Clonidine?

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!

I know someone who takes clonidine. Although she has anxiety, she got clonidine mostly for sleep, so that she can settle down. It seems to help with that, I think. It's a slow-acting med, so it takes some time, and you won't notice an immidiate response like with the benzos.

clonidine was originally and I think still is mostly for high blood pressure bur somehow it lowers the hormone or something related to adrenaline and thus lowers inner fear and anxiety I would welcome any feedback on this subject

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

I take clonidine when my b.p. spikes. It makes one terribly sleepy and I would recommend it mostly for insomnia. I does lower the pressure fast, though, but makes you want to fall asleep, too.

I was prescribed clonidine FOR high blood pressure. I also take clonazepam and Pristiq (or effexor in a few days!). Anyways, I liked taking it at bedtime-it made me relaxed and I fell asleep very comfortably. I did notice a reduction in my anxiety also. BUT, I was taking clonazepam. So maybe the clonidine upped the amount of clonazepam in my system. I had one pdoc want to switch me to clonidine for panic, but I told him no. I've been on clonazepam for ten years now-I'm too chicken lol!

If it's not working for your anxiety, you need to tell the doc. Not every pill works the same for everyone. SSRIs are supposed to help. Your doc needs to prescribe you something else. Take care : )