicine.

[@CertifiedBoogeyman1601]

Seek treatment at the nearest medical school or office that might be affiliated with a medical school.

[@XX-uf8ub]

I read a description about guanfacine improving the strength of neural connectivity within the prefrontal cortex. I've been taking stimulants for years and they're essential for me but I've always "wished for" some other drug that could ...I just vaguely thought of it as "completing the connection" that the stimulant activates but the "signal" is not clear and solid...if that makes any sense to someone reading this...adding 2mg intuniv generic 10mg of dextroamphetamine daily was like finding a missing piece of my brain I somehow lost in my 50's...I'm 64 now...possibly the effects of traumatic experiences and/or long term effects of a very minor TIA stroke 9 years ago ...it's easily been 10 years since that "lost connectivity" seemed gone forever ...it took about 3 weeks of feeling sedated and dull and sick to my stomach to notice any positive result...I just started noticing that things were changing for the better in my home, getting organized and thinking ahead about what I want to do...now it's been over 2 months and no more sedation or sick feeling while my thinking is clear and I feel optimistic and enabled rather than disabled...I think it may be a hit or miss drug for different people but it hit my target dead on ...I won't but I could cry. I guess I've sort of missed me being in my life.

[@isaquec]

Thanks for sharing your story of resilience and hope!

[@laubowiebass]

Thanks for sharing . I liked Guanfacine but it may lower by blood pressure more than I need it .

[@jamesallengraziano6563]

so happy you were able to get that back again!!!

[@legaldocs3247]

Thanks for sharing this. Im always on the lookout for ADHD treatments. If you think guanfacine is good, you should look into and maybe try a natural treatment that wakes up the prefrontal cortex called Dihexa. Its a peptide and was sold OTC but is being restricted because the Pharma industry is trying to patent it. Its used for adhd, it stops dementia progression and parkinsons disease dead in its tracks. Body builders also abuse it to brake their plateaus, since it can make you physically stronger in higher doses. I use it and its not stimulatory. Its out of your system in 1 day. It wakes up the sleeping brain and gives you empathy, personality, highly improved speech, planning, strategy, emotional processing, problem solving, control while increasing orderliness and completely eliminating impulsivity. It basically gives you back all of the executive functioning capability. Take it once and it has these effects. No waiting for weeks while it builds in your system. Taking it intra-nasally has an even faster effect as Dihexa easily crosses the BBB and avoids first bypass in the liver where some gets inactivated.

[@bryanutility9609]

What happens if you stop taking it? Withdrawal?

[@celenaG]

My 6 year old autistic/ADHD son is going to start this so thanks you for your video.

[@kandij.573]

My son is the same and about to start too

[@k.ambrosio602]

Same reason I was looking into this med. My son is almost 8 and was prescribed this. Hope it’s a smooth journey for you momma!

[@kimberlyfireinside]

Same here he's 7 just got diagnosed with ADHD and was diagnosed a little over three years ago with autism. I was very reluctant to start him on any kind of medication but was told this has the least side effects of them.

[@Emmie1223]

I’m a female and it makes me overly sensitive

[@gdot9046]

Can any of you give updates on the effect of intuniv?

[@Sereno44]

I wish I could make an appointment with you because psychiatrists down here do not know about ADHD as they should. Dr. Russell Barkey suggested that this medication could be good taking it in the night and a stimulant in the morning.

[@josecarlospires2325]

I love you Dr Bryne Merry Christmas

[@frickfrack7075]

I was diagnosed with adhd at a young age , however my mother didn't want to put me on any medications. I thought i grew out of it as I aged into an adult, but now at 32 my ADHD is so bad it's ruining my life. I became an addict in my teens succumbed to addiction until mid 20's. I react very well to adderall, except it makes my OCD symptoms worse. Vyvanse was basically the perfect drug for me, BUT now that I'm in active sobriety my dr (nor any other dr for that matter) will prescribe it to me. I was just prescribed this, tenex, and I had high hopes until I researched it lol kinda bummed out because I really hoped and wanted this to be a good option. I desperately need a good medication that I can take, within the realms of sober living.

