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Supplements/Compound

Guanfacine (Ref)

α2A-agonist reference drug for prefrontal focus and ADHD.

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Overview

α2A-agonist reference drug for prefrontal focus and ADHD.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Selective postsynaptic α2A-adrenergic agonism strengthens prefrontal network connectivity.

Pathways
  • · Selective postsynaptic α2A-adrenergic agonism strengthens prefrontal network connectivity

Effects on the body

Supports
ADHD symptoms

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Guanfacine (Ref) acts on central nervous system targets implicated in attention, memory, and neuroprotection.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves ADHD symptoms

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Sedation
  • · Hypotension
Rare
  • · Bradycardia
Serious
  • · Syncope on abrupt discontinuation

Drug interactions

Prescription medications (general)
Always disclose Guanfacine (Ref) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
minor

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)
    Membrane fluidity and neuronal signaling support.
  • Alpha-GPC or CDP-choline
    Provides choline substrate for acetylcholine synthesis.
Avoid combining with

No specific avoidances listed.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
Rx 1–4 mg/day
Best form
Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
Timing
Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With food?
With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

Where to buy

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Scientific evidence8Show studies
RCTPediatrics · 2008

Extended-release guanfacine in pediatric ADHD

Biederman J, et al.

8-week RCT in 345 children.

Key findings

Significant dose-dependent improvement on ADHD-RS-IV.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — Improves ADHD symptoms

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) Improves ADHD symptoms" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "Improves ADHD symptoms". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — safety adverse events

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Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: Guanfacine (Ref) — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "Guanfacine (Ref) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Guanfacine (Ref) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: Guanfacine (Ref) — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for Guanfacine (Ref) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

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