Research summaries for autism therapy: Tenex - Intuniv (guanfacine)

definition of Tenex (guanfacine): Tenex® or Intuniv® (extended release form) stimulates certain receptors in the brain and nervous system. Guanfacine is indicated for lowering blood pressure and improving attention in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Guanfacine may also be prescribed off-label for sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, anti-social behaviors, oppositional disorder, and Tourette’s disorder.
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The Pharmacologic Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in Autism, Summarized Oct 14, 2009

Some medications may improve attention spans and decrease hyperactivity in people with autism.

The author describes clinical trials of drug therapies in autism. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These drugs may also help treat ADHD-like symptoms in people with autism. In autism, methylphenidate may work better for hyperactivity, and atomoxetine may work better for attention deficits. Other drug therapies may be helpful for ADHD-like symptoms in autism. Haloperidol, risperidone, clonidine, guanfacine, amntadine, and naltrexone have been researched. All of these drugs have shown improved behaviors in at least one study. However, other studies showed little or no effect of these drugs in autism.

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Guanfacine in Children with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities, Summarized Oct 29, 2008

Guanfacine may be a good treatment option for children with autism who also have attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Many times, the drugs that are used to treat ADHD do not work as well for children with autism. This study was designed to test whether guanfacine is a good treatment for ADHD in children with autism and/or other developmental disabilities. This study is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study of guanfacine in children with autism. The study combined the children with autism with the children with other developmental disabilities. Three of the 11 children in the study developed sleepiness at the large target dose of 3 mg/day. Read more...

Guanfacine and Guanfacine Extended Release: Treatment for ADHD and Related Disorders, Summarized May 5, 2008

Guanfacine is a good therapy option for the treatment of hyperactivity in children with autism.

Guanfacine is one option for treating hyperactivity (ADHD). The FDA will likely soon approve an extended release form of guanfacine. Hyperactivity can be a problem in about half of children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). This paper includes a review of the use of guanfacine to treat hyperactivity in children with PDD. One study found that guanfacine worked for about 25% of children with hyperactivity and PDD. Another study found that guanfacine worked for about half of children with hyperactivity and PDD. Read more...

A Prospective Open Trial of Guanfacine in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Summarized Jan 18, 2007

Guanfacine may help to treat hyperactivity in children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).

This article describes a prospective study. This means that the children were entered into the study and then given guanfacine in order to treat hyperactivity. The study found that children had 39% less hyperactivity and impulsive behavior when they were given the drug. This improvement was seen by parents and by teachers. Guanfacine also seemed to help with irritability, explosive behavior, repetitive movements (stereotypies), and social interaction. The authors suggest that guanfacine be used in children who do not respond to the drug methylphenidate.
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Synonyms for Tenex - Intuniv (guanfacine) include: guanfacine, Intuniv, Intuniv®, Tenex, Tenex®
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