Thread: Clonidine?
View Single Post
 
Old Feb 13, 2011, 06:52 PM
Jerrypharmstudent's Avatar
Jerrypharmstudent Jerrypharmstudent is offline
Member
 
Member Since: May 2006
Location: Illinois, USA
Posts: 203
Quote:
Originally Posted by bethBot View Post
I was just wondering if anyone else has ever been prescribed to Clonidine for Anxiety problems. I was recently put on Clonidine for my anxiety issues, but i havent seen any improvement at all.. so if anyone else knows anything about this drug and would share that would be fantastic

Thanks!
Hi!

Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride) is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agent used to lower blood pressure. For some reasons I am unaware of, some pdocs prescribe it for anxiety, restlessness and insomnia - all of which clonidine does not directly "help."

Clonidine suppresses they physical symptoms of anxiety or panic: heart racing, sweating, flushing, etc by lowering blood pressure. It has no relation to the benzos like Ativan.

One of Clonidine's major side effects is depression - this is why I do not know why pdocs (psychiatrists) use it.

Clonidine is also being studied (and used off-label) for ADHD and has apparently had success in this area.

I hope this helps!
JErry
__________________
PsychCentral's Psychiatric Medications Forum Med Expert
-->Please read my disclaimer at the top of the forum.
_________________________________________________
"My psychiatrist told me I was crazy and I said I want a second opinion. He said okay, you’re ugly too." - Rodney Dangerfield