Does your child have trouble staying focused? Do you often feel like he or she can't focus on schoolwork or anything else? Perhaps your doctor has diagnosed your child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has prescribed a medication called Guanfacine as a treatment for it. So, it's normal to be a little nervous and have a lot of questions when starting a new medication. So today, let's talk about this medication called Guanfacine, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
Simply put, what is Guanfacine?
Guanfacine is a medication that is mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) . It works by controlling certain brain functions, helping a child or adult to focus better and control impulsive, impulsive behavior . It is also commonly sold under the brand name Intuniv. It is an extended-release pill. This means that when taken once a day, its effects last for several hours.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you or your child who is taking the medication has any of the following health problems. This is very important.
- If you have high blood pressure or low blood pressure
- If you have kidney disease
- If you have liver disease
- If the heart rate is slow (Slow heart rate)
- If you have allergies to guanfacine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- If you are a breastfeeding mother
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you and, if so, what the appropriate dosage should be.
How exactly should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take the pill with a glass of water. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly as prescribed.
- This is very important: Do not break, crush, or chew this pill. Swallow the pill whole. Failure to do so may cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly and cause unwanted side effects.
- Do not take this medication with a high-fat, heavy meal. Doing so may change the way the medication is absorbed by the body.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause serious side effects, such as rebound hypertension. If you need to stop taking the medication, do so under your doctor's advice, gradually reducing the dose.
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, do not waste time and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
We all forget things. Don't worry if you miss a dose.
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- If you miss two or more days of medication in a row, talk to your doctor before starting again. He or she may advise you to start again at a lower dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Guanfacine, changing its effects or increasing its side effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Types of drugs that may cause problems | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Taking other blood pressure medications with this medication may cause an unnecessary decrease in blood pressure. |
| Medications for mental illness | Certain medications given for conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Medications for seizures | Examples: (Carbamazepine), (Phenobarbital), (Phenytoin) |
| Sleeping pills | These can further increase sleepiness. |
| Other medications | Ketoconazole (an antifungal), Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis), Opioid painkillers. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects your body.
- Changing positions: Be careful when getting up from a sitting position and when going from a standing position to a sitting position. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely. Alcohol can make you feel more sleepy and dizzy.
- Dehydration: Be careful not to become dehydrated while taking the medication. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Be careful if you exercise or sweat excessively.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking water frequently can help. If this problem persists or is severe, tell your doctor.
- Regular check-ups: Go to your doctor's scheduled check-ups at regular intervals. Also, if your doctor advises you to measure your child's blood pressure and heart rate at home, do so regularly.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Guanfacine can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased heart rate | Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Dizziness/drowsiness | It is most common in the first few days after starting the medication. |
| Dry mouth | Drinking water frequently can provide relief. |
| Other | Headache, fatigue, nausea, stomach ache. |
Take-Home Message
- Guanfacine is a medication used to treat ADHD. It helps increase attention and reduce impulsiveness and restlessness.
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole with water.
- Stopping medication suddenly without your doctor's advice can be dangerous.
- Minor side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth may occur. However, if you experience symptoms such as a severe allergic reaction, abnormally low blood pressure, or heart rate, see your doctor immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
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