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What Is Guanfacine?

Guanfacine is a prescription medicine that acts on alpha-2A adrenergic receptors. Immediate-release tablets are used to treat high blood pressure. Extended-release tablets are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

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What Is Guanfacine?

Guanfacine is a prescription medicine that acts on alpha-2A adrenergic receptors. Immediate-release tablets are used to treat high blood pressure. Extended-release tablets are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

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How Guanfacine Works

Guanfacine reduces certain nerve signals from the brain. For high blood pressure, this slows the heart rate and relaxes blood vessels. Its action in areas involved in attention and impulse control helps manage ADHD symptoms.

How to Take Guanfacine

Take guanfacine at about the same time each day as prescribed. Swallow extended-release tablets whole rather than crushing, chewing, or breaking them. Immediate-release and extended-release tablets have different dosing instructions and should not be substituted dose for dose.

Possible Side Effects

Sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure can occur. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down if you feel lightheaded. Tell your prescriber about fainting or side effects that interfere with daily activities.

Stopping Guanfacine

Do not stop guanfacine abruptly without speaking to your prescriber. Blood pressure can rise after sudden discontinuation. A clinician can provide a gradual dose reduction when treatment needs to end.

Frequently Asked Questions About Guanfacine

Is guanfacine used for ADHD?

Extended-release guanfacine is used to manage ADHD symptoms. The immediate-release form has a different labeled use.

Can guanfacine cause sleepiness?

Yes. See how it affects you before driving or doing tasks that require alertness.

Can I crush an extended-release guanfacine tablet?

No. Swallow it whole so the medicine is released as intended.

Can I stop taking guanfacine suddenly?

Do not stop without medical guidance. Sudden discontinuation can raise blood pressure.

References

Guanfacine. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601059.html. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Guanfacine (oral route) - Side effects & dosage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/guanfacine-oral-route/description/drg-20064131. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GUANFACINE HYDROCHLORIDE- guanfacine tablet. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a80dfdc4-b9a7-4f8e-af67-dea30bc063ac. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

Guanfacine Immediate Release Oral Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18184-guanfacine-tablets. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.

GUANFACINE tablet, extended release. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ab2e3597-14fc-4614-ae87-0d1d18188a68. Date Accessed October 6, 2026.