From the Guidelines
Adults can take Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release) for ADHD, but it is crucial to have a thorough risk-benefit discussion with their healthcare provider, as the safety and efficacy data in adults are limited. According to the study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2024 1, guanfacine could be considered in the treatment of ADHD in adults following a risk-benefit discussion, acknowledging the very limited information on its safety in pregnancy and the limited data on its efficacy for the treatment of ADHD in adults.
The typical dosage for adults is not explicitly stated in the provided evidence, but the study mentions that the usual starting dose for guanfacine is 1 mg once daily, with titration by 1 mg/wk based on response and as tolerated to the recommended target dose range of 0.05 to 0.12 mg/kg/d or 1 to 7 mg/d 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Intuniv for adults with ADHD include:
- The medication works by activating alpha-2A adrenergic receptors in the prefrontal cortex, which helps improve attention, impulse control, and executive function.
- Common side effects may include drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, low blood pressure, and dizziness, which often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
- It is essential to take Intuniv consistently at the same time each day and never stop it abruptly, as this can cause rebound high blood pressure.
- Alternative agents may be preferred due to the limited data on guanfacine's efficacy and safety in adults, particularly in pregnancy and breastfeeding 1.
Overall, while Intuniv can be considered for adults with ADHD, a thorough discussion of the potential risks and benefits, as well as careful monitoring, is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.
From the Research
ADHD Treatment Options
- Intuniv, also known as guanfacine extended release, is a non-stimulant medication approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents 2.
- While the provided studies do not specifically address the use of Intuniv in adults, they do discuss the pharmacological management of ADHD in general, including the use of non-stimulant medications like guanfacine extended release 3, 4, 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- A study on the coadministration of guanfacine extended release and psychostimulants in children and adolescents with ADHD found that the combination was generally safe and associated with significant ADHD symptom improvement 6.
- Another study noted that guanfacine extended release is effective for the treatment of ADHD, but its efficacy is not as impressive as that of stimulants, and it has a different side effect profile 2.
Adult ADHD Treatment
- Although the studies do not directly address the use of Intuniv in adults, they do suggest that non-stimulant medications like guanfacine extended release may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for ADHD, which can include adults 3, 4, 5.
- A 2025 review of pharmacological treatment for ADHD notes that both stimulant and non-stimulant medications have shown strong evidence in managing the core symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults, but does not specifically mention Intuniv 5.