Guanfacine, a medication commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, is no more effective than a placebo, according to a study led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.
"There was no benefit at all, and there were several adverse side effects," says lead author Thomas Neylan, MD, medical director of the PTSD treatment program at SFVAMC. "People with symptoms of PTSD should probably stay away from this drug and others of its type.
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http://www.all-healthtalk.com/common-ptsd-drug-is-no-more-effective-than-placebo.html
But calling it a placebo makes people think it does no harm.
BODY AS A WHOLE asthenia, chest pain, edema, malaise, tremorGENERIC NAME: GUANFACINE - ORAL (GWAN-fuh-seen)
CARDIOVASCULAR bradycardia, palpitations, syncope, tachycardia
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM paresthesias, vertigo
EYE DISORDERS blurred vision
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia
LIVER AND BILIARY SYSTEM abnormal liver function tests
MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM arthralgia, leg cramps, leg pain, myalgia
PSYCHIATRIC agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, insomnia, nervousnessREPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM, MALE impotence
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM dyspnea
SKIN AND APPENDAGES alopecia, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, pruritus rash
SPECIAL SENSES alterations in taste
URINARY SYSTEM nocturia, urinary frequency
http://www.drugs.com/pro/guanfacine.html
BRAND NAME(S): Tenex
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, gas pains, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and nasal congestion may occur. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Inform your doctor if you develop: chest pain, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the hands or feet, blurred vision, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms: mental/mood changes, tingling of the hands or feet, dry mouth, impotence, decreased sexual desire, vision changes, taste changes, ringing in the ears, leg cramps. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart or circulatory problems, kidney or liver disease, any allergies. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Alcohol can lead to excessive drowsiness, dizziness or fainting.
Also, avoid hot showers, saunas and prolonged exercise since excessive heat can intensify dizziness.
Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving), since this drug may cause drowsiness.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge about your blood pressure medications.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if guanfacine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
http://www.medicinenet.com/guanfacine-oral/article.htm
