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Guanfacine Side Effects

Guanfacine, also commonly known as Tenex, is a drug that significantly reduces hypertension. As is the case with prescription drugs, Guanfacine may cause side effects that differ depending on dose size and other variants.

  1. Use of Guanfacine

    • Guanfacine is a mild anti-hypersensitive that regulates neurotransmitter norepinephrine. It therefore reduces the sensitivity to distraction and is useful to those suffering from ADHD. By lowering blood pressure, Guanfacine lends itself as a treatment for those suffering from the symptoms of social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Common Side Effects

    • Depending on the dosage, Guanfacine produces the following common side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, gas pains, diarrhea, dry mouth, loss of appetite, fatigue and nasal congestion. While these side effects are common, they tend to disappear on continued dosing. According to numerous 12-week placebo controlled studies reported by drugs.com, Guanfacine is generally well received by patients as only 7 percent of a study of 580 people withdrew due to side effects.

    Rare Side Effects

    • Although rare, Guanfacine has produced the following side effects: chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, blurred vision, yellowing of the eyes or skin. If any of these effects are witnessed, a physician should be consulted immediately.

    Side Effects on the Body Systems

    • Side effects on the nervous system include fatigue and dizziness. Fatigue occurred in 33 percent of patients, while dizziness occurred in 15 percent. After one year of dosing, these levels fell to 6 percent and 1 percent, respectively. The most common gastrointestinal side effects include dry mouth and constipation. Dry mouth occurred in 60 percent of patients and constipation occurred in 14 percent. Again after one year of use, levels fell to 15 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Cardiovascular side effects, though rare, include orthostatic hypotension and heart palpitations. Genitourinary side effects occurred rarely in males and were limited to impotence. This occurred in doses of 3 mg or more.

    Warning

    • Alcohol should be avoided at all times when an individual is taking Guanfacine. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug is not recommended as it can often lead to anxiety and a rebound of hypertension.

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