What should patients avoid to prevent adverse effects when taking guanfacine?

Patients taking guanfacine should avoid alcohol and Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants because guanfacine itself has sedative effects, which can be enhanced when combined with these substances. Alcohol and other CNS depressants can amplify the risks of sedation, drowsiness, and reduced alertness, leading to greater chances of impaired motor skills and cognitive function. This can also increase the risk of other adverse effects such as hypotension and bradycardia, making it crucial for patients to steer clear of these substances while on guanfacine to ensure their safety and well-being.

The other options, while they might involve certain considerations, do not directly relate to the specific adverse effects impacted by guanfacine in the same way that alcohol and CNS depressants do.