Intuniv XR® (Guanfacine Extended-Release) Tablets for ADHD

What Intuniv® Is and How It Works

Intuniv XR® is brand-name guanfacine extended-release. It is a non-stimulant ADHD medicine for children and adolescents. Tablets are taken once daily. The active ingredient is an alpha-2A adrenergic agonist that targets receptors in the prefrontal cortex. This can improve attention, reduce impulsivity, and help manage hyperactivity. If you are exploring Intuniv XR for adults, discuss suitability with a prescriber, as adult use may be off-label in some regions.

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Intuniv XR® is designed for gradual, steady release over 24 hours. Many patients use it alone, and others combine it with a stimulant. Dosing is individualized by age, weight, response, and tolerability. Tablets should be swallowed whole. The medicine is typically taken in the morning or evening, at the same time each day.

Dosage and Usage

Intuniv XR® is taken once daily. Prescribers often start at 1 mg daily, then adjust by 1 mg per week based on response and side effects. Doses usually range within weight-based targets (about 0.05–0.12 mg/kg/day). Adolescents may require higher doses than younger children. The maximum approved dose depends on age group. Follow your prescriber’s plan and the product directions.

General administration guidance:

• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew.
• Take at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Avoid high-fat meals, which can increase exposure.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Be consistent with meals if you take it with food.

Missed dose guidance:

• If a dose is missed, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not double.
• If two or more doses are missed, contact the prescriber; re-titration may be needed.
• To stop therapy, taper by 1 mg every 3–7 days to reduce rebound blood pressure increases.

Drug interactions to know:

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole, clarithromycin) can raise guanfacine levels; a lower dose may be needed.
• CYP3A4 inducers (for example, rifampin, carbamazepine) can lower levels; a higher dose may be considered under supervision.
• Central nervous system depressants and alcohol can increase sedation.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets in the original, child-resistant container with the label intact.
• Carry your medication in your hand luggage when you travel.
• Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Do not store in a car or bathroom.
• Bring enough supply for your trip, plus a few extra days.

Benefits and Savings

Intuniv XR® helps reduce core ADHD symptoms without using a stimulant. It may improve attention and reduce impulsivity in school, work, and home settings. The once-daily dosing is convenient. Sedation can occur early and sometimes helps evening hyperarousal, though it often lessens over time. It can be used alone or as an add-on to stimulant therapy when a partial response persists.

You can order at Canadian prices and access caring support. Many customers save 60–80% compared with typical US prices, especially on multi-month supplies. You can set simple reorder reminders so you do not run out. Bulk promotions may lower your monthly cost over time.

Side Effects and Safety

• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Dry mouth or thirst
• Constipation or stomach pain
• Nausea or decreased appetite
• Low blood pressure or slow heart rate
• Irritability

Serious effects are uncommon but can include marked hypotension, bradycardia, or syncope. Tapering is needed to avoid rebound hypertension. Use caution if there is a history of heart block, orthostatic hypotension, or fainting. Avoid alcohol and sedating medicines. When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, guanfacine does not typically cause hypoglycemia, but additive sedation from other agents is possible—monitor for compounded effects. If severe side effects occur, seek medical help.

Onset Time

Some effects, like sleepiness, may appear after the first few doses. ADHD symptom gains tend to build gradually as the dose is optimized. Many patients notice early improvements within 1–2 weeks. Full benefit often emerges after several weeks of careful titration, typically by weeks 4–6. If a dose is too sedating or not helpful enough, prescribers often adjust by 1 mg steps at weekly intervals.

Compare With Alternatives

Stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamine products remain first-line for many patients. They act quickly and have strong efficacy data. They can cause decreased appetite, insomnia, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. Intuniv XR® offers a different mechanism with a lower risk of appetite suppression and can be used where stimulants are not tolerated or are only partially effective.

Atomoxetine (brand commonly known as Strattera) is a non-stimulant selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is taken daily and may take several weeks to show benefit. Compared with Intuniv XR®, atomoxetine often has less sedation but may cause stomach upset, decreased appetite, or mood changes. Either can be suitable depending on the patient profile.

Clonidine extended-release (Kapvay) is another alpha-2 agonist. It tends to be more sedating than guanfacine for many patients, though individual responses vary. Both can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Guanfacine is more selective for alpha-2A receptors, which may translate to a different side-effect balance.

Combination Therapy

• With stimulants: common add-on for residual impulsivity or tics; may allow lower stimulant doses.
• With atomoxetine: less common; monitor for additive side effects such as fatigue or dizziness.
• With sedatives or alcohol: avoid due to increased drowsiness and safety risks.
• When adjusting combinations, prescribers often change doses slowly to reduce hypotension or excessive sedation.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Intuniv XR® is indicated for ADHD in children and adolescents. Adult use may be considered off-label based on clinical judgment. It is not the same as immediate-release guanfacine tablets used for hypertension. People with significant bradycardia, heart block, or uncontrolled hypotension may not be suitable candidates. Discuss a history of fainting, dehydration, or cardiovascular disease with the prescriber. Use caution with hepatic or renal impairment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized assessment of risks and benefits. Caution is advised when operating machinery or driving until the sedative effect is understood. Avoid abrupt discontinuation to limit rebound blood pressure increases.

Ways to manage costs and stay on track:

• Choose a multi-month supply when possible to lower per-month costs.
• Turn on reorder reminders in your account so you refill on time.
• Ask customer service about current bulk options for your strength.
• Use our secure checkout to complete your order, or call if phone ordering is available in your area.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release)

Health Canada Drug Product Database (search guanfacine extended-release)

Have questions about dosing, shipment, or stock? You can use customer-service chat during posted office hours, and a pharmacist can address medication questions. Order from YouDrugstore for caring service and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.

This content is for general information. It does not replace advice from your own healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the manufacturer’s patient information that comes with your medication.