Tenex

(Guanfacine)

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Treats ADHD and lowers blood pressure.

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Our bottom line

Tenex (Guanfacine) can be used to treat both blood pressure and ADHD, but it's not recommended as a first-line treatment for either problem.

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Quick facts about Tenex
  • Drug class: Cardiovascular
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (guanfacine)

Upsides

  • The same medication treats two different things, high blood pressure and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • It's not a "controlled medication".
  • Used to control ADHD when stimulant medications haven't worked or can't be used due to other medical problems.
  • Available as a generic medication, so it should be more affordable than other options.
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Downsides

  • Doesn't control ADHD as well as stimulants do, so it's used as a second-line medication.
  • Not a preferred drug to control blood pressure.
  • Can't be stopped suddenly, especially for blood pressure, since the blood pressure can dramatically increase.
How it works

Tenex (Guanfacine) is a centrally-acting alpha agonist medication. It lowers blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels. It's not clear how Tenex (Guanfacine) works in ADHD, but it's used when stimulants haven't worked or can't be used in people.

Quick facts about Tenex
  • Drug class: Cardiovascular
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (guanfacine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended release
Tried Tenex? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

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Side effect rates for Tenex (Guanfacine)

From 120 clinical trials of Tenex when taken for high blood pressure (1 mg)
  • Dry Mouth
    10%10%
  • Somnolence
    10%10%
    8%8%
  • Headache
    7%7%
    8%8%
  • Fatigue
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Any side effect
    5%5%
  • Asthenia
    3%3%
  • Dizziness
    2%2%
    8%8%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Tenex.

Tenex (Guanfacine)
Placebo

People taking Tenex felt side effect more

People taking Tenex felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Tenex (Guanfacine)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Taking other medications that cause sedation or sleepiness

    People report having sleepiness or sedation while on Tenex (Guanfacine). You're at higher risk for this if you're taking other medications that have similar effects. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how Tenex (Guanfacine) affects you.

Common concerns from people taking Tenex (Guanfacine)

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Pregnancy

Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.

See the FDA package insertSee pregnancy safe medications
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.
FDA pregnancy category for Tenex
BProbably safe
Alcohol
  • Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking this.
Sleep
  • People report having sleepiness or sedation while on Tenex (Guanfacine). You're at higher risk for this if you're taking other medications that have similar effects. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how Tenex (Guanfacine) affects you.
  • You can feel sleepy the first few times you take it, or when your dose is increased. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how the medication affects your body.