Tenex: Drug Information

Generic name: Guanfacine

Drug Class: Antihypertensive

Tenex is used in the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension as well as other mental disorders such as Attention Deficit Hypertensive Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s syndrome. This antihypertensive drug is known to regulate the levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine found in the brain. Norepinephrine helps in increasing alertness and concentration.

Tenex can be used to treat ADHD when given alone or in combination with other stimulants. Guanfacine can also be given as a substitute for stimulants to children who cannot withstand stimulant therapy. This medicine helps decrease agitation, aggression and insomnia that usually comes as pass and parcel of stimulants. Tenex boosts the central nervous system (CNS), calms the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

How to take Tenex?

This medicine is available in the form of tablets and must be ingested orally. It should be given at bed time in order to reduce somnolence.

Warning and Precautions:

In case you are taking medicines for asthma, appetite control, cold, cough or sinusitis, you must maintain extra caution as Tenex is known to increase the blood pressure when co-administered with certain drugs prescribed for treating these illnesses.

Do not consume alcohol when on this medicine.

Medicines for seizures, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, barbiturates and anesthetics should not be taken along with Tenex.

All central nervous system (CNS) depressants should be avoided.

Tenex has sedative properties and can cause drowsiness. Thus, individuals should not operate heavy machinery or drive any vehicle after taking this medicine.

Side Effects of Tenex:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include vertigo, stomach upset, headache, vomiting, depression, hives, sedation, choking, respiratory problems, facial edema, inability to sleep, dryness of the mouth, decreased pulse rate, fatigue, angina-like pain, flushing of the face, gas, headache, somnolence, conjunctivitis, sexual dysfunction, alterations in taste, urinary problems, iritis, cramping, mood swings, blurred vision, malaise, testicular disorder, rash and unusually high or low blood pressure.

Overdose:

The symptoms of Tenex overdose include bradycardia, lethargy, hypotension and drowsiness. In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.