|
Guanfacine
Brand Name: Tenex
Overview
Tenex is the brand name for Guanfacine,
an antihypertensive medication. It is usually used to treat
high blood pressure (hypertension) but is also sometimes used
in the treatment of ADHD, as an alternative to stimulant medications.
When used for this purpose, it seems to decrease hyperactivity,
but it does not usually increase attention span. This drug
may be especially useful in children who have both ADHD and
conduct disorder.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Tenex is used to treat:
- ADHD
(not FDA approved, but generally accepted)
- mild
to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension)
- heroin
withdrawal (not FDA approved)
- certain
problems in difficult pregnancies
- sleep
disorders
Warnings
The
safety and effectiveness of Tenex has not been well studied
in children under 12 years old, and it is not FDA approved
for used below this age.
Tenex
is not likely to cause dependence, but suddenly discontinuing
Tenex may cause withdrawal symptoms. Doses should be gradually
tapered when therapy is discontinued.
Tenex
may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should not drive
or operate heavy machinery until they know that Tenex does
not interfere with the ability to safely engage in such activities.
For Pregnant
or Nursing Mothers: In animal studies, Tenex did not cause
birth defects in rats or rabbits. Tenex is unlikely to harm
the fetus, but it should only be used during pregnancy if
it is clearly needed. It is not known whether Tenex passes
into breast milk, although it has been found in animal milk.
Tenex is not recommended for breast-feeding mothers.
Contraindications
Tenex
should Not be used for people with an allergy or sensitivity
to this medication.
Precautions
Tenex may
be used with caution in individuals with the following conditions:
- heart
disease, recent heart attack, or recent stroke — Tenex
could make these conditions worse
- kidney
or liver disease — dosage may need to be lowered
- depression
— Tenex may increase depression
Adverse
Reactions
Tenex
may cause the following reactions:
- dry
mouth
- constipation
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- headache
- difficulty
sleeping (insomnia)
- dry
eyes
- nausea
- vomiting
- skin
rash or itching
- fatigue
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- slow
heartbeat
- decreased
sexual ability
- unusual
tiredness or weakness
- confusion
- mental
depression
- amnesia
- liver
toxicity
- leg
cramp
- sudden
high blood pressure (if stopped abruptly)
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs
or substances that may interact with Tenex include:
- medicines
for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or
sinus problems — these medicines often increase blood
pressure, and may decrease the effects of Tenex
- tricyclic
antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil (amitriptyline) —
these medications can reduce the effects of Tenex
- Phenobarbital
— can decrease the effects of Tenex
- alcohol
or sleeping pills — may increase effects such as drowsiness
and lower blood pressure further
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/guanfacinesystemic202275.html
http://www.health-center.com/pharmacy/adhd/tenex.htm
http://www1.mosby.com/genrxfree/Top_200_1999/Drugs/E1412.htm
http://onhealth.webmd.com/conditions/resource/pharmacy/multum0/item,70460.asp
|