[@oldmanhendo7183]

Mary Fowler so what’s wrong with it? Why didn’t you try it?

[@Burnerbaby]

It’s been a while since your comment, just wanted to say congrats on your sobriety! That’s great. Hope you found something that works for you.

[@alancohen810]

I'm in the axact same position, but I've been prescribed vyvanse but I want off it because I've started to abuse it

[@rm25088]

I am also an ex addict. I got put on vyvanse but i havent got it yet. Pharmacies are slow. I was never into uppers so I will give it a shot. I never abused my clonopin that I used to be on so I am hopeful.

[@Yippeekiyaymummy]

This is fantastic for sensory overload but boy does it blunt my emotions.

[@jeffjones3040]

Everything is a god damn trade-off, ain't it? We can't win for losing!

[@jeffjones3040]

@Michael Baggett ....Maybe? Ya never know. People are pretty different sometimes.

[@jessicavelez1331]

Did you gain weight on it

[@undercooked174]

Thank you for this comment I’m glad I’m not the only one. I’ve taken it for so long but I feel so empty inside with it so I’m working on lowering my dosage

[@whatisahandle221]

Sensory overload? Would you be able to clarify? (Eg which letter(s) might apply?) since taking it: a-you can handle more (longer or more frequent) sensory experience duration than before? or b-You can take more maximum intense sensory input in a setting than previously …before you get overloaded? or c-you have less intense meltdowns when you become overloaded? or d-you recover quicker or better (with more energy) after a sensory overload (meltdown)? Thanks in advance for any insight you can share. I hadn’t noticed the emotional blunting, but I haven’t been too in tune with my emotional awareness … but I actually vaguely recall that starting guafacine er coincided with a period of better exercise, increase sleep, some moderate to high external stress, less anxiety, and more … personal awareness. (Hard to say what was the medicine vs multiple life changes.)

[@Iamjuanzapata]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@carlost2103]

I feel like this medication has allowed me to not only focus and not have my mind wander, but it also regulates my emotions really well. I was taking dextroamphetamine and I felt like a zombie on it.

[@jessicavelez1331]

Are you still on it? Have you gained weight?

[@haydengaines5445]

When do you take your guanfacine dose?

[@Emmie1223]

@@haydengaines5445 😭 it makes me hypersensitive and everything around me is activated twice as much. And it’s hard to focus with every single noise JASJJDJDJD like that.

[@price724]

Extremely helpful…this drug makes me focus I journal and do math now

[@TheSleepingLionRoars]

Excellent Presentation.

[@bridgetteblueeyesandgoodvi3853]

Hmm I wanna know how they figured out this kind of medicine for blood pressure would help with ADHD..

[@tristenbeckham]

Intuniv also helps with Motor ticks !

[@danielmurray9820]

It looks like an interesting option which can also help , potentially, with other issues like misophonia (which I have personally suffered massively with not even knowing it was a specific “thing “ till recently) and RSD, which I gather also is very common as a co morbid condition to ADD It is great not to have to take it every day, like with stimulants, but it seems a bit confusing to see it taken before bed. Will it not have worn off by morning in this scenario and so be absent during the day when you need it most ? Thanks for you piece on this.

[@nilswallgren9640]

I really found your information helpful. I started treatment with 3 mg guanfacine 8 months ago. It really helps me without using stimulants and all their side effects. I will try a combo of lysdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) and guanfacine when I start university again and after that probably only use guanfacine if I can manage.

[@SewaNudeln]

Hello, how did it worked out implementing vyvanse?

[@laubowiebass]

Yes, same question !

[@jessicavelez1331]

@@laubowiebass are you on it? Trying to learn more

[@laubowiebass]

@@jessicavelez1331 i was on it for a few days . It lowered my blood a bit too much , but it is helpful . I thought it was a great combination with Vyvanse , but I have a friend that takes it as her only adhd med .

[@ediliamendez8225]

Very nice to know,thanks

[@sgough83]

How long do you give the medicine time to work or side effects before adjusting?

