spok
Member posts quite a bit
Posts: 119
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Post by spok on May 10, 2015 12:42:31 GMT
Hi everybody, its been ages since I've been on here!
Has anybody been prescribed Guanfacine (I believe the american brand name is Intuniv)? I recently came across it when researching side effects of methylphenidate and the (albeit limited) reading I've done on it has made me wonder whether it could perhaps be a more appropriate medication for me.
I'm afraid if I mention it to the Psychiatrist who is currently prescribing for me they will think I'm either drug or attention seeking (they mentioned last time I was there they were going to discharge me back to my GP soon), and that could deteriorate any future service I get from either them or my GP.
Is Guanfacine a controlled drug? It would help a lot if it isn't as I'm sure the reduced risk would be appealing for the prescriber.
Anybody had any luck approaching a similar matter?
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Post by petra on May 10, 2015 14:29:41 GMT
Hi spok - long time no see!! Hope you are doing ok
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Post by Mona on Aug 24, 2015 8:33:42 GMT
Hi spok - ran across this topic because I'm considering asking my psychiatrist about the same, due to concerns about the possible cardiac effects of my Concerta. From what I'm reading, I don't believe Intuniv is yet available for prescription in the UK, but about a month ago Shire published a press release highlighting the positive opinion on approval they got in Europe, so I think it's coming. It's a non-stimulant medication, so I think that should please our paranoid psychiatrists (80% of the people I deal with think I'm drug-seeking too, which is very annoying because it makes me hesitant to talk to anyone openly about how I'm doing). I think if you can give a good explanation regarding what you're worried about with the methylphenidate and why you think guanfacine might be better, maybe bring in a study or two to back up what you say, it could actually be something that makes your various doctors happier with how you're acting.
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Post by JustDiagnosed on Nov 19, 2015 8:35:38 GMT
Has anyone had any progress with this?
Intuniv was given a European licence in September but I've not seen anything about a launch date.
I'm seeing my psychiatrist tonight and am going to ask about it. I'd be keen to try it in addition to my Elvanse rather than instead of because I've read that it can help with the internal hyperactivity which Elvanse doesn't really touch
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aldedah
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 57
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Post by aldedah on Nov 22, 2015 2:28:00 GMT
I was reading up on this and it sounded good. Doesn't seem on the NHS though there are other drugs than stimulants / atomoxetine (which feels like a stimulant to me, although not as strong).
I don't like the idea of being on a "cocktail" as it potentially increases side effects, although it can do the opposite. I need something to help with sleep, as terrible sleep leads to a terrible next day. Sleeping tablets have often calmed my brain down and actually made me productive, rather than sleepy....
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Post by sparky197 on May 3, 2016 10:59:30 GMT
Does anyone have any update on this becoming under NHS as my son has been persribed it and I am having to pay for it.
Thanks
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Aldo844
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 9
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Post by Aldo844 on May 3, 2016 12:16:04 GMT
Hi Sparky 197 I take this medicine and have been paying for it privately. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow and hope that they will be willing to take over treatment. I will let you know whether it is available on the NHS or not
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Post by sparky197 on May 3, 2016 12:34:15 GMT
Thanks, I know its been approved on the Scottish NHS straight away
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Jonboy
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 20
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Post by Jonboy on May 3, 2016 22:30:05 GMT
I asked my psychiatrist some time ago, and even though it had been granted a European licence, it still wasn't available on the NHS.
I managed to try clonidine instead (another alpha 2a agonist) as this can be prescribed on the NHS.
I had high hopes, as on paper it looked perfect.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't do well on it at all. I just felt tired, and it didn't address the rejection sensitivity I have.
How is the guanfacine for you Aldo?
Do you find yourself more emotionally stable on it?
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Aldo844
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 9
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Post by Aldo844 on May 4, 2016 9:00:14 GMT
Hi Jonboy. Yes Guanfacine has been going well for me. I think it does help with emotional aspects as well as helping with sleep. I also take Elvanse and this combination works really well for me. I'm sorry to hear clondine didn't work out for you. I hope you find something else
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Aldo844
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 9
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Post by Aldo844 on May 4, 2016 9:05:11 GMT
Hi Sparky197. I spoke to my GP and apparently Intuniv wasn't in his BMF book and he had never heard of it. He wasn't willing to prescribe any of my ADHD meds as I have gone private and need to see someone on the NHS (even though I got diagnosed on the NHS originally). Thankfully I can just about afford private care at the moment and I'm under the care of a very good specialist which is worth the money.
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Post by sparky197 on May 6, 2016 7:02:01 GMT
Hi Aldo,
I am using my private insurance to cover costs for my son, whose does has just been updated and when I took the prescription in I found that I already had one waiting for him from his GP so I presume the medication is now on the NHS.
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