Guanfacine HCL ER – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, and More

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Uses

As part of an overall treatment strategy that also includes psychological, educational, and social interventions, the medicine being discussed here is employed in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Guanfacine is not a stimulant like many of the other medications that are used to treat ADHD. It is not understood how exactly guanfacine works to treat ADHD, however, it is commonly used. It is believed that guanfacine affects receptors in the areas of the brain that contribute to improvements in attention and impulse control, as well as a strengthening of working memory and a reduction in distracting mental activities. Guanfacine may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, which can include being argumentative with adults or losing one’s temper, as well as being disruptive, inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive.

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Guanfacine dosing instructions for oral usage

Before beginning treatment with guanfacine and whenever you get a refill, make sure you go through the Patient Information Leaflet that was provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, visit your doctor or pharmacist.

You should take this medication as advised by your physician, which is often just one day, either in the morning or the evening. This drug should not be used with a meal that is high in fat. It is possible that doing so will increase the amount of the medicine that is absorbed by your body, which could result in additional adverse effects. This drug should be taken in its entirety. You should not chew, crush, or split the tablets. This can cause the medicine to be released all at once, which raises the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects.

You should not switch between different forms of this medicine without first consulting with your doctor because different forms of this medication may not offer the same quantity of guanfacine. Switching between different forms of this medication is not recommended.

Take this medication precisely as directed by your doctor. Your medical condition, weight, reaction to treatment, and the possibility that you are taking other medications all play a role in determining the appropriate dosage for you. Make sure to inform both your primary care physician and your pharmacist about all of the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Your physician may choose to start you on a low dose and gradually raise it in order to lessen the likelihood that you will experience unwanted side effects (such as low blood pressure, sluggish heart rate, or sleepiness). Be sure to pay close attention to the directions that your doctor gives you. Take the prescribed amount of the drug, neither more nor less, and do not take it more frequently than directed. Your condition will not improve any more quickly, and the likelihood that you will experience adverse consequences will rise. Make sure you take this medication as directed for it to have the desired effect. Take it at the same time every day so that you don’t forget when you’re supposed to.

It is important that you speak with your healthcare provider before discontinuing the use of this medicine. It is possible that certain conditions will become even more severe if you suddenly stop taking this medication. In addition to this, you may have symptoms such as a headache, uneasiness, agitation, tremor, rapid heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Your physician may gradually reduce your dosage of this medication in order to prevent these symptoms while you are withdrawing from therapy with this drug. Inquire with your primary care physician or your pharmacist for further information. Notify your doctor immediately of any symptoms that are new or that have worsened.

Notify your primary care physician if your issue persists or worsens.

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Side Effects

There is a possibility that you will have drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, weariness, nausea, headache, and stomach pain. Notify your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects continue or become worse.

When rising from a seated or lying position, make sure to rise carefully to reduce the likelihood of experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness.

If you suffer from dry mouth, you can alleviate the discomfort by sucking on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute.

Keep in mind that the reason your doctor has recommended that you take this medication is because he or she believes that the potential benefits to you outweigh the potential risks of doing so. The majority of persons who take this medicine do not report experiencing any severe adverse effects.

Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any major adverse effects, such as severe dizziness, a sluggish heartbeat, fainting, or changes in your mental or emotional state (such as depression, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide).

It is quite unusual for this medicine to cause an extremely severe allergic reaction. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you detect any symptoms of a significant allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis.

This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive in any way. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any side effects that are not listed above.

In the United States, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit their website at www.fda.gov/medwatch to report any adverse effects.

In Canada, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse effects you experience.

Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist that you are allergic to guanfacine, as well as to any other allergies you may have, before beginning treatment with this medication. There is a possibility that this product contains inactive substances, which, if present, could result in allergic responses or other complications. Discuss the matter further with your pharmacist for further information.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all of your medical conditions, including but not limited to the following: kidney disease, liver disease, a history of fainting, problems with blood pressure (low or high), heart disease (such as a slow heart rate), and a personal or family history of mental or mood disorders before using this medication (such as bipolar disorder, depression, suicidal thoughts).

This medication could cause you to feel lightheaded or sleepy. Drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana (also known as cannabis) can make you feel more lightheaded and sleepy. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle, operate any machinery, or engage in any activity that requires attentiveness until you are able to do it safely. Steer clear of beverages containing alcohol. If you are a marijuana user, you should consult your primary care physician (cannabis).

During exercise, taking care not to become dehydrated or overheated is important for reducing the risk of dizziness and fainting, especially when the temperature is high. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately.

Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss all of the products you use with your dentist or doctor (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

It is possible that children are more sensitive to the adverse effects of this medication, including hallucinations and changes in mental state or mood.

The adverse effects of this medication may be felt more acutely by elderly patients, including vertigo (which is more likely to occur when the patient stands up), drowsiness, slow heartbeat, and sadness. Drowsiness and vertigo can contribute to an increased likelihood of falling.

During pregnancy, it is important to only use this drug when it is absolutely necessary. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential drawbacks and advantages.

There is no evidence to suggest that this medicine makes its way into breast milk. Before starting to breastfeed, you should talk to your healthcare provider.

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Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way in which your prescriptions work or raise the likelihood that you will have major adverse effects. This document does not contain all possible medication interactions. Maintain a list of all the goods you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, and give it to both your primary care physician and your pharmacist. Without first consulting your physician, you should never alter the dosage of any medication, stop taking any medication, or start taking any new medication.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other products that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or opioid pain relievers. These products include but are not limited to alcohol (such as codeine, and hydrocodone).

You should read the labels on all of your medications (such as those meant to treat allergies or coughs and colds) since some of them may contain substances that make you feel sleepy. Talk to your local pharmacist about the proper way to use those products.

Overdose

Dial 911 if you suspect that someone has overdosed and they are exhibiting serious symptoms such as passing out or having problems breathing. In any other case, you should immediately contact a poison control centre. To reach the poison control centre for your area in the United States, dial 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control centre. The following may be experienced as symptoms of an overdose: extreme sleepiness, extreme dizziness, extreme fatigue, very sluggish heartbeat, and pinpoint pupils.

Warnings

This drug should not be given to anyone else.

During the time that you are taking this drug, you should have any necessary laboratory tests and/or medical examinations, such as your blood pressure and heart rate. Make sure you don’t miss any of your doctor or lab appointments. Consult your doctor for additional details.

Neglected Dose

If you forget to take a dose, you should take it as soon as you realise you forgot. If it is getting close to the time of the next dose, you should forgo the dose that you missed. Your next dose should be taken at the typical time. It is not necessary to double the dose in order to catch up. If you have skipped more than two doses in a row, you should contact your healthcare provider to discuss a new dosing regimen.

Storage

Keep at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Store at room temperature. Keep away from the bathroom at all costs. Always make sure that children and animals are kept well away from any medications.

Unless you have been specifically told to do so, you should not flush drugs down the toilet or pour them down a drain. When it is no longer needed or has passed its expiration date, dispose of this product in the appropriate manner. Talk to your neighbourhood pharmacy or the firm that handles garbage disposal in your area.