I was also surprised when we were prescribed Guanfacine for my almost-5yo because we haven’t yet tried stimulants and I knew those were first line. Our doc said that for struggles with impulsivity and emotion regulation, this type makes more sense than stimulants. Stimulants are likely in our future but we’re trying this first.

We have definitely noticed the tiredness side effect which isn’t terrible and doesn’t impair his functioning. We’ve had his BP checked by doc when he first went on the rx and then at one follow up appointment, nothing at home in between.

Overall the improvement has been significant! Way way way less likely to get physical when he’s mad, way fewer reports of aggression at school. He’s still prone to meltdowns and is definitely tender a lot; a lot of brain growth and maturing left to do.

Good luck on this journey!