Tenex is a beta blocker originally used for blood pressure. In trial for ADHD it was found to help with some of the symptoms as I listed above but not attention and focus. It is used off label for kids. It is in some current clinical trials for other properties:
vickie38952.9177777778Vickie is correct that Tenex (generic is Guanfacine) is originally for high blood pressure.
Although not it's original purpose, it is now also very often prescribed for Tourette's Syndrome. In many TS patients, Tenex will reduce their tics. My DD is on it for this purpose. As an added benefit, our Neurologist said we may also see improvement in my DD's ADHD symptoms and improvements in her behavior. It is believed the ADHD improvements will be with impulsiveness & hyperactivity, but not inattentiveness (as Vickie also stated).
The first three months we saw big improvements in tic severity & her behavior, and small, but notable improvements in attention (despite being told it wouldn't help in this area) After that three month period, the argumentative and defiant behavior slowly started returning; and now, 1 yr. later, the only benefit that remains is the one it was initially prescribed for....reduction in tics.
Just remember, medicines effect everybody differently, so maybe it will have the desired effect for your son.
Good luck!
Mamabear
MamaBear38952.9577083333Im not sure but I think it could be not a adhd med but it could very well be a mood stablizing medication,and many things are used for that off lable in other words a drug might be typically used for something eles but drs get very good and safe results when used for mood stablizing.My son is on trileptal which is an antiseizer med but It has really helped a lot for his very impulse behavior problems.I was a little skeptable about trying this but the dr assured me that it was very safe to use on children.Anyway he's been on it along with his regular adhd meds for about 3 weeks now and I can tell a big difference.No side effects either.Thank you to everyone who replied it gave me a little more information than my doctor gave me. It always gives me some reassurance when I know that others have tried it with postive outcomes. Thanks Again!My daughter has been put on guanfacine (Tenex) to augment the concerta that she will restart before school starts. She did well on the concerta but lost a little weight that she cannot afford to lose (she is 55lbs and 10yo). She would problably benefit from a higher dose of the concerta but cannot be increased because of the weight loss. The doctor added the guanfacine because it helps with hyperactivity, calming, sleep, memory and counter act the weight loss due to stimulant use. My daughter is doing well on the guanfacine and is calmer, less hyper and her ODD symptoms are very much reduced. She is currently on 1mg guanfacine in the AM and PM and the doctor said she could go up to 2 mg AM and PM. We will be optimizing meds when school starts.
With the beta blockers (guanfacine and clonidine) you cannot suddenly stop the meds as this could cause the blood pressure to go up. Here is some information:
http://health.yahoo.com/topic/add/medications/article/health wise/hw164961
hope this helps