clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)

Clonidine is a centrally acting alpha-agonist medication, meaning it works by lowering certain nerve signals from your brain to your heart and blood vessels. It is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure, ADHD in children, and tics with Tourette Syndrome. Clonidine also has other off-label uses including to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, insomnia and to manage withdrawal symptoms from opioids, benzodiazepines and alcohol.

Clonidine may cause drowsiness or sleepiness and is sometimes prescribed for off-label use (when a medication is used for a purpose other than it's approved uses) to treat insomnia. Typically, drowsiness or sleepiness happens when you first start taking the medication and the side effect may go away in time. However, if you're bothered by this side effect, talk with your provider. They can suggest ways to ease this side effect.

Yes. Clonidine is approved to treat high blood pressure in adults. If you've been prescribed clonidine for another condition, your provider will likely monitor your blood pressure to make sure it doesn't become too low. Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have questions about low blood pressure with clonidine.

Yes, weight changes are possible with clonidine, but this is not a common side effect of the medication. Mild side effects that may cause weight changes, like nausea,vomiting and appetite loss, are typically temporary. However, if you experience weight gain or loss which is concerning to you, reach out to your provider. They can discuss how to manage your weight while you're on clonidine.

Yes—lowered heart rate is a potentially serious side effect of clonidine. Symptoms of a slow heart rate may include: tiredness, fainting, chest pain and dizziness. Talk with your provider if you experience symptoms of slow heart rate.

How long clonidine lasts depends on a variety of factors, including the dosage you're prescribed. Clonidine comes as an immediate release oral tablet, extended release oral suspension, an extended release transdermal patch, and an extended release tablet. Extended release versions of clonidine last longer than immediate release versions. Kapvay comes as an extended release tablet you swallow. To learn more about how long your dosage form of clonidine lasts, talk with your provider.

No. Clonidine is not a controlled substance and has not been found to be habit forming. However, suddenly stopping clonidine after you've been on the medication for a while can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you're taking clonidine, don't suddenly stop the medication. Symptoms of withdrawal can include anxiety, dizziness,increased heart rate, headache, nervousness, high blood pressure and stroke in rare cases. If you need to stop clonidine, your provider will gradually stop the medication to lower your risk of withdrawal symptoms.

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.