Besides Clonidine’s hypertensive effects, it exerts analgesic, sedative, and anxiolytic. It means off-label Clonidine for anxiety treatment can be and is used by medical professionals.

Clonidine is the generic version of Carapres and Kapvay. It contains the chemical clonidine hydrochloride. It is an FDA-approved medicine for controlling blood pressure. Off-label it is also used for decreasing the frequency of anxiety-related disorders and panic attacks. Clonidine extended-release tablets also control ADHD symptoms.

We all know how crippling panic disorder is. It drains the energy of a person’s life, making daily activities difficult. People start to avoid places and social gatherings, fearing the attack will come. When Clonidine for anxiety disorder is used, the frequency of panic attacks (and potency) decreases drastically, allowing the person to live an everyday life.

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What is Clonidine?

Clonidine for anxiety belongs to alpha-2 adrenergic receptors/ agonists. This class of medicine acts like beta blockers that relax the arteries by centrally acting on the body. Thereby reducing blood pressure and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. It is approved for hypertension treatment alone or in combination with other drugs. With high blood pressure, the workload of the arteries and heart increases. If continued for a long time, the arteries and heart eventually stop functioning correctly, damaging the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys. This results in stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure.

How to Use Clonidine for Anxiety Treatment?

The correct method of drug administration is essential for the maximum effect. These tablets must be swallowed whole with food or an empty stomach. The usual dose is twice daily, once in the morning and once during bedtime. The heavier dose is used at bedtime to reduce the risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose. If it’s time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Like all prescribed medicines, use Clonidine as directed by your medical professional to reduce the adverse effects of the drug. Some withdrawal symptoms are;

• Agitation
• Shaking
• Headache
• Nervousness and
• In extreme cases, death.

After you have started using the medicine, the dose will need to be adjusted or paired with other drugs as the efficacy of Clonidine subsides once your body adjusts to it. 

Note: Clonidine for anxiety disorders only reduces the symptoms. For example, it will reduce panic attack symptoms and not offer a cure for the disorder.

Efficacy of Clonidine for Anxiety

Limited studies have been performed on proving the efficacy of Clonidine for anxiety. However, a few studies do show that Clonidine for anxiety helps control the symptoms of anxiety. The first study shows a reduction in levels of stress in patients who have panic disorder. In contrast, the second study suggested that Clonidine depicted benefits for some people, which was not visible in the rest of the group. The following research involved 23 patients, and a decrease in anxiety attacks was visible in all.

Main Effect of Clonidine For Anxiety?

As mentioned above, Clonidine is approved by the FDA for reducing blood pressure and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, off-label, it is used for anxiety as well. By off-label, we mean the medication was invented for other health conditions but can be used for treating different health issues not studied by the FDA. It is also used for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, where the nervous system is aroused. For the same, it can also be beneficial for anxiety treatment. When people take Clonidine, they feel calmer and relaxed, lowering their blood pressure. 

Anxiety, as we know, is the increased activity of the nervous system, and Clonidine for anxiety reduces the activity. It acts as a beta-blocker, reducing blood pressure, which helps individuals with symptoms of anxiety.

Clonidine for Performance Anxiety

It is not clear how Clonidine helps with performance anxiety, but taking the medicine for the same helps ease the symptoms.

Clonidine for Panic Attack

Clonidine affects the level of neurotransmitters and hormones that are associated with panic attacks. It decreases and eases the symptoms of panic attacks as your blood pressure is reduced. This calmness adds focus and helps the person control the adverse reaction of a panic attack.

Clonidine for Social Anxiety

As with performance anxiety, social anxiety symptoms are controlled by using Clonidine. However, no studies can clearly understand the reason behind the control.

Common Side Effects of Clonidine

All medicines have potential side effects. Clonidine leads to some severe side effects, which are related to lowering blood pressure. The side effects mentioned below may/may not occur. If they do, call medical help, particularly if the individual taking Clonidine tablets faces a severe allergic reaction.

