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guanabenz - oral

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GENERIC NAME: GUANABENZ - ORAL (GWAHN-a-benz)

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Guanabenz belongs to a class of drugs known as centrally acting antihypertensives. It works by decreasing the levels of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), thereby relaxing blood vessels and decreasing blood pressure.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used with other medications to decrease symptoms of withdrawal from narcotic pain medications.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily or exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You may take this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one and take this drug that way each time. If you have intolerable side effects during the day, your doctor may instruct you to take your total daily dose at bedtime.Dosage is based on your medical condition, tolerance of side effects, and response to treatment. The dose will be gradually increased every 1 to 2 weeks until the best dose for you is reached.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Tell your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase) or you experience severe side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and weakness may occur. Less common side effects may include headache, stuffy nose, dry eyes, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain/discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and unusual taste in the mouth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. To help prevent constipation, eat adequate fiber, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise. If constipation occurs, ask your pharmacist for help selecting a laxative.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual sweating, unusually slow heartbeat, sudden pounding heartbeat, decreased sexual ability/interest, muscle pain, increase in urine, enlargement of breasts, depression.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.