The Difference between Clonidine and Guanfacine | ADHD Management - Alpha-2 Agonists as Key Players

In this informative video, we delve into the world of Alpha-2 Agonists and explore their crucial role in ADHD management. Specifically, we will compare two popular medications - Clonidine (Catapres) and Guanfacine (Intuniv) - to help you discover their key differences.

Key moments:
00:00 - Introduction to the Differences between Clonidine and Guanfacine (Intuniv)
1:17 - Mechanism of Action of Clonidine
3:25 - Benefits of Clonidine
4:28 - Mechanism of Action of Guanfacine
5:50 - Clinical Application of Clonidine and Guanfacine

Alpha-2 receptors play a pivotal role in our neural circuitry, influencing everything from attention regulation to stress response. We break down the science behind these receptors, dissecting the presynaptic and postsynaptic functions that shape our brain's activity.

Learn how Clonidine, with its unique alpha-2A, alpha-2B, and alpha-2C agonistic activity, takes centre stage in treating ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, and even pain management.

Discover how this agent strategically targets specific areas, optimizing noradrenaline levels and bringing relief to hyperactivity and sleep disturbances.

Meanwhile, Guanfacine steps in as a selective alpha-2A agonist, perfectly tailored for ADHD treatment. Uncover its specialized role in strengthening neural networks and countering hyperarousal symptoms. Plus, we'll unravel the mystery of its minimal hypotensive effects and why it's a go-to option for certain cases.

Understanding these mechanisms is essential in comprehending how these Alpha-2 Agonists effectively manage ADHD symptoms.

But that's not all! We will also address a common concern - sleep disturbances. Many individuals with ADHD struggle with sleep issues, and we will discuss how these medications can impact sleep patterns.

For more informative videos and tips on various aspects of mental health and well-being, don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated. Remember, your journey to better ADHD management starts here!

Please remember that this video does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.
#ADHDManagement #Alpha2Agonists #ClonidineVsGuanfacine #ADHDTreatment #MentalHealthTips #MedicationComparison #InformedDecisions #ADHDSymptoms #SleepDisturbances #WellBeing

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[jacobsporter]

As a Psych NP who used to work in the ICU I rarely prescribe clonidine because I still remember clients (usually intubated) who were exhibiting severe hypertension refractory sometimes to even things like a nitroprusside drip. When the ICU doctors would learn (from a better family med history or the client) that they also took 0.2 mg clonidine twice daily and this was added back the BP would often go from something like 180/100 back to 120/80. Thus, my fear is setting clients up (especially kids) for long term hypertension issues. On the other hand your video points out unique benefits from clonidine relative to guanfacine that some of my clients who have PTSD, ASD, and chronic pain might benefit from relative to guanfacine (IR or ER) which I use more frequently. I would like to see someone expand on Oren Mason's work on "combined therapy for ADHD" as I often treat this condition and there is either incomplete response to stimulants, or intolerance. Sincere thanks,

[drkhan]

Thank you so much sir ❤
This series of videos is great for grasping the complex concepts of psychopharmacology.
Hopefully you will cover all of them 😍

[func]

this was a great video - getting straight to the elusive mechanics and soundly explaining the profile of these drugs/ wish there were more like these

[jezzter]

Thank you so much man. I’m on the cusp of resolving some significant issues. I recently started clonidine with significant improvement. Now I understand how and why and the next thing to persue is guanfacine.

[DeepakRJoshi]

Hi,
I have read in some articles that clonidine can also increase hGH production, can we take it only for that purpose?

[aprilsantiano]

I have tried both and I have to say Guanfacine is far more superior than Clonidine in my experience in managing my ADHD symptoms. I was always feeling groggy and lethargic on Clonidine which made my ADHD a lot worse. Whereas Guanfacine eliminated much of the unwanted effects and it made my focus and executive functions stronger. I am also an adult and even though no medical journals have been done on Guanfacine for adults I can say as an anecdotal evidence that it works for me.

