Clonidine is a prescription-only medication that treats ADHD and high blood pressure. By reducing the level of activity in specific sections of the brain, ADHD-related symptoms, as well as hypertension, decrease. Sometimes, clonidine is used as an off-label prescription for sleep or as an anti-anxiety aid.
Given that this drug activates nerve cells within the peripheral nervous system, it reduces activity levels in the brain that control attention, impulsivity, and arousal. When these levels in the brain decrease, so do symptoms of ADHD, many of which overlap with attention, impulsivity, and arousal. Other symptoms that decrease with this drug include hyperactivity, aggression, and restlessness.
The medication also reduces high blood pressure by decreasing the activity within the nerves and vessels responsible for blood flow. If clonidine is taken for a long time, it is possible to develop tolerance and dependence on the medication. For more information on clonidine withdrawal, continue reading and discover what you need to know.
Understanding Clonidine Withdrawal Symptoms
If clonidine is taken for an extended period, one can develop tolerance, dependency, and an addiction to the medication. As a result, you may need to take more of the medication to achieve the same effects or to put off withdrawal symptoms. If someone stops using clonidine abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Below, we discuss more about the physical and psychological symptoms of clonidine withdrawal.
Examples of the psychological symptoms include:
- anxiety
- restlessness
- irritability
- agitation
- insomnia
Some of the physical symptoms that can be experienced include:
- headaches
- nausea
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- fatigue
- vomiting
Avoiding Withdrawal Before It Starts
To avoid experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, you can discuss tapering off the medication with a healthcare provider ahead of time. If you are not able to catch early signs of dependence, you may still work with your provider to establish a safe and effective approach to detoxing from this medication.
Overcoming Drug Addiction
Although clonidine treats high blood pressure and ADHD, it does come with a potential risk of drug dependence. If drug dependency is a concern, enroll in a drug detox facility that can provide you with 24-hour medical attention. To overcome this drug addiction, your body needs to eliminate the addictive substance. In the absence of the medication supply, your body will produce physical and psychological symptoms associated with clonidine withdrawal that must be monitored under the care and supervision of medical staff.
Easing The Process
There may be additional medications you can take to manage your clonidine withdrawal, including anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants that may ease the withdrawal. Likewise, healthy lifestyle changes like increased exercise and mindfulness may help you throughout the withdrawal period.
Breaking Free And Reclaiming Your Life
If you’re experiencing clonidine withdrawal symptoms, contact a healthcare provider and get the help you need. You may require an individualized plan to overcome dependence on clonidine. With a professional strategy for tapering off the drug, as well as close monitoring of your health, you can slowly but surely break free from addiction and reclaim your life.