Medication Fact Sheets

Clonidine

Please note that this is a prescription medication.  It can only be prescribed by a doctor.  All medications should be taken only under the advice of a doctor and should be monitored closely by your physician. 

All medication for ADHD should be used as part of an overall treatment plan.  This plan may contain social skills training, educational assistance and psychological treatment.  

The information provided here contains some basic information that you can discuss with your physician.   PLEASE KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. PLACE THEM IN A CABINET WHICH CAN NOT BE REACHED BY A CHAIR OR BY CLIMBING. MEDICATIONS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED UP WHEN CHILDREN ARE IN THE HOME.

Description: 

This medication is commonly used to thigh blood pressure.  It has been found to be effective in some patients in treating the symptoms of ADHD.   

 

Common Names: Catapress, Dixarit

 

Side Effects:

Please note that the prescription drug Clondine has the possible following side effects. 

Each person may or may not experience any or all of the following.  Many times side effects will disappear within a few weeks of beginning medication.  If they do not, you should contact your physician. If side effects seem severe, you should contact your physician immediately.  Dizziness Drowsiness Headache Constipation Loss of Appetite Fatigue Dry eyes

 

Warnings and Precautions:

This medication can cause interactions with other medications.  You should notify your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplement.  The following drugs are known to have possible interactions:

	"Beta-blocker" class of antihypertensive medications
	Any depression medication
	Non-prescription cold or cough medicine

 

If you have any of the following conditions, you should notify your physician before beginning this medication:

	Alcohol and drug abuse or history of either
	Heart Disease
	Circulatory Problems
	Mental Depression
	Kidney or Liver Disease
	Pregnancy

 

Precautions:

 

Have your blood pressure checked regularly while on this medication. 

Do not operate machinery until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

If you wish to discontinue taking this medication, talk with your doctor first to determine if you should gradually reduce the amount of medication.

Some signs of mental and/or physical dependency include:

	A desire or need to continue taking this medication.
	A need to increase the dose to receive the same effects of the medication.
	Withdrawal side effects such as mental depression, unusual tiredness or weakness if medication is stopped.

 

Other Information:

If you should miss a dose, it is recommended that you continue on your regular schedule and skip the dose. Do not double up on the next dose.  If you miss a dose and realize within one hour, it may be possible to take the missed dose.  Speak with your physician if you should have any questions about what to do when you miss a dose. 

Keep this medication away from direct light and heat sources.  Do not store in a bathroom where it may be exposed to moisture and heat. Be sure to discard any medication past it's due date.