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What does clonidine do to the brain?
Clonidine works by affecting the activity of the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine normally influences blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety in the body, but it also affects attention and arousal. This medication stabilizes certain areas of the brain, making them “less excited”.
Is clonidine bad for your kidneys?
If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
How do I wean myself off clonidine?
Taper withdrawal over 2–4 days when discontinuing oral or epidural clonidine therapy to prevent or minimize a rapid rise in BP. Tapered withdrawal of transdermal clonidine or initiation of a tapered oral regimen is recommended when the transdermal dosage form is discontinued, particularly in geriatric patients.
How safe is clonidine?
Clonidine is a relatively safe drug, and even at toxic doses, mortality is rare.
Can clonidine be used for withdrawal?
Clonidine is often used to help alleviate uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms caused by an Opioid addiction. It works by blocking chemicals in the brain that trigger sympathetic nervous system activity, reducing the length of the detox process.
How do you wean off clonidine?
Is it safe to take clonidine every day?
Total daily doses are 0.1–0.4 mg per day. The total daily dose is divided into 2 doses taken twice per day. If you’re stopping clonidine, the total daily dose should be decreased by 0.1 mg every 3–7 days.
Does clonidine cause rebound hypertension?
Severe rebound hypertension can occur following withdrawal from clonidine. This reaction is more likely to occur if clonidine is stopped suddenly (without a gradual dose reduction). Symptoms of severe rebound high blood pressure can include: Increased salivation.
How do I stop taking clonidine?
Do not interrupt or stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Your blood pressure may become worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly, which can cause serious side effects.
What happens if you stop taking clonidine?
If you suddenly stop taking clonidine, it can cause a rapid rise in your blood pressure and symptoms such as nervousness, headache, and uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body.