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth
• Fever
• Weakness
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Constipation
• Reduced sexual drive and 
• Pain in the abdominal area.

The following adverse reactions required medical attention, although these are rare cases.

• Hives
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing/swallowing
• Hoarseness

This is not the complete list of side effects. Please do not start any medication without prior consultation from a doctor. In case of any unusual health condition while taking Clonidine, we recommend you visit an ER. Call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 in case of an overdose or 911 if the person had a seizure or collapsed.

Note: Most symptoms and side effects are mild and will hinder with time. 

Clonidine Overdose Symptoms

Overdosing with Clonidine is possible. In case of using a higher dose that leads to an overdose, contact the poison center or 911. Do not wait for the symptoms to show

• Fainting
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fainting
• Tiredness
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Low heart rate
• Drowsiness
• And cold, pale skin

Drug Interactions of Clonidine

Clonidine for anxiety has many drug interactions, like other medicines. Drug interaction occurs when two different drugs interact and result in a mild/severe reaction, causing an undesired aftereffect.

Take precautions when using;

Beta-blockers 

Beta-blockers and Clonidine lower blood pressure, decreasing the heart’s workload. When taken at one time, they drastically reduce blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are using any blood pressure medications.

Antidepressants

Clonidine for anxiety paired with antidepressants results in fatigue, lethargy, and dizziness due to a drastic fall in blood pressure; you can not take them together. 

Alcohol

Clonidine and alcohol both suppress the CNS, resulting in a soothing effect with extreme fatigue.

• Sleeping pills
• Sedative medicines
• And neuroleptics

Note: Discuss the complete list of medications you take with your healthcare professional for more helpful drug information. Remember to mention other medical conditions you have. They can adjust the dose of Clonidine and guide you best when medications for other health conditions can not be dropped.

Ways to Get Clonidines Prescription

You cannot use Clonidine without a valid prescription from the doctor. Clonidine for anxiety is not the first-line treatment because it is an off-label use for anxiety. Whoever you see for the anxiety symptoms will first try FDA-approved meds for anxiety. Discuss the complete symptoms with the psychiatrist or medical health professional.

Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

Clear all your doubts and ask all the necessary questions with your doctor if you want to start taking Clonidine for anxiety or if your medical adviser prescribes it for anxiety.

• Side effects of Clonidine
• Can Clonidine be used with other alternative anxiety treatments?
• How long will it take before you adjust to the medicine?
• If you are taking other anti-anxiety or SSRIs, is there any risk
• What dose should you take to minimize side effects?
• Ask about drug interactions.
• How will you know the medicine is working 
• What if it lowers your blood pressure to a dangerous level
• How long does the dizziness last if it occurs?
• Discuss with your doctor if you have heart problems, kidney disease, or low blood pressure.

Bottom Line

Although not the preferred medicine to treat anxiety, Clonidine offers relief to some. It is not your traditional anxiolytic, and no one has fully understood its mode of action in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, it is believed to modulate the release of noradrenaline and regulate BP, resulting in a calming effect.

Medical Disclaimer:

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.

Clonidine can be effective for anxiety disorders by reducing norepinephrine activity, but its use requires careful medical supervision. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure safe and appropriate treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much time does Clonidine take to show results?

The medicine kicks in about 30 to 60 minutes after you take a dose. However, expect to wait 2 to 4 weeks for complete effect and visible results.

2. Are there any psychological effects of Clonidine?

Yes, look out for signs of anxiety, depression, sleep changes, and, in extreme cases, hallucinations. The effects are adverse and should be reported immediately. Long-term use of Clonidine for anxiety treatment or other medical conditions leads to gastrointestinal disturbances like cramps, nausea, etc.

3. Can Clonidine cause addiction?

No, unlike other medications, Clonidine is not addictive. No evidence supports it otherwise. People have used Clonidine for anxiety disorder for ages, and no signs of dependency were noticed.