3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
Same-day visits are often possible. See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Guanfacine (Intuniv) is a non-stimulant medication we use to treat ADHD in children and adults. Simply put, it works by helping to improve your focus and significantly reduce impulsive behavior, making it easier to manage daily tasks.
Get Guanfacine treatment or refills from our health care providers at One Stop Psychiatry.
Guanfacine, brand name Intuniv is a prescription non-stimulant FDA approved medication used primarily to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In some cases, The Tenex brand of guanfacine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs known as alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonists, which work by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain.
Guanfacine improves focus and behavior by working directly with receptors in your brain. This action results in improved memory recall, reduced distractibility, and better impulse control. Unlike many other ADHD medications, it’s not a stimulant.
Intuniv is only available by prescription in US.
If you take Guanfacine or have questions about it, our psychiatric medication management service includes a review of your current medications, side effects and a follow-up plan with a licensed provider. If ADHD has not been diagnosed, start with an ADHD assessment.
Your provider sets your guanfacine dose based on your age, health, other medications and how you respond, and adjusts it at follow-up visits. We don’t list doses here because the right one is different for each person. Take it exactly as prescribed, and don’t change or stop it on your own.
Getting started is simple, and every step happens with a licensed provider.
Call (754) 270-6322 or request a visit online. Our staff check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm your appointment, either in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
You’ll go over your symptoms, health history and current medications. Together you’ll decide whether guanfacine makes sense for you or whether another option fits better.
If guanfacine is a good fit, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose. Follow-up visits let your provider check how it’s working, watch for side effects and adjust the plan. Medication is only prescribed when it’s clinically appropriate.
Unlike traditional stimulant ADHD medications (like Adderall or Ritalin), Guanfacine doesn’t directly increase dopamine levels. Instead, it targets alpha-2A receptors to strengthen communication in brain pathways that control attention and emotional regulation.
This makes Guanfacine a great option for patients who:
Cannot tolerate stimulants due to side effects like anxiety or insomnia
Have co-occurring conditions such as tic disorders, sleep issues, or aggression
Prefer a non-stimulant ADHD medication with a lower risk of misuse or dependency.
The extended-release formulation of guanfacine (Intuniv XR) is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents (typically ages 6–17).
It is used either alone or as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications.
Guanfacine immediate-release (Tenex) is FDA-approved for hypertension (high blood pressure).
Though not FDA-approved for adult ADHD, many clinicians prescribe guanfacine off-label for adults due to its favorable safety profile and non-stimulant mechanism.
Benefits:
Improved attention span, reduced impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Non-stimulant, lower abuse risk and alternative for stimulant-intolerant individuals.
May help with sleep difficulties, tics and comorbid anxiety in ADHD patients.
Limitations:
It may take weeks (2–4 or more) to reach full effect; early response is gradual.
It may cause drowsiness, low blood pressure, or fatigue in some patients.
Less potent in some cases compared with stimulant medications for core ADHD symptoms—may require combination therapy.
Non-stimulant and not a controlled substance
Improves attention and self-control
Can help with sleep quality and emotional stability
Often used as an alternative or complement to stimulant medications
Yes. After a virtual evaluation with a licensed psychiatrist at One Stop Psychiatry, a prescription for guanfacine XR may be issued if appropriate and safe.
No. Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication and does not carry the same risks of abuse or dependence associated with stimulant ADHD drugs.
You may notice calming of restlessness in 1–2 weeks, but improvements in attention and impulsivity often require 4–8 weeks.
While FDA-approved for children/adolescents, many adults use guanfacine off-label with good results under careful monitoring.
Yes. Because guanfacine can lower blood pressure and slow heart rate, you’ll need monitoring and need to avoid abrupt discontinuation. Also inform your provider of all medications and supplements due to possible interactions.
Some reported side effects include drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue, dizziness, headache, upset stomach, dry mouth and low blood pressure (hypotension).
While guanfacine does not carry stimulant-type abuse risks, monitoring is needed for hypotension, bradycardia (slow heart rate), syncope (fainting) and abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound increases in blood pressure.
Guanfacine may interact with other medications that lower blood pressure, sedatives, and certain antidepressants. It’s important to disclose all medications, supplements and herbal products to your provider.
Children & Adolescents: Common population for ADHD treatment; start at lower doses and monitor closely.
Adults: Off-label use—requires close supervision of dose and response.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Use only if clearly needed and under specialist supervision.
Elderly / Lower kidney function: Caution due to sensitivity to side effects like dizziness or hypotension.
At One Stop Psychiatry, we make it simple to get Guanfacine treatment after a thorough telepsychiatry evaluation. Our licensed providers ensure that your treatment is personalized, safe, and evidence-based, helping you regain focus and emotional balance without the stress of traditional clinic visits. Safe, private telehealth platform, no waiting rooms, direct care from home
Yes, We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. and also offer flexible self-pay options for uninsured patients.
Book your online psychiatry appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Call to request an appointment: (754) 270-6322
See all medications we manage or learn about medication management at One Stop Psychiatry.
Another non-stimulant option is Qelbree (viloxazine), a once-a-day capsule for children 6 and up and adults.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: guanfacine (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".
"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"
"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"
You can schedule a therapy consultation with our medical professionals on your time, not theirs.
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiTell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.
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