How should this medicine be used?
Guanfacine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take guanfacine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Guanfacine controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take guanfacine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking guanfacine without talking to your doctor.
Abruptly stopping guanfacine may increase blood pressure and cause unwanted side effects.
Other uses for this medicine
Guanfacine also is used in the treatment of migraine headaches and drug withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking guanfacine,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to guanfacine or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other medications for high blood pressure, amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adepin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), sleeping pills, trimipramine (Surmontil), and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had coronary artery disease, kidney or liver disease, or a heart attack.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking guanfacine, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking guanfacine.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are using guanfacine. Alcohol can make the side effects from guanfacine worse.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Your doctor may prescribe a low-salt or low-sodium diet. Follow these directions carefully.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from guanfacine are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* dry mouth
* drowsiness
* dizziness
* constipation
* tiredness
* headache
* decreased sexual ability
* upset stomach
* vomiting
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* fainting
* increased or decreased heartbeat
* irregular heartbeat
* swollen ankles or feet
