Suggest Ideal Dosage Of Tenex For A 12 Year Old Child

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015

Question: What is a good dosage of tenex for a 12 yr old boy weighing 80 lbs for tics. If given at night will it have the same effects? How long does it take before you see results in tics in eye rolling and head jerks?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Tenex(guanfacine) is found to be of some use in ADHD and tourette syndrome.
The drug is usually started as 1 mg dose for age above 6 years in night and gradually increased to maximum 4 mg depending upon effect.
the drug is not to be discontinued suddenly.
The effect may take few days and complete control is difficult.
Be in constant touch with your treating doctor for effect , drug escalation and side effects.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (32 minutes later)

Thanks for your answer so there is no difference in taking this pill at night rather than day when he is having the tics? Does it stay in the system that long We are at 1mg now, do you know at what point we should see any improvement he started Wednesday of last week. ?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes...

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Dosage in night is usually with less side effects and adequate drug level remains in body during day time also. Therefore I prefer using it at night.

Dose increase may be decided after few weeks. The effect on tics may not be complete and require 2-3 weeks for full effect. Other medications may also be added if required later on.
Continue presently with 1 mg and consult doctor if any side effect occurs.

Regards
Dr Neeraj XXXXXXX
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (34 minutes later)

He was taking clondine 0.01 for about 7 months before changing to tenex 1mg, since these medicines are in the same class would that mean he already has more of a tolenrence for the tenex and may need an increase more than a person who didnt take clondine?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
May require multiple drugs

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
These drugs have short half life and effects wane away very soon.
sometimes multiple drug has to be given.
The response to a drug is variable and is different from patient to patient.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Follow advise of your treating doctor.
regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (25 hours later)

Would intutiv be a better drug which is tenex extended release to take since we are taking it at night so that it stays in his system during the day and evenings?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes Intuniv will be better

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Intuniv will definitely be a better option due to its sustained release.
Try to consult your treating doctor about this and future escalation plan of drug.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar