Clonidine Side Effects
What is Clonidine?
Clonidine is a prescription medication used to lower an individual’s blood pressure by decreasing some of the chemicals in the blood. It can also be used for ADHD, anxiety disorders, severe menstrual cramps, and Tourette’s syndrome. Clonidine falls under a class of medications called centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents. Clonidine works by decreasing the heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Its extended-release tablets may treat ADHD by affecting the part of the brain that controls attention and impulsivity.
Clonidine Side Effects
Short Term Effects
Clonidine may have a short-term sedative effect on a person, making it difficult to operate a vehicle or other machinery.
Mixing with other drugs, such as alcohol, can be very dangerous as it will increase the side effects.
Long Term Effects
There can be multiple adverse effects from long-term use of clonidine, which can include:
The central nervous system call also be affected, which can cause hallucinations, anxiety, sleep disorders, or depression.
Clonidine Addiction
Clonidine is absolutely a substance that one can become addicted to, and one can become dependent on the use. An individual addicted could display:
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms can become more severe the more serious the dependency. Contact medical professionals immediately if someone around you is experiencing these symptoms.
Clonidine Addiction Treatment
Most long term effects can be significantly lessened by addiction treatment and therapy. A quality treatment center can help you assess and determine the right course of action for your loved one. A full recovery is absolutely possible with the right support system and a plan that gives the addict the tools they need to navigate life post-treatment.