This is the absolute BEST informative video on Guanfacine I’ve seen so far! Thank you for the thorough explanation and better understanding of how it works. It only took me about 8 UA-cam videos and loads of time wasted on others who didn’t even tap on what was needed to hear about this medication. Well done 👏🏻
This drug has saved me I tried ssri, but because of my psychedlic usage and lack of them working I switched. They put me on guanfacine for adhd and anxiety, it doesn’t help me focus an insain ammount but it helps my mood and anxiety 10 fold
I hope your doing ok today. 🙏 I just started this drug three days ago, I’ve tried a few so I hope this one works. I think it maybe difficult to find the right balance, fingers crossed.
I tried Vyvanse and now Concerta. I keep getting euphoric after taking these stimulants and find myself often abusing these meds. I don't want this at all, but self-control is not something I am good at. I am considering a non-stimulant medication, but I don't want to be even more lethargic than I already am. I am worried that if I take Guanfacine that I will lose motivation at work.
I take guanfacine for PTSD. I was regularly ruminating about my trauma as I tried to go to sleep and frequently had nightmares. I was also having difficulty with concentration during the day. The medication significantly reduced the nightmares and rumination. But I've just recently also was prescribed bupropion to help with executive functioning Adhd symptoms. I'm not formally diagnosed but suspect I have the inattentive type. Is it okay to take these meds together? It sounds like they have opposite effects on norepinephrine. I take tenex at night and bupropion during the day, though.
Hi! Thanks for making such a useful video. However- one correction (this is my research). Guanfacine is an alpha2A-adrenergic AGONIST, not an antagonist. It mimics norepinephrine, and strengthens prefrontal cortical connections.
I have sleep problems but i sure love me some ritalin. Does Guanfacine stimulate same neurotransmitters/neuropathways? Adhd diagnosed only at 30 @_@... what a change can a good medication have in the context of my past..
It’s interesting that you seem to focus on using this when you’ve already tried stimulants. When I had my first psychiatrist appointment a couple weeks ago and he said I need to start with this first before I ever try stimulants, even though he said it can take a month and a half to work
I just started Intuniv week 3 first dose at 3mg. Working with my doctor. Once I hit 4mg next week I will be on that for about a month and then we will discuss whether another increase is appropriate. I asked about it due to underwhelming response to Dexedrine as well as side effects from it such as high heart rate and insomnia. Currently not changing dexedrine dose at this point. I hope that the Intuniv finally brings the symptom improvement that I keep hearing that medication is supposed to bring to individuals with adhd as well as nullifying some of the cardiovascular and insomnia side effects of the dexedrine.
i did not know there was a drug for RSD. I definitely fall into the category of people who avoid situations that could involve perceived rejection due to the dysphoria
Taking this as an adult. It worked great for about 21/2 weeks. Improved sleep quality, focus,. Then it just stopped working all together. Like I built up a tolerance. I started out at 1. At 2 and I feel absolutely nothing now.
I have intense rejection dysphoria cPTSD & ADHD + a dissociative disorder. This medication will work wonders at first but if you have dissociation. Your body & mind will send you into strange trance states when switching. Always go for trauma therapy first. There's no quick fixes.
Hi slantyevil, in most cases it is taken daily but it can depend what you are mainly using it for. I do have some patient's that take it mainly for sleep only and these patients use it only as needed.
I’m presently on Clonidine but I’m seeing that Guanfacine is discussed much more frequently. Is there a reason this, is it considered more effective? One of the helpful side effects of Clonidine has been relaxing back muscles that have given me trouble for decades (trigger points) but I am now on low dose Bupropion and while it is helping my PFC, the noradrenaline is giving me serious muscle stiffness problems. The Clonidine helps but I’m losing ground.
Hi Jim, I use clonidine quite frequently as well for similar reasons to guanfacine but it probably isnt quite as sedating and probably has less impact on emotional regulation. However, in my country clonidine is much cheaper.
@@drkiddMD Thank you. I think Clonidine is much cheaper here too. I could use more impact on emotional regulation, although at this fairly early stage, I've been getting good results on that from Bupropion, it seems to help my PFC regulate my limbic system. I don't know if I'll be able to stay on Bupropion though, due to various CNS factors connected to the noradrenaline boost. While I have always sensed that myself and my late parents were low on dopamine, I think I've always had a bit too much noradrenaline -- overactive fight or flight -- hence the Clonidine. So if I cannot stay on Bupropion, I'll look at Guanfacine. Based on my response to low-dose Bupropion, I have some doubts I could tolerate more-potent Ritalin. I could use the focus boost, but...
So a norepinephrine ANTAGONIST (guanfacine) is used for ADHD, but norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Strattera, Qelbree) also are used for ADHD. That seems to be contradictory, right? The norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors increase the amount of norepinephrine available in the synapse...