[@madgepickles]

I'm confused about the every day thing because other information I found was saying it's super important to not abruptly stop the medication because it can cause your blood pressure to raise sharply and quickly

[@ZigHorse]

How would you manage constipation as an effect of Guanfacine?

[@burburchacha]

when you said Guanfacine doesn't have to be taken every day, isn't that potentially dangerous? If you just stop taking it out of the blue, you could get sudden high blood pressure or a racing heart, unless you gradually cut back on the dosage?

[@rsantos627]

Concerta & Intuniv XR have been game changers for me. I started with Concerta. Big thing I noticed with the introduction of Intuniv (taken before bed) is I have deeper sleeps & the bonus is I don't need as much sleep. Before I would sleep until 10 am - noon now I wake up at 8 am - 9 am. Normal time for me to fall asleep is 2 am. Nothing seems to change when I fall asleep. Came across the condition called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. Seems to fit. I have an Rx for cannabis to aid in falling asleep a little earlier or to increase appetite. I don't use it during the day. I just eat small amounts until the evening when the Concerta wears off and then eat more. I have a fast metabolism. Not worried about weight gain eating most of my calories in the evening. I don't find CBD does anything for me.

[@Max33999]

Pros: Non stimulant Treat high blood pressure Can help with anxiety Can’t be abused Cons: Not approved for adults Sedation Dizziness

[@jonnytodd7045]

Thanks for the informative video. Do you know if Guanfacine can help with inattention, maintaining focus and executive function? I have inattentive ADHD and hyperactivity/restlessness are not such a problem for me. Thanks

[@bryanutility9609]

Any luck?

[@alinafhussain05]

Is depression/fits a side affect of guanfacine?

[@nathansteele1533]

Pins and needles in arms and feeling swollen too. Wrists, joint soreness.

[@AnGhaeilge]

I have long QT interval so I can't take stimulants. This seems like a viable option.

[@michelevanhulse9339]

Can guanfacine help tic-related OCD?

[@Smashachu]

There has been so many credible study's done, that have proven the exact opposite, stimulant medication reduces ADHD's increased addiction rate's to drugs and alcohol. By both slowing down the lymbix system, and increasing executive function, you're able to act less impulsively and think clearer about your actions.

[@doomknocker]

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I heard this too from someone else, but i haven't seen any evidence. can you link a credible study?

[@PaddyMacNasty]

There are other factors that can cause you to become an addict other than having ADHD and you can get high off of stimulants. So while for most people stimulants will help get the self control that they may have lacked before, other people may find it's just another thing to abuse. It can also make your symptoms worse if you take too much, which you are if you're getting high, meaning you have less self control meaning you're even more likely to abuse the drug.

[@thevisi0naryy]

There are several different types of adhd aside from limbic adhd.

[@Smashachu]

It's dr Russel Barley, professor of psychiatry at the university of south carolina who specializes in ADHD. He quoted a study in one of his presentations called: This is how you treat ADHD based off science, Dr Russell Barkley

[@johnmccoy9117]

but it is more habit forming than marijuana! a "a schedule 1" drug? whats up with that?

[@vaskylark]

Should I worry that my 10 year boy's doctor prescribed guanficane ER and only guanficane for adhd so far as blood pressure? He has normal BP and this is first time he's tried medication. She wanted to try adderal but said you can't get it anymore so she tried this med instead. He took it today and looked semi-drunk and said it made him tired. I looked up what it's supposed to help and it hits all of his issues so we are going to try it but I'd be interested to know if I should worry about drops in BP and also what does it do to weight? He already tends to overeat and is a little chubby but not fat by any means. Does it have appetite supressant side effect or will it cause rapid weight gain? If anyone has experience I'd be interested to know. He just started taking it and I've already decided to give it to him at night.

[@briannahdesiree]

My neurologist prescribed me with this for my Tourette’s

[@titianarasputin]

Only habit forming if taken at abusive doses.

