What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-Heart disease or recent heart attack
-History of stroke
-Kidney disease
-Liver disease
-An unusual or allergic reaction to guanfacine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
This medication may interact with the following:
-Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
-Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
-Certain medications for sleep
-Ketoconazole
-Narcotic medications for pain
-Rifampin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team what your heart rate should be and when you should contact them.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older person. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated while taking this medication.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your care team for advice. Some ingredients can increase your blood pressure.