@@drkiddMD Ahh, thank you. That makes sense, but there are still differences between the classes, such as guanfacine lowers blood pressure but Qelbree raises it.
@@eray9934 Yes Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication, which is a bit different to the stimulant medications that are commonly used first line to treat the symptoms of executive function. Personally I use Guanfacine more to target seep issues and rejection sensitive dysphoria
Hi Dr. Kidd. My child was on Concerta. It worked well enough on his concentration and focus. However due to insurance we have to change medications. He is 9 years old. I was looking into Intuniv because in my research it says 3% experienced weight gain. The Concerta lowered his appetite. He is only 15% - 25% on his growth curve. I am looking for a non-stimulant med for him to help his appetite. Is Intuniv taken at night before bed?
I have seen this before in a patient that did not tolerate stimulants and needed to go to Atomoxetine as a non-stimulant, then still had significant issues with sleep and RSD so Guanfacine was added
My son uses guanfacine at 4mg because he does not respond well to stimulants. I do notice however that it helps with rejection sensitivity but not as much with the symptoms of Adhd. Could this be paired with a very low level of stimulant? Have you heard of this practice? He currently takes it in the morning but we don't notice any drowsiness
I started taking this two years ago, and Ive found it to be a huge relief. Im only on 1mg rn. I started it for RSD and depression but im starting to think my problem may be adhd. Im hoping a higher dosage will help
I am supposed to use it because all other adhd medications had to many side effects also Elvanse, so this is my last hope for adhd medication :/ and if it doesn’t help I have to live without :)
LIfe changing drug! i tried all the stimulants but or they did not work or could not tolerate them well( anixety, emotional blunting and heart issues) I also have autism so maybe that could play a part in it, especially ritalin made me even more autistic
You might have to check the script with your doctor Tenex is the brand for the short acting version while Intuniv is the brand for the long acting version
1mg ER i think ends up making me sleepy and does not make my Adderall work barely at all. The Adderall relaxes my mind on its own, i break the guifiacene into small pieces. I can fall asleep on my correct dose due to it calming down my thoughts not stimulating it, at all, it makes me live in the present after years of anti depressants never ever helped. Turns out the Adderall calmed my mind from racing in the future to living in the moment and the present and actually taking a deep breath and took away my brain fog and brought my life back to clarity when before when with glasses felt everything was blurry, i feel like the guiaficine makes me so sleepy that and especially that it's extended release that one tablet will have me waiting to fall asleep and counter acts with the Adderall which neither makes me sleepy nor awake but my self, my normal being and best character. Very calm. I told my doctor i have enough for 2 months and made me finish my Adderall for the first time before the next month by 3 days. Never again. Any suggestions on trying to take it or just by this comment keep it completely cut it, maybe every few days i chew less then half of a 1mg
Guanfacine withdrawal is a serious concern for anyone taking this non-stimulant medication. Guanfacine, also known by the brand name Intuniv, is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD with oppositional defiant disorder, along with some other conditions. The ADHD medication works by calming the brain and helping with focus and concentration. Abrupt discontinuation of Guanfacine may result in various unwanted symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Understanding what to expect and how to avoid Guanfacine withdrawal means you can stop taking this medication as efficiently and safely as possible when and if the time comes.
@@humanfamilymember wow 11 months ago, lol now the guanfacine is a big help. I was on kolondine, didn't do much but got back on the guanfacine and it's been like a dream, almost has me off of anti depressants to be honest
First time learning about rejection sensitive dysphoria and I definitely have struggled with this all my life. Thank you for illuminating me.
Your welcome!
This is the absolute BEST informative video on Guanfacine I’ve seen so far! Thank you for the thorough explanation and better understanding of how it works. It only took me about 8 UA-cam videos and loads of time wasted on others who didn’t even tap on what was needed to hear about this medication. Well done 👏🏻
This drug has saved me I tried ssri, but because of my psychedlic usage and lack of them working I switched. They put me on guanfacine for adhd and anxiety, it doesn’t help me focus an insain ammount but it helps my mood and anxiety 10 fold
Glad you found something that helps!
Just started this a second ago ! Thank you for helping me build courage because I was crying for hours
I hope your doing ok today. 🙏 I just started this drug three days ago, I’ve tried a few so I hope this one works. I think it maybe difficult to find the right balance, fingers crossed.
@@wendyhannan2454how has it worked for you?
I tried Vyvanse and now Concerta. I keep getting euphoric after taking these stimulants and find myself often abusing these meds. I don't want this at all, but self-control is not something I am good at. I am considering a non-stimulant medication, but I don't want to be even more lethargic than I already am. I am worried that if I take Guanfacine that I will lose motivation at work.
Try both.
@@karenp5374 Actually I am now on low doses of vyvanse and strattera. It is working wonders.