[@willywonka2164]

My child’s psychiatrist recommended this for our 8yo autistic child. I’m scared to give our child drugs. Any thoughts?

[@StefanOJacare]

I take this for my HyperPOTS. My body makes too much noradrenaline when standing

[@jazmyneeerammirez7661]

I just started taking this and I feel drowsy all the time but I have trouble sleeping at night

[@morrisonconwright]

Then take it at night

[@onebadhombre7158]

Are you taking IR or ER?

[@profoundmethods7330]

Take me at night and you will sleep fine ✨

[@tatonick]

This video told almost nothing about guanfacine

[@marceline5948]

So, I take this along with Vyvanse. Is the combination okay?

[@alanparedes2034]

Yes. It's okay. What's not okay is that you start every sentence with so. Stop it.

[@frickfrack7075]

@@alanparedes2034 so screw off with your opinions on how someone wants to use their language.

[@virathiyam5401]

Hello good doc, thanks for the info. Liked and Subscribed. Qs. Given that stimulant options for ADHD exacerbates OCD symptoms in patients with both, do you think Guanfacine is a good option for those with the comorbidity? Also, do you know of some other alternative combos to treat the comorbidity? Thanks.

[@frickfrack7075]

I've noticed that big time with stimulant medication used for adhd . If I take adderall im functioning perfectly on all but one cylinder, and that cylinder is where my OCD lies. Its too much for me to handle, and I can't take it. It sucks too because otherwise it'd be a perfect solution for me.

[@aguy559]

I have the exact same problem with Ritalin.

[@aguy559]

@@frickfrack7075 Same with me, but with Ritalin. And yes, it is a shame, because in some ways, Ritalin is VERY helpful.

[@frickfrack7075]

@@aguy559 it really sucks. Even at low doses. In fact, at lower doses, the ocd is worse while the adhd is unaffected.

[@aguy559]

@@frickfrack7075 So you’re currently un-medicated?

[@LoveLife-gv8jg]

My Doctor said that my son is supposed to take it everyday

[@ispaml2r2jacobson65]

I've struggled with addarall addiction

[@christophersurnname9967]

Were you abusing it? I find that it’s not addictive at all. I feel fine when I don’t take it, just don’t feel like a total boss like when I do take it. Don’t get withdrawals of any kind and even though I would prefer to take it than not, I don’t get cravings as such or feel like a mess. I take pretty high dosages too (within therapeutic range tho)

[@NoelleMar]

@@christophersurnname9967 it sounds as though it really depends on the individual. Some never become “dependent”. Some do, but they’re fine if they go off slowly, though they will have withdrawal if they don’t. Some do get addicted.

[@Bluelightcheaphotel]

I don’t take meds for my ADD. My cousin does and he’s struggled with attention forever. He says the meds help but I can’t say for sure. His mom - my aunt - says she can see a difference but she’s had her own problems. She was born prematurely and had vision problems. I remember when she had to wear big Ray Charles glasses to help with astigmatism. They looked funny but I thought Ray was cool so I thought she was cool. Reminded me of my teacher who was a shop teacher who had sunglasses-he drove a motorcycle. I could never drive one though, but thought Sturgis would be cool. It gets kind of wild but it would be a cool experience!! I’d just have to stay a motel away from the crazies lol. But I don’t know about meds

[@TBone4983]

Bro this comment was all over the place... might want to look into meds, honestly.

[@samppw]

@@TBone4983 lol yea

[@bigdaddypapajohn1293]

This was quite the read lol

[@Humbledone.]

This sounds like me haha,brilliant 😂😂😂😂

[@matthewatwood8641]

Meds are b*******. I think you can see that. Your comment sounds genuine and much more reflective of the reality I've experienced all my life. I was on Ritalin when I was a teenager, and now my daughter, who is only eight, is on guanfacine. It slows down her heart. It can't be good for her in the long run, I know that. I'm trying to find some kind of real information about it but all I can find is pharmaceutical propaganda.

[@cdouglas9962]

I"m currently building up to a 3-4 mg dose, and presently at 2 mg. I'm seeing some excellent results, but the side effects are somewhat disappointing. Im going to talk to my doctor about the feasibility of adding a supplemental stimulant drug to keep my eyes open., (btw, taking this for adhd/ptsd).

[@K.McCauley714]

Tenex/Guanfacine was prescribed to my 7yr old today by the pediatrician....I'm really nervous :(

[@cdouglas9962]

Kas W I think the guanfacine is relatively harmless to me. Some good results for the motor adhd issues. Makes me sleepy and dry mouth though.

[@cdouglas9962]

Turns out the stimulant supplement freaked me out so dropped it. Limited but good results to the guanfacine for some motor issues. Seeking out a specialist for the ptsd as its apparent now that it is the underlying "parent" of the adhd symptoms.

[@K.McCauley714]

:( aint it something that it's always linked to something else...like fighting 2 dragons at the same time. I'm nervous because my son is so young, paranoid on the effects

[@agaragar21]

Hi Dude, I had very severe problems with sedation, took a micro dose (25mg) of Modafinil in the morning, first thing, that REALLY helped! Didn't totally solved the problem, but when I'm not working, I can actually take the Intuniv and have reasonably good impulse control.

[@paulsilva7869]

if guanfacine doesn't work in two weeks of taking them what should I do

[@shannawallace7855]

Talk to your doctor

[@Darthflips]

Nothing works better than stimulants. I also like the option of not taking the medicine on my days off.

[@rm25088]

Yeah I don't want to take a blood pressure medicine. They first mentioned clonidine for me but I told them no. I am already exhausted enough. I am very fatigue so I think that would be the last thing I want.

[@barberj1945]

What if I'm not hyperactive but more of the opposite shy,unable to pay attention, read a book and dnt have a clue what I just read.i dealt with these symptoms my whole life and just now started getting anxiety in my 20s. I was always prescribed depressants rather then medication for A.D.D . Always had bad side effects and discontinued them.

[@agaragar21]

Hi, I have the same problems , not being able to sync into the present reality around me. Couldn't handle taking the stimulants . But amazingly I did find taking micro doses of Provigil in the mornings kind of woke up my brain into the present. I take only 25 mg of Provivgil (modafinil) and then take a break on weekends and take a 10 day break every three months good luck

[@MasinaTai86]

Look into ASD also, maybe you have this also or instead. ADHD is on the same spectrum.

[@helloworldy]

Maybe ADD

[@andrewjordan3518]

This medication with a stimulant is wonderful. They balance each other out. It may take time to get used to the sedation. Alcohol will cause the sedation to happen very fast, so avoid it. (Or chug a beer when your ready to sleep)

[@Enjoytheshow435]

agaragar21 That’s exactly what I do. 1/4 of modafinil works magic. Does the effect stay with you the whole day or it’s just me because I have very sensitive nervous system?

[@Jakereisman11111]

I take this medicine. when I'm off of it for just one day I get withdrawals like crazy.

[@genkishooto]

J. Reis usually rebound hypertension of course worse in clonidine. Talk to provide about weaning

[@andrewjordan3518]

I've never had withdrawal but I do tend to get agitated when I miss a dose.

[@bob.ross330]

I’ve been taking guanfacine for about 10 years. About a year ago, for whatever reason I couldn’t get a refill and ran out of pills. I’ve gone a day without guanfacine before, and it’s awful. After 2 days of not having guanfacine, I had someone take me to the ER because of the withdrawals. It was terrifying. My heart was pounding, which is saying something because I drank much less caffeine during those two days than I normally did at the time (I had a really bad energy drink habit). My skin felt like it was crawling, and I got chills and cold sweats. I could not think. I finally asked someone to take me to the hospital after I started having a little chest pain. Thankfully the ER wrote me a refill but it was a very scary couple days.

