Causes of ADHD

ADHD is a real disorder. It isn't caused by bad parenting or bad teachers, or anything a child has done. The exact origin of ADHD is unknown, but researchers think the disorder may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

  • Brain chemistry
    ADHD is thought to be caused by an imbalance of two chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. Researchers think that these chemicals might play an important role in ADHD.
  • Genetics
    Research suggests that ADHD tends to run in families. However, this does not mean that all children in a family will have the disorder.
  • Environment
    Certain external factors, such as smoking during pregnancy or complications during pregnancy, delivery, or infancy, may contribute to ADHD.
Start the conversation with your child's doctor about INTUNIV
Download the Doctor Discussion Guide
Answer questions about your child's ADHD symptoms to share with the doctor
Complete the Symptom Assessment

INTUNIV is a prescription medicine used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients ages 6 to 17. INTUNIV may be used alone or added to an ADHD stimulant medicine. INTUNIV should be used as part of a total treatment plan that may include counseling or other therapies. INTUNIV was shown to work in clinical studies lasting up to 9 weeks.

Important Safety Information About INTUNIV

Patients should not take INTUNIV if they are allergic to guanfacine or other ingredients in INTUNIV, or are taking other medicines containing guanfacine (such as TENEX®). Tell the doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements your child is taking.

INTUNIV may cause serious side effects including low blood pressure, low heart rate, fainting, and sleepiness.

Before starting INTUNIV, tell the doctor if your child has low blood pressure, low heart rate, heart problems, has fainted, has liver or kidney problems, or has any other medical condition. You should also tell the doctor if your child is pregnant, breast-feeding, or plans to become pregnant or breast-feed.

Patients should drink plenty of water and not get overheated while taking INTUNIV.

Patients should not drive or use machinery like lawn mowers or power tools, until they know how INTUNIV affects them. INTUNIV can slow thinking and motor skills. While taking INTUNIV, patients should not drink alcohol or take other medicines that can cause sleepiness or dizziness because these symptoms may get worse.

The most common side effects of INTUNIV include sleepiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, low blood pressure, nausea, stomach pain, and dizziness.

INTUNIV should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet. INTUNIV should not be taken with a high-fat meal. Do not change the dose or stop INTUNIV without talking with the doctor. The doctor will regularly check your child's blood pressure and heart rate.

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Your Child's ADHD Symptoms
How often do you notice these symptoms in your child?
The Symptom Assessment can help the doctor evaluate symptoms of ADHD in your child. Fill out and print the following form to share with your family and your child's doctor.
Start Assessment
How often does your child have lack of attention to details or make careless mistakes on schoolwork/activities?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Very Often
How often does your child lack sustained attention in tasks?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Very Often
How often does your child not seem to listen when spoken to?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child fail to follow through on tasks?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Very Often
How often does your child have difficulty organizing activities?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child avoid tasks requiring
sustained mental effort?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child lose things?
Never
Rarely
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Very Often
How often is your child easily distracted by noises/objects?
Never
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How often is your child forgetful?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child have trouble with fidgeting/squirming?
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Very Often
How often does your child have trouble with leaving his/her seat in the classroom?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child engage in running/climbing in inappropriate situations?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child have difficulty playing quietly?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child seem "on the go"?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often
How often does your child engage in excessive talking?
Never
Rarely
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Often
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How often does your child blurt out answers?
Never
Rarely
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How often does your child have difficulty awaiting his/her turn?
Never
Rarely
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Very Often
How often does your child interrupt others?
Never
Rarely
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Often
Very Often