I take guanfacine for PTSD. I was regularly ruminating about my trauma as I tried to go to sleep and frequently had nightmares. I was also having difficulty with concentration during the day. The medication significantly reduced the nightmares and rumination. But I've just recently also was prescribed bupropion to help with executive functioning Adhd symptoms. I'm not formally diagnosed but suspect I have the inattentive type. Is it okay to take these meds together? It sounds like they have opposite effects on norepinephrine. I take tenex at night and bupropion during the day, though.
Hi! Thanks for making such a useful video. However- one correction (this is my research). Guanfacine is an alpha2A-adrenergic AGONIST, not an antagonist. It mimics norepinephrine, and strengthens prefrontal cortical connections.
You are correct! thanks for picking that up ill add a note in the description
Thanks! This answered a question I had because I worried that my two medications might cancel each other out....(guanfacine and bupropion)
It's taken me four attempts to get to the end of this short video… that's why I know I needed to watch it.
❤
I have sleep problems but i sure love me some ritalin. Does Guanfacine stimulate same neurotransmitters/neuropathways? Adhd diagnosed only at 30 @_@... what a change can a good medication have in the context of my past..
Thank you for sharing
Perfect timing. Thanks for the upload
It’s interesting that you seem to focus on using this when you’ve already tried stimulants. When I had my first psychiatrist appointment a couple weeks ago and he said I need to start with this first before I ever try stimulants, even though he said it can take a month and a half to work
Perfect timing!
What’s the difference from this and clonidine?
Thank you for this video! About to start this drug and this answered all of my questions.
Good luck thanks for watching!
I just started Intuniv week 3 first dose at 3mg. Working with my doctor. Once I hit 4mg next week I will be on that for about a month and then we will discuss whether another increase is appropriate. I asked about it due to underwhelming response to Dexedrine as well as side effects from it such as high heart rate and insomnia. Currently not changing dexedrine dose at this point. I hope that the Intuniv finally brings the symptom improvement that I keep hearing that medication is supposed to bring to individuals with adhd as well as nullifying some of the cardiovascular and insomnia side effects of the dexedrine.
i did not know there was a drug for RSD. I definitely fall into the category of people who avoid situations that could involve perceived rejection due to the dysphoria
Taking this as an adult. It worked great for about 21/2 weeks. Improved sleep quality, focus,. Then it just stopped working all together. Like I built up a tolerance. I started out at 1. At 2 and I feel absolutely nothing now.
I have intense rejection dysphoria cPTSD & ADHD + a dissociative disorder. This medication will work wonders at first but if you have dissociation. Your body & mind will send you into strange trance states when switching. Always go for trauma therapy first. There's no quick fixes.
Hi Dr Kidd, is guanfacine (long acting) something that should be taken daily or can it be taken as needed?
Hi slantyevil, in most cases it is taken daily but it can depend what you are mainly using it for. I do have some patient's that take it mainly for sleep only and these patients use it only as needed.
@@drkiddMD Thank you very much!
Dr Kidd...do the headaches eventually go away?
Hello. What are your thoughts on those looking to get pregnant, while on this medication?
There is very limited research on Guanfacine in pregnancy just like most of the ADHD medications so the effects are largely unknown.
I’m presently on Clonidine but I’m seeing that Guanfacine is discussed much more frequently. Is there a reason this, is it considered more effective? One of the helpful side effects of Clonidine has been relaxing back muscles that have given me trouble for decades (trigger points) but I am now on low dose Bupropion and while it is helping my PFC, the noradrenaline is giving me serious muscle stiffness problems. The Clonidine helps but I’m losing ground.
Hi Jim, I use clonidine quite frequently as well for similar reasons to guanfacine but it probably isnt quite as sedating and probably has less impact on emotional regulation. However, in my country clonidine is much cheaper.
@@drkiddMD Thank you. I think Clonidine is much cheaper here too. I could use more impact on emotional regulation, although at this fairly early stage, I've been getting good results on that from Bupropion, it seems to help my PFC regulate my limbic system. I don't know if I'll be able to stay on Bupropion though, due to various CNS factors connected to the noradrenaline boost. While I have always sensed that myself and my late parents were low on dopamine, I think I've always had a bit too much noradrenaline -- overactive fight or flight -- hence the Clonidine.
So if I cannot stay on Bupropion, I'll look at Guanfacine. Based on my response to low-dose Bupropion, I have some doubts I could tolerate more-potent Ritalin. I could use the focus boost, but...
So a norepinephrine ANTAGONIST (guanfacine) is used for ADHD, but norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Strattera, Qelbree) also are used for ADHD. That seems to be contradictory, right? The norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors increase the amount of norepinephrine available in the synapse...
Sorry check the video description for correction, it should have been Guanfacine is a norepinepherine Agonist
@@drkiddMD Ahh, thank you. That makes sense, but there are still differences between the classes, such as guanfacine lowers blood pressure but Qelbree raises it.
