This article describes possible side effects of Intuniv oral tablet. To learn more about Intuniv, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Intuniv is a brand-name medication that comes as an extended-release oral tablet. (Extended-release means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.) It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes possible side effects of Intuniv.
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More common side effects of Intuniv
Intuniv oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Intuniv oral tablet include:
- dizziness
- fatigue (low energy)
- low blood pressure*
- nausea or vomiting
- sleepiness*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Intuniv in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of Intuniv
Intuniv may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Intuniv oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- anxiety
- bad dreams
- bedwetting
- abdomen pain
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fatigue (low energy)
- headache
- irritability
- low blood pressure*
- sleepiness*
- mood swings
- nausea or vomiting
- mild allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Intuniv in detail” section below.
Intuniv may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of Intuniv
Intuniv may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Intuniv oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Intuniv.
Serious side effects of Intuniv oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- changes in heart rhythm
- rebound high blood pressure when stopping Intuniv too quickly*
- severe low blood pressure that can lead to fainting*
- severe sleepiness that can lead to sedation*
- slow heart rate
- severe allergic reaction*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Intuniv in detail” section below.
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Common questions about side effects of Intuniv
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Intuniv oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Intuniv cause long-term side effects?
Long-term side effects aren’t expected with Intuniv oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time.
Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with Intuniv.
Do side effects of Intuniv go away?
Yes, the side effects of Intuniv oral tablet are likely to go away with continued treatment. It may take about a month for your body to get used to the effects of Intuniv oral tablet. Many of the side effects will lessen or go away with time.
Tell your doctor if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome. They may be able to suggest ways to manage the side effects.
Can Intuniv cause weight loss?
No. Intuniv isn’t known to cause weight loss unlike other medications used for ADHD, such as Ritalin or Vyvanse. Weight gain has been seen in some patients taking Intuniv.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about weight changes with Intuniv.
Side effects of Intuniv in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Intuniv oral tablet.
Low blood pressure
In studies, low blood pressure was common in people taking Intuniv oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild, but may be serious in some cases.
With low blood pressure, you may not have any symptoms. But sometimes low blood pressure can cause serious symptoms including dizziness and fainting. These symptoms often happen when your blood pressure suddenly drops when sitting up or standing up.
Low blood pressure is most likely to happen when you first start taking Intuniv oral tablet. It may also occur after dosage increases.
Certain factors can increase the risk of low blood pressure with Intuniv oral tablet. These include:
- having another condition that causes low blood pressure or fainting
- becoming dehydrated
- becoming overheated
You can become dehydrated or overheated by being in hot weather, exercising too much, or drinking alcohol.
Ways to manage
Most of the time, low blood pressure gets better with continued treatment. Your body will likely adjust to Intuniv within a month or so of treatment.
If you experience symptoms of low blood pressure, tell your doctor. They may need to change your dosage or recommend ways to manage the symptoms including:
- sitting or lying down until dizziness gets better
- rising slowly to avoid dizziness or feeling faint
- staying hydrated
Sleepiness or sedation
In studies, sleepiness was common in people taking Intuniv oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild, but may lead to sedation in some cases.
With sleepiness, you may have trouble staying awake. Sleepiness or sedation may also affect your ability to drive or do other tasks that require concentration.
Ways to manage
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Intuniv oral tablet affects you. You should not drink alcohol or take other medications that make you dizzy or sleepy either.
Like other Intuniv side effects, sleepiness may get better with continued treatment. If you have concerns about sleepiness or sedation, tell your doctor.
Rebound high blood pressure
Rebound high blood pressure wasn’t reported in studies of Intuniv oral tablet. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use. This side effect may be serious.
With rebound high blood pressure, you get very high blood pressure if you suddenly stop taking Intuniv oral tablet. Symptoms may include:
Ways to manage
To prevent rebound high blood pressure, doctors will slowly reduce your dose of Intuniv over time. Do not stop taking Intuniv oral tablet without talking with your doctor first.
If you experience symptoms of rebound high blood pressure, get medical care right away.
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Get free cardAllergic reaction
For some people, Intuniv oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, typically affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Intuniv, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for Intuniv
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Intuniv oral tablet.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Intuniv oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Intuniv oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Intuniv oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- fainting
- heart problems
- high or low blood pressure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- past allergic reaction to Intuniv
Intuniv and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Intuniv oral tablet should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Your doctor may also talk with you about the National Pregnancy Registry of ADHD medications. It’s a registry that monitors outcomes of ADHD medication use during pregnancy. You can learn more or sign up by calling 1-866-961-2388.
Intuniv and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Intuniv oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Intuniv and alcohol
Intuniv oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Drinking alcohol while taking Intuniv can make sleepiness worse. It may lead to serious sedation. It can also cause low blood pressure and dizziness. Due to these risks, you should not drink alcohol while taking Intuniv oral tablet.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Intuniv oral tablet.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of Intuniv oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have a higher risk of side effects than other people?
- How can I manage the most common side effects of Intuniv?
- What can I do to reduce the risk of serious side effects from Intuniv?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.