[@natesenft5376]

Matt Juskiw that happens to me too after a day of not taking it, I thought it was just normal and that’s how hdhd was because I had been taking the medication for as long as I cold remember. I’m always unmotivated and tell myself I’m gonna do something but then don’t. Idk if that’s a side affect but I’ve talked to other people with adhd and they have the same problem. So I’m thinking either that is a symptom of adhd that this is not good at reducing or that is a side affect of quanfacine. Whenever I don’t take it for a day I get all hot feeling and shaky and sweat even when I’m not hot

[@natesenft5376]

Matt Juskiw also I live in Ohio too, weather really do be like that

[@zulenkapalma2195]

hi dr my 3 year old seems like he is showing signs of add will he be able to take this?? medication guanfacine

[@willywonka2164]

It’s too soon to know if your kid has ADD. Give it some time to see how it pans out.

[@jasoncorpel9088]

I need 2 talk 2 you

[@janezzitaaacali5787]

They prescribed my 10 yr old daughter to help her sleep is it safe?? I don’t want her body to ask for it all the time 🥺

[@ericalanevans]

Well, I’m not a doctor or psychiatrist, but she did mention that it isn’t a controlled substance, therefore it’s not addictive in regards to constantly wanting it. It has a very high success and safety rate. I can guarantee your daughter will be safe! But always reach out to your doctors or pharmacist for any additional information you may need to acquire.

[@patrickborden945]

My step beother takes it hes 6 and now im going on it because i cant sleep

[@ss4kaioken295]

I was given this for my tourettes and it never helped

[@FluentInMuse]

Any weight gain associated with 1mg Tenex?

[@agaragar21]

Yes, I gained 2 lbs every month i was on it. but then discontinued it, couldn't stand the sedation, and lost the weight quickly

[@robotnutz3601]

I took this for a few days and hated the brain fog... back to the good ol stimulants I guess.

[@genkishooto]

Robot Nutz wait two weeks...

[@andrewjordan3518]

The sedative effects are strong at first but in time its not as bad. Also, I feel that this medication should be taken alongside stimulants, not replace them.

[@Gumbrases]

@@genkishooto yeah then the side effects will worsen and u'll get withdrawl symptomes good advice

[@bryanutility9609]

Does it help sleep if taken at night?

[@sgough83]

Yes

[@thatfunnyguybrandon8765]

I take 3mg of Guanfacine, it gives me a groggy feeling most mornings after I wake. My temper since I started has been rapidly getting worse, I hate how I've been over reacting over tiny things. My dr says this is normal because people with adhd typically withhold their feelings and blah blah. But I hate this piece of shit feeling I get, i apologize once I've finally cooled off because i know i have over reacted. I realize it while its happening but I'm so pissed in the moment I could give af about anything but remaining pissed. I just cant help it and I've been trying to cope.. I almost want to stop taking it entirely but I have noticed it helping slightly with my spiratic thinking and anxiety. But idk if this is the trade off I want.

[@alexistrevino8755]

Question did you ever gain weight taking the medication bc I barley started taking it and just curious about this one thing

[@thatfunnyguybrandon8765]

@@alexistrevino8755 I want to say yes a bit but it didnt last too long because i was also was started on adderall a month or so after I started the guanfacine.

[@vaykoden793]

@@thatfunnyguybrandon8765 How does Adderall with Guanfacine make you feel? I have adhd and pretty bad anxiety so I might get Guanfacine with a stimulant.

[@corymodzeleski7191]

I have Schizoaffective Disoeder depressive type, my psychiatrist just gave me this medication for anxiety. I hope this helps. I'm on day 3 of it.

[@corymodzeleski7191]

@@ozoz9390 really good actually!

[@corymodzeleski7191]

@@ozoz9390 right yeah it is very unusual but it's working.

[@corymodzeleski7191]

@@ozoz9390 what else exactly do you wanna know about it?

[@corymodzeleski7191]

@sou só um coala hello friend! Yes, I am still on it to this day, now 3 times a day instead of only 2. There are no bad side effects from it and it has my anxiety and paranoia under control.

[@corymodzeleski7191]

@sou só um coala thank you so much friend!!

[@azurretown]

Can you exercise on this medication?

