Intuniv for ADHD...when to give dose

[simplething]

My son, 11, was started on Intuniv (guanfacine) 1mg, 9 months ago 1hr before bed. Initially saw great results for ADHD and sleeping however, now we are having horrible sleep problems (takes over an hour to fall asleep, poor quality sleep, very little REM and Deep sleep). Literatures only says give the does in the evening or morning. Has anyone figured out whether morning or evening is best?

[Imakecutebabies]

When my son started on guanfacine, right before bed, it was keeping him up super late. When I mentioned this to his psychiatrist, she said it can take 6-8 hours to cause drowsiness and suggested we give it earlier. We now give it to him as soon as we pick him up from school (2:45), and he's asleep around 8:30/8:45 most nights.

[El-Eektrified in reply to Imakecutebabies]

I’m taking it as an adult, and was asking myself the same question.

After reading on this forum, that it helps children sleep by giving it a few hours before bed time, I followed. Instead of 10pm I’m taking it at 7pm and round 10/11pm can’t keep my eyes open, so this really did help me, not waking up in the middle of the night, and not being able to get back to sleep.

I believe there’s still a lot to learn about guanfacines mechanism, since it’s mostly prescribed to (young) children. And even doctors don’t always know “why” it does work for me, apparently I’m one of the very few…

[simplething in reply to El-Eektrified]

Wow. Thank you. This was super helpful coming from and adult. My son at 11 can’t articulate when it makes him tired or not.

We bought a fit bit to track ( although not super accurate it helps to trend). Basically we we’re starting to see only light sleep, very little deep and very little REM. With the switch to an earlier time they are coming back slowly.

[simplething in reply to Imakecutebabies]

Thanks for this suggestion. I will try giving it to him earlier too. Do you remember how long it took before you saw any effect?

[Imakecutebabies in reply to simplething]

No, but I don't think it was long.