Intuniv vs. Tenex

• Are Tenex and Intuniv the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Intuniv?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Tenex?
• What Is Intuniv?
• What Is Tenex?
• What Drugs Interact with Intuniv?
• What Drugs Interact with Tenex?
• How Should Intuniv Be Taken?
• How Should Tenex Be Taken?

Intuniv (guanfacine) and Tenex (guanfacine hydrochloride) are alpha-2 adrenergic agonists used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension).

Intuniv is also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unlike other drugs used to treat ADHD, Intuniv is not a stimulant.

Side effects of Intuniv and Tenex that are similar include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, drowsiness, constipation, or fatigue.

Side effects of Intuniv that are different from Tenex include nausea, stomach pain, irritability, or weight gain.

Side effects of Tenex that are different from Intuniv include weakness, impotence, and insomnia.

Both Intuniv and Tenex may interact with anti-seizure drugs, azole antifungals, rifamycins, or other products that cause drowsiness (such as alcohol, antihistamines, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotics).

Tenex may also interact with cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Common side effects of Intuniv include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• constipation,
• tiredness,
• nausea,
• headache,
• stomach pain,
• weight gain, or
• irritability.

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Intuniv including:

• severe dizziness,
• slow heartbeat,
• fainting, or
• mental/mood changes (such as depression, hallucinations, or thoughts of suicide).

Common side effects of Tenex include:

• dry mouth,
• sleepiness,
• weakness,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• fatigue,
• constipation,
• impotence, and
• insomnia.

Less common side effects of Tenex include:

• slow heart rate,
• palpitations,
• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea,
• indigestion,
• changes in taste,
• difficulty swallowing,
• nausea,
• amnesia,
• confusion,
• depression,
• decreased sex drive,
• runny nose,
• ringing in the ears,
• conjunctivitis,
• vision problems,
• shortness of breath,
• itching,
• sweating,
• urinary incontinence,
• feeling unwell (malaise), and
• numbness and tingling.

Intuniv (guanfacine) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients older than 6 years of age, as part of a total treatment plan including psychological, educational, and social measures. Unlike other drugs used to treat ADHD, Intuniv is not a stimulant. Intuniv is also used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and is often given together with other blood pressure medications.

Tenex (guanfacine hydrochloride) is an antihypertensive drug used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). Tenex is available in generic form.

Intuniv may interact with valproic acid, azole antifungals, rifamycins, antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, medicine for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, psychiatric medicines, or cough-and-cold and other over-the-counter products that may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. During pregnancy, Intuniv should be used only when prescribed.

Tenex may interact with valproic acid, azole antifungals, rifamycins, other products that cause drowsiness (such as alcohol, antihistamines, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotics), cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. During pregnancy, Tenex should be used only if prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Intuniv is an extended-release tablet dosed once daily. Starting dose is 1 mg/day, and the maintenance dose is in the range of 1-4 mg once daily, depending on clinical response and tolerability.

The recommended initial dose of Tenex when given alone or in combination with another antihypertensive drug is 1 mg daily given at bedtime.