[jysb]

I’ve been taking vyvanse a couple of years for ADHD, but once I was put on clonidine for insomnia, I noticed the life-changing effects of this miracle drug shortly after taking the first dose. I was in a highly paranoid state for 2 days and about an hour after the first dose, the paranoia simply melted away. I was drowsy the day after, but Day 2 is where the real magic happened. I woke up feeling fresh and the chronic brain fog that I’ve had for 5+ years completely gone, vastly improved mood, executive function, no anxiety or social anxiety, nightmares gone and general calm in my brain. The Vyvanse was addressing some of my ADHD symptoms, but after starting clonidine I feel completely dialled in and firing on all cylinders. It is great helping with a lot of my symptoms of schizo-affective disorder, adhd and social anxiety. After 20+ years of suffering I finally feel normal and the best version of myself! So grateful to my psychiatrist!

[johnnyrambone]

How is he doing this transparent board effect? Awesome.

[zerezc]

starting guanfacine soon, taking ritalin currently but giving me high anxiety looking to see if it helps when combined with a stim

[natemaddux]

“It will optimize noradrenaline in this part of the brain.”
PLEASE EXPLAIN “optimize.”

Importantly,
You’re a great resource!
TY

[AbhayRaychand-ni]

Really interesting way of explaining 👍👍👍

[nenadcubric]

What is the Diffrence between Propranolol and Clonidine?? Would Propranolol also calm down, reduce Anxiety and Panic symptoms, but You would still have symptoms of ADHD?? And is it possible to take toogether Propranolol or Atenolol for hard heart Beat, and Clonidine for ADHD in Adullt, if there is Blood preassure high, Genetic like about 137/88

[kumarkancharlapalli]

Plz do videos on psychopathology fish and sims

[saintessa]

Hello, my mum was wondering if you have a video on pregabalin?

[Legalthccartstore]

Guanfacine and clonidine are both medications that can treat ADHD and high blood pressure, but they have some differences in their potency, effects, and side effect

[ryanguy]

Guanfacine is one of the two things I have tried to reduce my very extreme fear of doctor appointments. I have a fear of seeing doctor and causes my heart to race and blood pressure to spike everytime - white coat hypertension. I had tried metoprolol but it makes me feel kinda just sluggish all the time and still would get the spikes of fear when doctor. Guanfacine is like magic, it's like my body is unable to have that fight or flight response. It just like deactivates it. Not sure if this is typical response and I am not ADHD but it works like magic for this panic or fear fight or flight response in terms of just not letting it happen for me. Amazing. Probably not the typical use but I use them situationally when seeing doctors and it helps me so much to not panic. I guess whatever causes this far response for me is what the guanfacine inhibits. Plus - I have no lasting side effects since I only use it situationally for this particular issue. I do not need it daily, only when I would be seeing a doctor.

[AndrogenReceptor]

My apologies as this is totally (or somewhat unrelated to the video) but do SSRIs increase GABA concentrations in the prefrontal cortex? I’m reading the medical literature and I’m only finding evidence of increases in occipital GABA levels subsequent to SSRIs being administered in studies. Maybe I haven’t found my right study yet. Any response is greatly appreciated, Dr. Sanil. Barry, from Canada.

[YowieWowie_Fireflies]

Thanks for the informative video sir👍🏻. It was really helpful. I'm in my 30, i was diagnosed with ADHD 6 months back. I'm alo suffering from obesity, eating disorder & Alopecia. My Psychiatrist prescribed me Bupropion - 300 mg, Armodafinil - 150 mg. My Dermatologist prescribed me oral Minoxidil - 5mg and Finasteride - 1 mg, CoEnzymes Q10- 100 mg & Multivitamin tablets - 1 mg for treating male pattern baldness. Can I ask my Psychiatrist to include Clonidine or Guanfacine. Is it ok to take all these drugs at same time in morning. Need your kind suggestion on this sir. Thanks in advance 😊

[annkdio]

Immediate release vs. Extended release. Immediate release clonidine (0.15mg) currently being taken at bedtime is successful for calming C-PTSD night time hyper-arousal. Could extended release clonidine possibly provide daytime anxiety relief? Or, can clonidine be taken as needed for daytime anxiety? If extended release is used, would this necessitate additional dose of immediate release at bedtime to provide the greater dose at night? Night time hyper arousal is more problematic than daytime, although both exist. Thank you sincerely for your helpful videos. They are life changing. I understand your reply is not advise.

[perspicasity]

Please do make a video on Phenelzine, there’s criminally little content online for such a highly rated drug!