Tenex is the brand name of the drug Guanfacine HCL. It is used to treat ADHD as well as a number of unrelated conditions, like high blood pressure. The drug works by reducing the brain's signals to blood vessels to increase pressure. When taking Tenex, blood vessels will relax, which means that the physical responses to stress will be lessened. In some cases, this can reduce the impulsivity and overreactions that can come when an ADHD person gets overwhelmed. As with every drug, there are some possible side effects that can happen when taking this drug. Here is a look at some of the possible reactions:
Minor Side Effects
The most common side effects that are reported from the use of Tenex include dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, constipation, weakness and decreased sexual libido. With any drug, it is unlikely to have all of the side effects, and the chance of having any one or more of them varies from person to person.
Dealing with Minor Side Effects
In many cases, the side effects of this drug are less concerning than life without the drug. There are a number of ways to cope with the side effects and continue to take Tenex. For dry mouth, hydration and frequent drinking is often enough, however, saliva substitutes are also available from the doctor in extreme cases. For constipation, additional fiber and hydration may be enough, or an over the counter stool softener can be added to your routine when necessary to help compensate for sluggish bowels. Drowsiness is a difficult side effect to counteract, but it may be possible to take the drug at night, and to sleep off the worst portion of the drowsiness. Weakness and dizziness can similarly be strongest at night if the medication is taken before bedtime. As for sexual libido, there are some medications and herbs that may help with this, however it is best to speak with a doctor before adding these to your medications, as they may counteract the Tenex.
Major Side Effects
In very rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may appear in someone taking Tenex. If this happens, the medication should be discontinued immediately. If you are in emergency medical danger, you should call 911 and seek medical help for severe allergic reaction. If you have a moderate reaction such as a rash or inflammation, and you choose not to go to the hospital, an over the counter antihistamine like benadryl can help alleviate symptoms that are not life threatening. If you get an allergic reaction of any level, stop taking the medication until you can return to your doctor and discuss the best plan of action for the future. The doctor will have a better idea of whether you should discontinue the drug and try something else or try again with an eye on controlling the reaction.
