Tenex vs. Adderall

Tenex (guanfacine hydrochloride) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts) are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Tenex is used off-label to treat ADHD. Tenex is primarily used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy. Tenex and Adderall belong to different drug classes. Tenex is an antihypertensive drug and Adderall is an amphetamine. Side effects of Tenex and Adderall that are similar include dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, headache, constipation, impotence, and sleep problems (insomnia). Side effects of Tenex that are different from Adderall include sleepiness and fatigue. Side effects of Adderall that are different from Tenex include nervousness, restlessness, excitability, irritability, agitation, fear, anxiety, agitation, tremor, blurred vision, unpleasant taste in mouth, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, hair loss, loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of interest in sex, difficulty having an orgasm, increase blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations. Both Tenex and Adderall may interact with antihistamines. Tenex may also interact with valproic acid, azole antifungals, rifamycins, other products that cause drowsiness (such as alcohol, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotics), cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Adderall may also interact with heart or blood pressure medications, diuretics (water pills), acetazolamide, chlorpromazine, ethosuximide, haloperidol, lithium, meperidine, methenamine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, reserpine, ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), potassium phosphate, antacids, sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer), potassium citrate, sodium citrate and citric acid, sodium citrate and potassium, stomach acid reducers, or antidepressants. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Adderall.

Side effects of Tenex include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• stomach pain,
• loss of appetite,
• shaking,
• muscle stiffness,
• weight gain,
• mask-like facial expression,
• inability to keep still,
• restlessness,
• agitation,
• blurred vision,
• breast swelling or discharge,
• missed menstrual periods,
• decreased sex drive,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.

Tell your doctor right if you experience serious side effects of Tenex including:

• drooling,
• trouble swallowing,
• fainting,
• signs of infection (such as persistent cough, fever)
• fast or uneven or pounding heartbeats;
• agitation, hostility, confusion, thoughts about hurting yourself,
• seizures (convulsions),
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms,
• sores in your mouth and throat,
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss),
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, tremors, feeling like you might pass out, or
• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• talking more than usual, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness;
• tremors, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches); or
• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure).

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision;
• feeling restless, irritable, or agitated,
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
• diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting;
• fever;
• hair loss, loss of appetite, weight loss; or
• loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tenex (lurasidone hydrochloride) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.

Adderall should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.

Adderall is also used in the treatment of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Adderall is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Adderall in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Adderall may harm others, and is against the law.

Tenex may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety), antibiotics, antifungal medications, or medications to treat HIV or AIDS.

Tenex may also interact with diltiazem or rifamycins.

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Adderall and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking Adderall.

Your doctor will decide whether Adderall can be taken with other medicines.

Especially tell your doctor if you or your child take:

• anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
• blood pressure medicines
• seizure medicines
• blood thinner medicines
• cold or allergy medicines that contain decongestants
• stomach acid medicines

Know the medicines that you or your child take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Adderall without talking to your doctor first.

The recommended starting dose of Tenex is 40 mg once daily, and it has been shown to be effective in a dose range of 40 mg/day to 160 mg/day.

• Take Adderall exactly as prescribed. Your doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
• Adderall tablets are usually taken two to three times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you first wake in the morning. One or two more doses may be taken during the day, 4 to 6 hours apart.
• Adderall can be taken with or without food.
• From time to time, your doctor may stop Adderall treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
• Your doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Adderall. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking Adderall. Adderall treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
• If you or your child take too much Adderall or overdoses, call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.