@@eray9934 Yes Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication, which is a bit different to the stimulant medications that are commonly used first line to treat the symptoms of executive function. Personally I use Guanfacine more to target seep issues and rejection sensitive dysphoria
Isnt guanfacine at much higher doses given for nasal congestion? why the disparity? Curious, please explain.
That's guaifenesin. Very similar spelling. It's an OTC drug for coughs.
@@KaylaMarie-ox8le I figured it out a few days later after the comment but thank you so much for helping a stranger on the internet ♥️♥️
Hi Dr. Kidd. My child was on Concerta. It worked well enough on his concentration and focus. However due to insurance we have to change medications. He is 9 years old. I was looking into Intuniv because in my research it says 3% experienced weight gain. The Concerta lowered his appetite. He is only 15% - 25% on his growth curve. I am looking for a non-stimulant med for him to help his appetite. Is Intuniv taken at night before bed?
Hi Lani. I do mostly deal with adults which typically take it at night because it can make you drowsy.
@@drkiddMD Thank you Dr. Kidd. I we'll speak to his pediatrician about Intuniv.
@@lania3717all these medications need to be slowly tapered down over a long time to safely reduce withdrawal symptoms
Hello doctor, have you ever heard of guanfacine being used in conjunction with atomoxetine?
I have seen this before in a patient that did not tolerate stimulants and needed to go to Atomoxetine as a non-stimulant, then still had significant issues with sleep and RSD so Guanfacine was added
@@drkiddMD thanks so much for the quick reply!
great video is it good for anexity disorder also and ptsd?
Not typically used to treat these conditions directly
My son uses guanfacine at 4mg because he does not respond well to stimulants. I do notice however that it helps with rejection sensitivity but not as much with the symptoms of Adhd. Could this be paired with a very low level of stimulant? Have you heard of this practice? He currently takes it in the morning but we don't notice any drowsiness
There are certainly situations where guanfacine can be paired with a stimulant
I started taking this two years ago, and Ive found it to be a huge relief. Im only on 1mg rn. I started it for RSD and depression but im starting to think my problem may be adhd. Im hoping a higher dosage will help
Do you only take Intuitiv?
Thank you
I am supposed to use it because all other adhd medications had to many side effects also Elvanse, so this is my last hope for adhd medication :/ and if it doesn’t help I have to live without :)
How is it going?
LIfe changing drug! i tried all the stimulants but or they did not work or could not tolerate them well( anixety, emotional blunting and heart issues) I also have autism so maybe that could play a part in it, especially ritalin made me even more autistic
I wanted tenex but go intuniv why is this?
You might have to check the script with your doctor Tenex is the brand for the short acting version while Intuniv is the brand for the long acting version
@@drkiddMD This stuff is poison, it dropped my BP and nearly collapsed. This is criminal
Why does it make me hyper sensitive
Do you mean emotionally? Would be an unusual reaction. But everyone can respond to medications differently.
@@drkiddMD true. it has made me sleep in under 4 hours of taking it lol
1mg ER i think ends up making me sleepy and does not make my Adderall work barely at all. The Adderall relaxes my mind on its own, i break the guifiacene into small pieces. I can fall asleep on my correct dose due to it calming down my thoughts not stimulating it, at all, it makes me live in the present after years of anti depressants never ever helped. Turns out the Adderall calmed my mind from racing in the future to living in the moment and the present and actually taking a deep breath and took away my brain fog and brought my life back to clarity when before when with glasses felt everything was blurry, i feel like the guiaficine makes me so sleepy that and especially that it's extended release that one tablet will have me waiting to fall asleep and counter acts with the Adderall which neither makes me sleepy nor awake but my self, my normal being and best character. Very calm. I told my doctor i have enough for 2 months and made me finish my Adderall for the first time before the next month by 3 days. Never again. Any suggestions on trying to take it or just by this comment keep it completely cut it, maybe every few days i chew less then half of a 1mg
Longest comment
Guanfacine withdrawal is a serious concern for anyone taking this non-stimulant medication. Guanfacine, also known by the brand name Intuniv, is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD with oppositional defiant disorder, along with some other conditions.
The ADHD medication works by calming the brain and helping with focus and concentration. Abrupt discontinuation of Guanfacine may result in various unwanted symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Understanding what to expect and how to avoid Guanfacine withdrawal means you can stop taking this medication as efficiently and safely as possible when and if the time comes.
@@humanfamilymember wow 11 months ago, lol now the guanfacine is a big help. I was on kolondine, didn't do much but got back on the guanfacine and it's been like a dream, almost has me off of anti depressants to be honest
Wow ... a doctor who doesn't understand the difference between an agonist and antagonist 😅
Guanfacine gave me insomnia for more than a week. Definately NOT helpful for sleep.