[@andrewjordan3518]

When I began taking the medication it made me go very slow walking up stairs. My blood pressure couldn't keep up with quick movements. I would recommend exercising in the morning before taking this med, or later in the day before taking the night time dose.

[@LoveLife-gv8jg]

My son's pediatrician did a mouth swab and determined that NONE of the stimulant medications would help my son. She is suggesting Straterra or intuniv. Have you heard of this before? Why would none of the stimulants be good for his particular chemistry?

[@i_GARTYx]

@@LoveLife-gv8jg I’m no expert but ADHD assistant and have it also. I would say this is phoney but there’s kind of a new wave of genetic stuff just landing where they try and identify genes as a predictor of certain issues in the brain and therefore kind of tailor someone’s treatment based on their genes so that’s the only thing I know that that could be related to but I defo wouldn’t say this is in practice yet or reliable yet. Plus I don’t think a paediatrician knows enough on ADHD, even psychiatrists probably won’t have heard of this. I’d personally recommend trialling Strattera first as it’s a non stimulant- affects appetite significantly less (important for growth and development to eat well) also it affects sleep less, less sort of addictive qualities to it. Typically stimulants are the first line of treatment but perhaps seeing as it’s a child what’s the harm in trying non stimulant first. There’s a very high chance stimulants will make it real difficult for your kid to eat, could also become a bit anxious, jittery which is fairly common Side effect. Strattera does act secondarily on dopamine mostly in prefrontal cortex so it’s not exclusively norepinephrine based. It really is a process of trial and error but I definately encourage you to medicate your child it could hugely improve their life and he/she will be very grateful further down the line, hope this helped a bit and good luck 👍🏼

[@i_GARTYx]

@@LoveLife-gv8jg so I checked and it is a thing to do with genetic info and can indicate he’d respond best to certain meds, not sure this is in UK much yet. So all it would be is that research has shown that the particular genes your son has respond more often to those medications as opposed to stimulants, all statistically based, no harm in trying stimulants in future though if the others don’t work

[@shannawallace7855]

​@@LoveLife-gv8jgthey check the genes associated with different enzymes. These enzymes are involved in metabolizing drugs. basically, the amount of enzyme a person's body produces can affect how effective a drug is for them as well as their likelihood of side effects. So if your doctor can see that your son is likely to be a poor metabolizer of stimulants, they will probably want to start with non-stimulants first. Though some people are still able to take stimulants successfully despite not being ideal metabolizers. For example if they metabolize the drug too fast, they may take repeat doses throughout the day to mitigate that.

[@velez5169]

So are they like drugs

[@gilbertodelavega359]

I took Guandacine and I started losing my hair.... so yeah it can have some pretty bad side effects...

[@andrewjordan3518]

How certain are you that it was the medication that was doing this? Hair loss seems like a very odd side effect.

[@jdc4316]

Andrew Jordan right? Guanfacine is the safest adhd medication, this guy is off his heed.

[@jdc4316]

Shawnee Scorpion indeed

[@gilbertodelavega359]

@Shawnee Scorpion nah it started growing back after i stopped taking it

[@Bleedinggum]

Gilberto De La Vega must be your pubes.

[@infernalstan886]

Non-habit forming? How is this the case when abruptly stopping it leads to withdrawl-like symptoms?

[@duckscitomaster1308]

ayo adderall xr and guanfacine checkkk

[@Cozmonimbus]

This was what I did a few months ago. I had basically an insatiable urge to completely crash to sleep in the afternoon, even with the Adderall XR 10mg (intuniv 2mg) - it was the weirdest feeling like alien machine elves were demanding that I sleep. At work. Going to try the Tenex 1mg (immediate release) and hoping for the best. Hoping my blood pressure doesn't dip too much.

[@squallded7244]

Is adderall better than guanfacine

[@bettycuba55]

do not take this if you do not want to be really sick!!

[@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457]

That's just your experience..not others

[@bettycuba55]

@@paulharrisonadventuregearm5457 may be I safe others

[@nenadcubric2663]

Clonidine is better

[@theskimaskboy]

Only fans???