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Clonidine |
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What is Clonidine and why is it prescribed? Clonidine is prescribed for high blood pressure. Doctors also prescribe Clonidine for alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepine withdrawal; migraine headaches; smoking cessation programs; Tourette's syndrome; narcotic/methadone detoxification; premenstrual tension; and diabetic diarrhea. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Clonidine regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Clonidine. Clonidine does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Clonidine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Clonidine. Try not to miss any doses. If Clonidine is not taken regularly, your condition may get worse. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember, then go back to your regular schedule. If you forget to take the medication 2 or more times in a row, contact your doctor. Store Clonidine at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from light. Are there any Clonidine side effects? Clonidine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Clonidine side effects may include agitation, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence, loss of sex drive, nausea, nervousness, sedation, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Clonidine side effects may include changes in heartbeat, excessive nighttime urination, headache, loss of appetite, mental depression, pounding heartbeat, vague bodily discomfort, and weight gain. Rare Clonidine side effects may include abdominal pain, anxiety, behavior changes, blurred vision, breast development in males, burning eyes, congestive heart failure, constipation, delirium, dry eyes, dry nasal passages, fainting, fever, greater sensitivity to alcohol, hallucinations, heart irregularities, hepatitis, hair loss, hives, insomnia, itching, joint pain, leg cramps, little or no urination, muscle pain, pallor, restlessness, and vivid dreams or nightmares. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Clonidine? If Clonidine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Clonidine may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Clonidine with Barbiturates (such as Nembutal and Seconal), Beta-blocker drugs (such as the blood pressure medications Inderal and Lopressor), Calcium blockers (such as the heart medications Calan and Cardizem), Digitalis, Sedatives (such as Valium, Xanax, and Halcion), or Tricyclic antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil). Are there any special warnings about Clonidine? Clonidine should not be stopped suddenly. Headache, nervousness, agitation, tremor, confusion, and rapid rise in blood pressure can occur. Severe reactions such as disruption of brain functions, stroke, fluid in the lungs, and death have also been reported. Your doctor should gradually reduce your dosage over several days to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor has switched you to oral Clonidine (tablet) because you had an allergic reaction, such as a rash or hives, to the transdermal skin patch, be aware that you may have a similar reaction to the Clonidine tablet. If you have severe heart or kidney disease, are recovering from a heart attack, or have a disease of the blood vessels of the brain, your doctor will prescribe Clonidine with caution. If you are taking Clonidine and a beta blocker such as Inderal or Tenormin, and your doctor wants to stop your medication, the beta blocker should be stopped several days before the gradual withdrawal of Clonidine. Clonidine may cause drowsiness. |
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