3 yr old + guanfacine

my 3 yr old was ordered guanfacine for ADHD.   today was first day... I hate it.. I understand side effects may go away, but am still wondering WHY they just didnt use adderal or SOMETHING tried and true... It may have side effects too, but is sooo alarming for my kid to be on a drug that no one seems to know the long term effects on a 3 yr old!...  I do not want to continue "testing" a drug on my dtr... anyone?  

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The doctor's choice in recommending guanfacine for your daughter is a very responsible decision. Your note implies that you regard the prescription as some form of test. It is not. No pharmacological treatments are FDA-approved for a child of three, and tht includes Adderall (adderrall). Now, that does not mean that it is irresponsible to treat a three-year-old. However, it is widely held that treatment with a medicine such as guanfacine is safer than treating with a stimulant medicine like Adderall (adderrall) for a child of three. Ultimately, it is your choice to treat or not - all a doctor can do is make a reasoned, informed recommendation and then prescribe if the parent agrees.