Two medicines, side by side
Guanfacine vs dextroamphetamine
Guanfacine and dextroamphetamine are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of guanfacine since 1986 and of dextroamphetamine since 1976. Pharmacies paid $0.147 per guanfacine 1 mg tablet and $0.373 per dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. In FDA's classes, guanfacine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and dextroamphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
Check it at the source: the guanfacine FDA label on DailyMed (effective June 23, 2025); the dextroamphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 26, 2025).
Highlights of the guanfacine record
Guanfacine (Intuniv) · label of June 23, 2025
Used for
From the label: indicationsINTUNIV ® is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. INTUNIV is a central alpha 2A -adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy to stimulant medications ( 1 , 14 ).
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- October 27, 1986
- Generic labelers
- 36 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.147 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- A presentation being discontinued
- Recalls
- 1
Highlights of the dextroamphetamine record
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) · label of November 26, 2025
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Dextroamphetamine sulfate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE ), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZenzedi ® (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP) is indicated for: Narcolepsy. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 2, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 14 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.373 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 24
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Guanfacine label of June 23, 2025, Dextroamphetamine label of November 26, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do guanfacine and dextroamphetamine differ on the record?
In FDA's classes, guanfacine is a central alpha-2 adrenergic agonist and dextroamphetamine a central nervous system stimulant.
Only the dextroamphetamine label carries a boxed warning.
Generics: guanfacine since 1995; dextroamphetamine since 1975 (Drugs@FDA).
DEA schedule: guanfacine none; dextroamphetamine CII.
| Guanfacine | Dextroamphetamine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD, High blood pressure | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central alpha-2 Adrenergic Agonist | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | Guanfacine is a central alpha 2A -adrenergic receptor agonist. Guanfacine is not a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mechanism of action of guanfacine in ADHD is not known. | n/a |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | October 27, 1986 | August 2, 1976 |
| First generic approved | October 17, 1995 | May 29, 1975 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 36 labelers | 14 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.147 per tablet (Guanfacine 1 mg tablet) | $0.373 per tablet (Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -5% | -33% |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Shortage now | A presentation being discontinued | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 1 | 24 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,825 | 7,605 |
| DEA schedule | none | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
Do their labels mention each other?
Dextroamphetamine label, drug interactions… Interactions with Amphetamine From a pharmacokinetic perspective, no dose adjustment of XELSTRYM is necessary when XELSTRYM is co-administered with guanfacine, venlafaxine, or omeprazole. In addition, no dose adjustment of guanfacine or venlafaxine is needed when XELSTRYM is co-administered [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) ]. …
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Dextroamphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to guanfacine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions