My 8 year old son is on Tenex(guanfacine) which is the same as Intuniv (except Intuniv is extended release), Tenex(guanfacine) is not. We tried Intuniv for a short time but insurance would not cover it so we went back to the Tenex. We needed to avoid stimulants due to my son's tourettes so Tenex has been helpful for the ADD/ADHD side of his issues. Side effects are it makes my son extremly tired during the day and he take 1mg in the am 1mg at night. Some days are worse then other's. From what I have found out is it is not as effective as the stimulant meds but it is a good choice for those who can't or don't want to take stimulants. My son still struggles with impulse control and school but there has been a huge improvement. Hope this helps!

Yes, it does help greatly. Thank you! The combination of Intuniv not being covered by insurance (I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield, so it would at best be an upper tier, which I cannot afford) and the fact that Tenex does not effectively control impulsiveness in your son, which is my son's worst symptom, leads me to believe I should keep things as they are. Of course, I will discuss with his doctor, but this helps me immensely. Thank you for sharing!

We tried Intuniv and it was not anywhere near Concerta for focusing or impulse control. It seemed to help some with hyperactivity but not enough. We have only kept it in combination with other meds to help him go to sleep, because we give it in the evening. Have you tried Focalin or Vyvanse?

My son takes intuniv and vyvanse in the morning. He was taking the vyvanse and strattera. The strattera made him so angry after being on it for 2 years. The intuniv has really made my sons anger and defiance much better. He is much calmer. We have not tried it without a combination med, but it has worked for us. Good luck!

Vyvanse is a variation of Adderall, so I'd look at that one first.

Our son also takes Adderall XR. When I asked Kaiser about the short supply, they said not to worry and that they're just limiting it to one months' supply with refills for now, but that things should be back on track in another month or two.

My son was on Vyvanse for a short time..didn't seem to address any of his particular issues. I don't ever get over a one month's supply; my pediatricians have told me they can only prescribe one month at a time because it's a controlled substance. I've had other people tell me different, but that's what my peds do...