Abstract |
The role of guanfacine in ADHD remains unclear. It may be reasonable to initiate a trial of guanfacine in a patient who has not responded to or cannot tolerate other agents due to adverse effects or drug dependence, or in a patient who develops motor tics. However, large placebo-controlled, double-blind, comparative trials involving guanfacine, stimulants, and/or TCAs are necessary to fully determine the role of guanfacine in the treatment of ADHD. Presently, behavioral modification is considered a first-line therapy and may be sufficient in mild cases of ADHD. Pharmacologic intervention or a combination of pharmacotherapy and behavioral modification should be tried in patients who cannot be adequately controlled with nonpharmacologic treatment. The stimulants still are considered first-line pharmacotherapy; however, guanfacine may have a role as a second- or third-line agent in patients who do not respond to or cannot tolerate stimulants or TCAs.
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Authors | L M Cohn, G C Caliendo |
Journal | The Annals of pharmacotherapy
(Ann Pharmacother)
1997 Jul-Aug
Vol. 31
Issue 7-8
Pg. 918-9
ISSN: 1060-0280 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9220058
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Adrenergic Agents
- Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
- Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
- Methylphenidate
- Guanfacine
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adrenergic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
(drug therapy)
- Child
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Female
- Guanfacine
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Methylphenidate
(therapeutic use)
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