Antihypertensives for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Examples
Brand NameGeneric NameChemical Name
Catapres clonidine  
Tenex guanfacine  

These medicines are usually used to reduce high blood pressure, but they are often combined with stimulants for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

How It Works

It is not known exactly how these medicines work when used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They appear to affect the body's production of norepinephrine, a brain chemical that helps control moods.

Why It Is Used

These medicines are useful in treating children who have ADHD, especially those who have repetitive muscle movements (tics) or significant problems controlling their impulses and aggression.

  • A combination of clonidine and methylphenidate (a stimulant, such as Concerta or Ritalin) has helped some children with difficult behavioral problems.
  • Guanfacine may improve attention, impulse control, and irritability.

How Well It Works

Research has shown that when clonidine is used with a stimulant medicine, it reduces aggressive and disruptive behavior.1

These antihypertensives seem to improve symptoms in some people who have ADHD, especially those with symptoms of frustration, extreme hyperactivity, and aggressiveness. They are also used for children with ADHD and tic disorders.

Guanfacine seems to be as effective as (or more effective than) clonidine in treating ADHD and causes less drowsiness.

People with ADHD may show a greater improvement in symptoms when guanfacine is given in combination with psychostimulants.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of clonidine and guanfacine are drowsiness and dizziness. But these symptoms seem to go away after a few weeks of treatment. No serious side effects have been associated with these medicines, and changes in blood pressure are minimal.

Very rare side effects of clonidine include depression and irregular heartbeat.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Clonidine is not given to people who have heart or blood vessel diseases.

Tips for taking clonidine

  • Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your doctor, because your blood pressure might rise too quickly.
  • Take the medicine daily, as prescribed.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations

  1. Hazell LH, Stuart JE (2003). A randomized controlled trial of clonidine added to psychostimulant medication for hyperactive and aggressive children. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(8): 886–894.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 12, 2010
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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