Key Takeaways
- Clonidine is used to treat high blood pressure, ADHD, opioid withdrawal and more.
- Clonidine side effects are generally not serious and will generally improve as your body adjusts to the treatment.
- Among the most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation.
- Discontinuing clonidine abruptly may result in a dangerous “rebound” high blood pressure.
- Any chest pain, fainting, or severe slowing of pulse may indicate a serious issue and require urgent attention.
- Keep away from alcohol and talk with the health care provider about all medications to minimize interactions.
- Medical supervision are vital if using clonidine is part of an addiction recovery process.
Have you had clonidine recently or are you considering taking the drug? Before taking clonidine or continuing to take it, be aware of its side effects. When it comes to high blood pressure and certain medical disorders, clonidine (no spelling errors!) could be used, but it may have some side effects, either mild or severe, that vary from person to person. Being aware of what to anticipate will enable you to use the drug safely and identify the time to seek medical treatment.
Education is our way of helping to empower individuals to make better health care decisions, as a facility of Orlando Treatment Solutions, we believe in this! Whether your clonidine is used to help control your blood pressure, your attention span in ADHD, your anxiety, or your addiction, this book covers the most common risks, warning signs and ways to stay safe when using clonidine, broken down into easy-to-understand language.
Clonidine is a prescription drug, which helps lower blood pressure by inhibiting some of the signals sent to the brain. It is also used for certain patients in such diseases as ADHD, opioid withdrawal, sleep problems, and anxiety. Side effects of clonidine include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue. Side effects are more severe, including dangerously low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fainting or rebound hypertension that occurs when the drug is suddenly discontinued and must be assessed quickly by medical personnel. These risks can be minimized if clonidine is taken as directed and never abruptly discontinued.
What is Clonidine?
Clonidine is also a prescription drug (or medication) called an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It works by decreasing signals from the brain that stimulate the heart and blood vessels. This makes the blood pressure fall, allowing the heart not to be as active.
Clonidine was initially prescribed to help treat high blood pressure, but it is currently used in the treatment of other medical conditions as well.
Common uses include:
- High blood pressure
- Counselling for children and adults with ADHD.
- Opioid withdrawal management
- Alcohol withdrawal support
- Anxiety symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Hot flashes during and after menopause (sometimes).
Many patients looking up clonidine side effects, ADHD, and clonidine for add seek information on extended-release clonidine as it may be prescribed to assist in hyperactivity, impulsivity and focus, especially if stimulants are not an option.
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What Is the Drug Clonidine Used For?
The effects that clonidine has on the central nervous system mean it’s used in several approved and off-label ways.
Clonidine is sometimes used by a health care provider to:
- Help to reduce high blood pressure
- Manage ADHD symptoms
- Ease opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Ease alcohol withdrawal pain and/or cravings. Minimize alcohol withdrawal distress.
- Improve sleep problems
- Aid in the control of anxiety symptoms.
- Minimize oversweating caused by withdrawal
Clonidine does not help address the addiction itself. For individuals recovering from a substance use disorder, clonidine is not an addiction treatment. Instead, it causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, anxiety, quick heartbeat, agitation, and restlessness.
Clonidine is an important medication used in medically monitored detox programs due to its supportive use.
How Does Clonidine Work?
Clonidine works on receptors in the brain that are known as alpha-2 receptors.
When stimulated, the brain sends out fewer signals to raise the heart rate and narrow the blood vessels. As these signals get weaker:
- Blood vessels relax
- Heart rate slows
- Blood pressure decreases
- Stress reactions are diminished.
Clonidine’s calming side effects is why it’s used sometimes for ADHD, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and sleep problems.
But many of these calming effects are also responsible for many clonidine side effects, particularly in the initial weeks of clonidine use.
Common Clonidine Side Effects
Most people get mild side effects from clonidine, which tend to wear off over time as the body acclimates itself.
Common side effects are:
Drowsiness
One of the common clonidine side effects is sleepiness.
Some people notice:
- Daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating
- Reduced alertness, feeling sluggish.
- Clonidine may make you drowsy; do not drive or operate machinery until your responses to clonidine have been determined.
Dry Mouth
A few patients report that clonidine causes a dry mouth that persists once the drug is taken.
The following are simple steps to handling it:
- Drinking more water
- Chewing sugar-free gum
- Using saliva substitutes
- Refrain from drinking beer and smoking. Never drink beer or smoke.
Good oral hygiene also diminishes dental issues related to a dry mouth.
Dizziness
Another common side effect is dizziness, caused by clonidine’s action of reducing blood pressure.
It is important to note that dizziness occurs when:
- Standing quickly
- Getting out of bed
- Exercising intensely
- Becoming dehydrated
Noted benefits are from standing up and drinking water slowly to alleviate symptoms.
Fatigue
Many of the patients report being unusually tired in the first few weeks.
Fatigue may include:
- Low energy
- Reduced motivation
- Sleepiness, which is excessive sleepiness. Excessive sleepiness (sleepiness).
- Mental sluggishness
If you become very tired or have difficulty keeping up with your usual activities, talk to your healthcare provider.
Constipation
A common drug side effect of clonidine.
Helpful strategies include:
- Eating high-fiber foods
- Drinking enough water
- Staying physically active
- Taking stool softeners following your provider’s advice if necessary
Headache
A headache may occur during the adjustment phase for clonidine, but sometimes it’s a side effect of clonidine used to treat high blood pressure headaches.
If the headache does not go away or gets worse, it’s important to talk to your health care provider.
Nausea
Some individuals experience:
- Mild stomach upset
- Nausea
- Reduced appetite
If stomach discomfort is an issue, it may help to take medications exactly as prescribed by your provider and to follow your provider’s advice.
Less Common Clonidine Side Effects
The side effects of less common clonidine use are as follows:
Although rarer, some people might have other clonidine side effects that need to be monitored.
These include:
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Depression symptoms
- Skin rash
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slow heart rate
- Slight swelling of hands or feet
But these symptoms do not necessarily indicate a need to discontinue clonidine; these symptoms should be brought up during follow-up appointments.
Serious Clonidine Side Effects That Require Immediate Medical Care
If you have any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
Extremely Low Blood Pressure
Symptoms include:
- Severe dizziness
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Weak pulse
Very Slow Heart Rate
An abnormally slow heartbeat
can cause:
- Chest discomfort
- Extreme fatigue
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
Allergic Reaction
Emergency symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis or lip/laryngeal edema.
- Severe rash
- Hives
- Facial swelling
These symptoms can be an emergency and require immediate treatment.
Rebound hypertension is among the safer issues that surround clonidine side effects.
Call Orlando Treatment Solutions today and connect with our admissions team in complete confidentiality and discuss treatment options with them. First aid treatments can make a positive impact during the recovery process.
The Danger of Suddenly Stopping Clonidine
When clonidine is suddenly stopped, the body may have a reaction, with a sudden rise in blood pressure.
Possible symptoms include:
- Severe headache
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Tremors
- Chest pain
- High BP can cause disease
Therefore, health professionals will generally suggest a slow taperr to rather than a sudden withdrawal of clonidine.
Can Clonidine Affect Mental Health?
Clonidine is sedative; it may affect mood differently in each person.
Some individuals report:
- Feeling emotionally “flat”
- Increased sadness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
Some notice an improvement in their anxiety and sleep quality.
The reaction varies from person to person; if you notice any new or worsening mental health symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about them at all times.
Need Help Managing Medication During Recovery?
Medically supervised assistance can help make the process of opioid withdrawal, alcohol detox, and even addiction treatment safer and more comfortable for those under clonidine treatment if clonidine is used in those treatments.
Clonidine Side Effects ADHD: What Parents and Adults Should Know
Clonidine side effects for ADHD:
- Describing clonidine has been described as being used to help some patients manage attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and is sought by many parents and adults.
- May be administered in addition to stimulant medications, especially when concerns are hyperactivity/impulsivity, sleep issues, and aggression.
- Clonidine side effects are generally mild and tolerable and are more likely to occur if a clonidine regimen is just beginning or if its dose is adjusted.
Some of the side effects of clonidine that are associated with ADHD are:
- Feeling sleepy or sleepy during the day.
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Slower heart rate
In parents, the signs of an unduly sleepy, faint or unusual mood and inability to wake a child should be carefully observed. It is also important that adults report persistent dizziness and fatigue that interfere with work, driving or daily life.
In most cases, health professionals begin with a low dose and then work up to reduce the side effects of clonidine and get better relief.
Clonidine and ADHD: What’s the difference?
While ADD is included as an umbrella diagnosis for the larger ADHD of which it is a part, clonidine for ADD is still looked up as a remedy.
Clonidine is not used as a first-line treatment for attention problems. Some doctors will prescribe clonidine for ADHD when patients, however:
- Is not able to take stimulant medicines
- Experience severe insomnia
- Have co-occurring anxiety
- Requires more symptom control than is provided with a single medication for ADHD.
The advantages of clonidine treatment always need to be taken into account with the potential side effects; as with any prescription, other medical conditions need to be taken into account.
Who May Be at Higher Risk for Clonidine Side Effects?
Not everyone will have as many or as severe side effects from clonidine.
Higher-risk groups include:
- Older adults
- Those who already have low blood pressure.
- People with heart disease.
- Anyone suffering from a kidney problem.
- Patients who are on more than one blood pressure medication
Those using sedatives or sleeping pills
Your health care provider may want to closely monitor you, increase your dosage, or make appointments more often if you are in any of these groups.
Drug Interactions You Should Know About
Discuss with your health care professional about combining clonidine with:
- Alcohol
- Sleep medications
- Opioid pain medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Diuretics, other blood pressure drugs, dope NAACE
Some antidepressants
Taking these medicines together may make you more drowsy, dizzy, low on blood pressure or cause shallow breathing unless they are taken together as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Inform your health care provider of all prescription, non-prescription, or herbal remedies or vitamins that you are taking.
Tips to Reduce Clonidine Side Effects
There are several simple precautions which can be taken to reduce side effects of clonidine.
Consider these tips:
- Follow the instructions for taking clonidine.
- Do not suddenly stop the use of the drug.
- When sitting or lying, slowly get up.
- Unless specifically instructed to otherwise by provider, drink enough water.
- Avoid drinking alcohol – it can make dizziness and drowsiness worse.
- Take blood pressure if so advised.
- Follow-up visits to health care provider(s).
- Properly suppress and keep your drug away from children.
When Should You Contact Your Experts?
The majority of clonidine side effects will go away as time passes, but some side effects shouldn’t be overlooked. (If you have any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.)
- Persistent dizziness
- Severe fatigue
- Very slow heartbeat
- Fainting
- Swelling of hands and/or feet/legs.
- Depression / significant fluctuations in mood
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
Prompt medical assessment will prevent more serious complications.
How Orlando Treatment Solutions Can Help
At Orlando Treatment Solutions, we know that medications such as clonidine are sometimes administered when the body is making the transition from using opioids or alcohol and that they are used in medically supervised detox to help reduce symptoms of withdrawal. Clonidine can help to make early recovery more comfortable, but it should always be used with the help and guidance of a trained health care provider.
Comprehensive addiction treatment that meets the individual needs of each person is possible because of our experienced medical and behavioral health team. Our staff prioritizes the safe and proactive recovery for our clients, from medical detox through residential care, outpatient care and relapse prevention planning.
Our caring staff can help you answer your questions about the side effects of clonidine, our MAT, and withdrawal management and help you decide what level of care is best for you.
Take the Next Step Toward Safe Recovery
During alcohol detox, the risk of a clonidine overdose can be mitigated with the help of a medical professional—this is especially true during opioid detox or any other type of addiction treatment. At Orlando Treatment Solutions, you are beyond our caring, highly trained staff that provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a safe and secure environment.
We can help you determine if it is best to leave a hospital or facility to receive outpatient or recovery services or to enter the hospital or facility to receive medical cleansing, a drug treatment program, or the medication(s) required during recovery. Call Orlando Treatment Solutions today and speak with one of our admissions specialists in private and begin your journey towards lasting sobriety.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Clonidine (Oral Route) – Description and Proper Use. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/clonidine-oral-route/description/drg-20063252
- GoodRx Health. Clonidine Side Effects You Should Know About. https://www.goodrx.com/clonidine/clonidine-side-effects
- Cleveland Clinic. Clonidine Tablets. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20986-clonidine-tablets
About the Author:
Dr. Zach Miller is the Chief Clinical Officer and Co-Founder of FACTS Recovery, where he champions holistic, evidence-based approaches to sustainable recovery and mental well-being. Holding credentials as a Ph.D., LMHC, MCAP, and CRRA, he provides expert clinical oversight to ensure all content and resources effectively guide individuals through every stage of their post-treatment journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a clinical recommendation. For a personalized assessment, please consult a licensed mental health professional. To learn more about evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment in Florida, visit orlandotreatmentsolutions.com or call (321) 415-3213.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the drug clonidine used for?
Clonidine is primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used for ADHD, opioid withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal support, anxiety, and certain sleep problems. Your healthcare provider will determine whether it is appropriate based on your medical history.
Why don’t doctors like clonidine?
Doctors do prescribe clonidine, but they use it carefully because it can cause drowsiness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and rebound hypertension if stopped suddenly. Careful dosing and regular monitoring help reduce these risks.
Is it safe to take clonidine every day?
Yes. Many people safely take clonidine daily when it is prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider. Never change the dose or stop taking it without medical guidance, as doing so can cause serious complications.
Can clonidine make your blood pressure too low?
Yes. One of the recognized clonidine side effects is low blood pressure. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, or fainting. Seek medical advice if these symptoms become severe or persistent.
What is the downside of clonidine?
The main drawbacks include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and the possibility of rebound high blood pressure if the medication is discontinued abruptly. Most side effects can be managed with proper medical supervision.
What organ is clonidine hard on?
Clonidine primarily affects the brain, heart, and blood vessels rather than damaging a specific organ. However, people with kidney disease or cardiovascular conditions may require closer monitoring because the medication is cleared from the body through the kidneys.
Does clonidine calm anxiety?
Clonidine may reduce some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and restlessness, in certain individuals. However, it is not considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders and should only be used under medical supervision.
Is Xanax and clonidine the same thing?
No. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety and panic disorders, while clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist mainly prescribed for high blood pressure and certain other conditions. They work differently and are not interchangeable.
