Guanfacine Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.

• Do not run out of this medicine.

• Wear disease medical alert identification.

• You may have certain heart tests before starting this medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions.

• If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.

• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Headache.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe constipation.

• Feeling extremely tired or weak.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.