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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Side Effects Of Clonidine And Guanfacine?

I ve been reading dr daniel amen s materials on ADD and am researching recommended drugs to talk to a psychiatrist about. I am wondering about drugs that address Type 2 ADD which is not the hyperactive type, but has with the attention issues depression. what are the side effects of clonidine and guanfacine? AND will I have to get off of the Paxil I m on before starting natural remedies?
Fri, 19 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Clonidine and Guanfacine both are alpha agonist sympathetic drugs. Both drugs are known to reduce anxiety and cause sedation. These drugs have been studies and are found to be very useful in ADD disorders especially in inattentive type. You have ADD but this has not been diagnosed properly. So first of all I'd advise you to visit a psychiatrist for help and making a diagnosis. If it comes out to be ADD then drugs like Clonidine or Guanfacine can be used. Both are safe drugs but are known to cause sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, hypotension, postural hypotension, slowed heart rate etc symptoms. Please visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and help.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi,
Psychiatrist.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Clonidine And Guanfacine?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Clonidine and Guanfacine both are alpha agonist sympathetic drugs. Both drugs are known to reduce anxiety and cause sedation. These drugs have been studies and are found to be very useful in ADD disorders especially in inattentive type. You have ADD but this has not been diagnosed properly. So first of all I d advise you to visit a psychiatrist for help and making a diagnosis. If it comes out to be ADD then drugs like Clonidine or Guanfacine can be used. Both are safe drugs but are known to cause sedation, sleepiness, dizziness, hypotension, postural hypotension, slowed heart rate etc symptoms. Please visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and help. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, Psychiatrist.