Clonidine is a medicine that is primarily used to lower blood pressure. It is seen as a safety precaution alternative for blood pressure patients. However, it can show several fatal effects if misused. Your doctor or healthcare provider may suggest you use Clonidine for anxiety and other mental health disorders. Medicine has been in use by mankind for 40 years. It is the drug that is effectively used to treat issues related to hypertension, mental disorders, and many other problems related to menopause. The drug is available in the form of tablets and different brands like Catapres, Kapvay, and Mexican.
What is Clonidine?
Clonidine for anxiety was first invented in 1970 with its effective use against hot flashes. The medicine is categorized under the drug classification of imidazoline and acts on your body by stimulating the alpha-2 adrenoreceptors in the brain stem. This function of clonidine results in a decrease in heart rate & blood pressure. Clonidine is available in the markets in the form of brands like Catapres (or) Kapvay, and the tablets are available for oral use, patches, & injections. It is also available in the form of a topical gel, helping those patients who are going through diabetic neuropathic disease and want instant relief.
Common Uses of Clonidine -
Since there have been many uses of Clonidine, it is more actively used for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Combat Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Opioid Withdrawal
- Cigarette Smoking
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Menopausal flushing
- Migraine
Is Clonidine treat anxiety and other psychiatric conditions -
Anxiety is one of the most common psychotic disorders that are prevalent worldwide. It can lead to absence from the workplace and school and can cause a lot of mental pressure on your mind, with a burden for different things. There can be various anxiety disorders that may be described as:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobia-related disorders.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for anxiety and related mental issues. Earlier, Clonidine was formulated to treat high blood pressure. In recent times, psychiatrists have started prescribing the drug because of its high range of capability to treat more than one disease, including both hypertension and anxiety disorders.
Drug Interactions -
You need to be careful while you are using the drug called Clonidine. There can be a lot of side effects of using the drug regularly, and these may include:
The drug is extensively used as the:
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- Sleeping pills
- Alcohol, barbiturates, or other sedating drugs
- Neuroleptics
If you or anyone you know intends to use Clonidine, consult the healthcare provider first. You can explain your circumstances or the issues you have been going through. If you have any mental disorder, you can share symptoms that may be similar to other hypertension and high blood pressure issues. This is because it may interfere, and you can not wholly use the drug for all the major issues at one time.
How to use Clonidine, especially for oral use?
You can take medicine with or without food or as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken twice in the morning and before bed. If none of your medicinal doses is equal, you can also take one dose higher in amount, especially before going to bed. This may help you reduce the side effects. Although the dosage of Clonidine for anxiety is highly determined by the extent of issues you have been going through, never indulge in any practice that may let you have the medicines alone or without any doctor's prescription. To have the best advantages of the medicine, you can try taking the dose regularly or in the same routine. If you use Clonidine for blood pressure and related issues, it doesn't produce many side effects in your body. When you are using the medicine in high amounts, there can be chances that the medicine may not produce its impact on your body. We recommend you have the proper consultation before taking medicine. This is because the medicine can highly affect you mentally, physically, brain, and blood pressure.
Missed Dose -
Never try to take the missed dosage of any medicine at an irregular time. You can resume your routine even if you have missed your dose. Also, you don't need to increase the dose the next time, especially if you have missed one. It is better to consult the doctor for the proper prescriptions and consultations.
Precautions -
Sometimes, you may develop a rash while using the clonidine patches. If you have been allergic to any medicinal uses of Clonidine, you can consult the doctor for the proper use. Tell the doctor about your medical history or any major issues like kidney problems, heart rhythm problems, or any body part pain. Older adults can be more responsive to the use of Clonidine. They may have active side effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. They may also have immediate fainting and falling. If pregnant or breastfeeding your child, you should consult the doctor for its proper use.
Clonidine Dosage for Anxiety -
You can consult your doctor for the right prescription, dosage, and how it affects you differently. Your healthcare provider may change the dosage multiple times, so your body doesn't get addicted to the use. It is advisable not to use the medicine without your doctor's prescription. Take the extended-release tablet orally without crushing, cutting, or chewing, or else you can take medicine after or before having your meal. The medicine comes with effective and careful instructions. You can ask the doctor for clarification or read the direct and effective dosage leaflet manual. The dosage for adults depends on various factors. The medicine is available in different forms, including 0.1 mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg tablets, and transdermal patches. The starting dose of Clonidine is 0.1 mg, which you can take at least twice daily, and the 0.1 mg patches are usually allowed to use at least once per day. The uses the drug is largely dependent on the extent of your problem and the body's response.
Does Clonidine produce any side effects due to addiction & withdrawal?
If you have been using clonidine tablets for a long time, your body may get addicted to them. According to the FDA, certain withdrawal symptoms may affect your body. The side effects may include:
- Tremors
- Nervous behavior
- Headaches
- Increased agitation
If the symptoms become severe, this can also lead to the urge to die, showing serious and killing symptoms, especially at the withdrawal time. If you are witnessing the use of the tablet, try consulting the doctor after a short period and ask if you require any change. Also, keep on intimating your doctor about your medical conditions so that he or she may refer you to another medicine in your time of need.
Conclusion -
If you are a long-lived patient with blood pressure, hypo, and hypertension issues or symptoms, using Clonidine for anxiety should be terminated. Also, the medicine may react with other doses like pemoline, hypoglycemic, blood pressure medications, antispasmodics, or other drugs. Therefore, you must ensure the correct medicine use while having the correct understanding and proper consultation with your doctor.
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