Guanfacine

Guanfacine, sold under the brand name Tenex (immediate-release) and Intuniv (extended-release) among others, is an oral alpha-2a agonist medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and high blood pressure. Common side effects include sleepiness, constipation, and dry mouth. Other side effects may include low blood pressure and urinary problems. It appears to work by activating α2A-adrenergic receptors in the brain, thereby decreasing sympathetic nervous system activity. Guanfacine was first described in 1974 and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1986. It is available as a generic medication. In 2023, it was the 263rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions. Guanfacine is approved in the US for monotherapy treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as being used for augmentation of stimulant medications. Guanfacine is also used off-label to treat tic disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).