ADHD Medications - Part IV - Alpha2 Drugs (e.g.Guanfacine)

The past 10-15 years have witnessed a number of major developments in the medications and delivery systems available for the management of ADHD. Dr. Barkley here discusses the types of medications now available to ADHD management and the various delivery systems developed to extend the effectiveness of the medications across the day. For each medication, he will present the major beneficial effects and side effects. He will also discuss various issues clinicians should consider in selecting particular medications to use with a patient with ADHD, such as those issues related to the social context, the patient’s characteristics, and any comorbid conditions that may exist.

Part IV discusses the alpha2 medications, specifically guanfacine XR

[JC-Alan]

Guanfacine has been incredibly helpful for my working memory. If anyone has specific issues with working memory, I recommend asking your Psych about trying this. Mine gave it to me to also help with sleep and it has been great in that regard. In combo with my primary medication (Adderal XR) I find it to be very helpful.

[TroyHill]

Good video. Guanfacine is interesting. It has dramatically enhanced my memory. Sometimes i feel almost TOO relaxed on it, though. However, I'm also on testosterone replacement theapy and as a bonus the guanfacine really helps keep my blood pressure like 110/70, even with Adderall.

[xxxafterglow]

I am on Strattera and just added Guanfacine - it’s awesome! Better emotional regulation and decreased anxiety = better functioning, more task initiation.

[andiblac]

Thank you so much for sharing your years of knowledge and expertise Dr. Barkley! It's truly helped me and my daughter so much when speaking with our doctor and counsellor.

I had a curious question. For patients who experience elevated heart rate from stimulants, is there any evidence of taking Guanfacine in tandem to a stimulant mitigating heart rate elevation?

[DadThrowawayADHD]

Greetings Dr. Barkley, and thank you for your great work. A brief question for you...

I've seen you mention in your other videos that starting ADHD children on stimulants early can help with their neural connections later in life.
Does this particular benefit also apply to Guanfacine, a non-stimulant?

[Madkalibyr]

I recently began taking Guafacine alongside my Adderall IR (I prefer XR but have no been able to get it filled in six+months)

[olgavysotska]

Thank you so much Dr. Barkley! Can you combine Strattera and Guanfacine, or is it only stimulants that can be taken alongside Guanfacine? Thank you so much in advance🙏

[blueyepasta]

Hi Dr Barkley, this drug changed my life in a much more effective way than stimulants. I also have Autism and now i can finally look people in th eyeys while having a conversation. cures my anxiety completely.

[admiral]

Back when I couldn't get Stims(Still can't because of the seizure myth ofc) I was prescribed this. I really didn't feel anything much other than improving my OCD/Anxiety and ADHD Hyperactivity(Which I for some reason still have at age 25, although it has weakened over time). But it made me sleepy and kinda dull and I did have the dry mouth side effect. I stopped cause I didn't think it did anything much other than help OCD rituals calm down, but hopefully I might try this again if I get stimulants.

[lisatrujillo]

Thank you so much for your work Dr Barkley! Is Guafacine XR more effective at treating mood regulation and possibly RSD more so than Clonidine XR in adults? sleepiness aside

[AngelChristinaaa]

But what about children who have the inattentive type and are not hyper at all. My daughter has been on Guanfacine and her test scores went up 20 points. (On state tests.)
What is ur treatment plan for kids who are not hyperactive and who don’t have behavioral issues?
I never see any videos anywhere about this kind of child, therefore I don’t know what the treatment plan should be long term…
I’d say this medication works good but not exceptionally well.. Would a lose dose stimulant help even more?

[andreashrewsbury]

I am months from being 50 and have been taking Guanfacine since about age 8 for tics. A diagnosis of ADHD came when i was 10-11, and was prescribwd Desoxyn at that time. Treatment over the years has become shoddy. Today, i can't find any psychiatrist in my surrounding area that will treat (not only adult ADHD appropriately and I am so frustrated. I clearly present symptoms, try to make adjustments in my self-actions (i know thats not a word), and feel for so long now- i NEED treatment. What can I do? Where can I i go? Who can help?

[johnmoore]

Why should guanfacine not be used with aripiprazole?

[ubded]

It’s increase or decrease Noradrenaline?

[Herfinnur]

Is this the best medication for CDS? Is there any data on combining Guanfacine with Medikinet?

Although now that I think of it, my only ADHD symptoms seem to be time blindness and working memory

[Yahman]

Do you think ADHD medication could help with PTSD