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Guanfacine Antidepressant : Tenex

Brand Name : Tenex

GUANFACINE (Tenex®) is an antihypertensive. Guanfacine relaxes blood vessels, relieving high blood pressure (hypertension). It is not a cure and must be taken regularly to prevent complications of uncontrolled blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure can cause a stroke, heart failure, or damage to your kidneys. Generic guanfacine tablets are available. Guanfacine lowers blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This allows your blood vessels (veins and arteries) to relax (widen) and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.

Uses of Guanfacine

• Guanfacine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Guanfacine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
  

How to Take Guanfacine

• Take guanfacine exactly as prescribed by your doctor--usually 1 dose per day. Guanfacine should be taken at bedtime, since it will probably cause drowsiness.
• After 3 or 4 weeks, if your blood pressure is still too high, your doctor may raise the dosage of guanfacine. In some cases, you may take 2 evenly spaced doses per day rather than a single dose at bedtime.
• Older patients (over 65 years old) may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

What are the Side Effects of Guanfacine Medication

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking guanfacine. This medication will probably make you drowsy, especially when you first begin to take it. More common side effects may include:

• Constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• headache
• impotence
• sleepiness
• weakness
• Abdominal pain
• amnesia
• breathing difficulties
• chest pain
• confusion
• conjunctivitis (red, puffy eyes)
• decreased sex drive
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• fainting
• heart palpitations
• indigestion
• insomnia
• itching
• leg cramps
• malaise (vague feeling of being sick)
• mania and aggression (in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Warnings and precautions before taking Guanfacine Medication

• While taking guanfacine, you should be monitored very closely by your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions: Chronic kidney or liver failure, Heart disease, History of stroke, Recent heart attack.
• Since guanfacine causes drowsiness and may also make you dizzy, do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you find out exactly how the medication affects you.
• While taking guanfacine, use alcoholic beverages with care; you may feel intoxicated after drinking only a small amount of alcohol.
• If you have kidney damage and also take the antiseizure drug phenytoin (Dilantin), your body may process and eliminate guanfacine rather quickly; in that case, you may need fairly frequent doses of guanfacine to lower your blood pressure adequately.

What drugs may interact with Guanfacine Tablet

If guanfacine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining guanfacine with the following:

• Barbiturates such as Amytal, Seconal, Tuinal, and others
  
• Benzodiazepines such as Tranxene, Valium, Xanax, and others
  
• Phenothiazines such as Mellaril, Stelazine, Thorazine, and others
  
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)

What to do if you take Overdose of Guanfacine ?

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of guanfacine, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of guanfacine overdose may include:

• Drowsiness
• lethargy
• slowed heartbeat
• very low blood pressure

How to Store Guanfacine ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.