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Clonidine For Adhd Reviews

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Bottom Line Does It Really Work

Clonidine Mnemonic for NCLEX | Nursing Pharmacology

Strattera is a potent non-stimulant prescription drug that has been shown to help many people. However, based on your condition, Strattera may or may not be the right medicine for you. Be straightforward with your doctor when you talk about your current mental and physical health and your health history.

We strongly recommend taking Strattera precisely as directed by your doctor to treat your mental health problem. Regularly, medications for mental health conditions are part of an overall treatment plan that includes counseling and other therapies.

Talk with your doctor about how long it may take for Strattera to make a difference in how you feel. If it seems like the drug isnt working, tell your physician. There may be other alternatives to treat your condition.

How Long Does Clonidine For Anxiety Take To Work

Patients report their anxiety easing up within as little as a week after they start taking clonidine for anxiety. For others, it takes a little longer. Every patient is unique and responds to the medication differently. Easing sleeping difficulties is one of the earliest signs that the medication is working and this happens within a week of taking the medication. The 0.1 mg dosage is effective for dealing with sleep difficulties in adults. Improvement of anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms may take a shorter time if clonidine is used in combination with other medications, as well as psychotherapy.

What Others Are Saying

Up to 65% of the users who reviewed clonidine for anxiety gave a positive review. Users reported that they felt mellowed out and calm within minutes of taking the medication. These users recommend talking to the doctor about reducing the dosage. Most of these users went ahead to cut the pill in half, quarter, and even an eighth, after feeling too drowsy when taking the full dosage. Many of the Reddit reviews also recommend splitting the pill. It, however, cannot be overstated, that only a qualified healthcare provider can determine which is the best dosage for you.

The not-so-positive reviews, have everything to do with the side effects and not the medications effectiveness in treating anxiety. Some users reported feeling too drowsy and fatigued after taking clonidine. For some, these side effects went away as they got used to the medication, while the same effects persisted for some, forcing them to the point of discontinuing using the medication.

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Rated For Attention Deficit

I’ve just started taking .1mg clonidine twice daily. I also take it as an additive med for hypertension.I currently take Diovan as well. So far, my pressure has gone down but my pulse has jumped over 90 at rest. I know that it takes time for meds to work especially for ADHD but for hypertension it helps immediately. I’ll contact my doctor and try breaking .1 mg in half and take both in the morning and at bedtime. Hopefully I’ll still sleep well but I can’t afford to be sedated all day plus coffee is something I must avoid as well since I am prone to elevated levels of anxiety. If clonidine doesn’t work by itself then my doctor is considering prescribing Vyvanse but not sure if I’ll stay on clonidine if I switch. I need to take this at least two weeks to see if it helps. Moreover, I take several meds as well so sedation is something which I am prone to experience. I hope this helps others.

Clonidine In Opiate Detoxification

Buy Clonidine Online

Clonidine has long been used successfully to rapidly suppress opiate withdrawal signs and symptoms and a review on the topic suggested utility especially when methadone substitution is inappropriate.

It helps opiates detoxification by reducing sympathetic overactivity, for example, tachycardia, hypertension, sweating, flashes and restlessness .

Moreover, it eases accompanying insomnia.

Clonidine has also been used for enabling alcohol withdrawal as its superiority to placebo was demonstrated in several double-blind studies.

Clonidine was more effective than placebo for long-term smoking cessation in a Cochrane database review of 6 trials with dry mouth and sedation reported as most troublesome side effects.

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Clonidine In Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details.
First Posted : March 5, 2002Last Update Posted : May 21, 2009
Condition or disease
Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity Drug: clonidineDrug: methylphenidateOther: placebo Phase 3
Layout table for study information

Study Type :
Clonidine in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment
Study Start Date :
Clonidine is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adults.
Active Comparator: 2 MPH is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children.Other Name: MPH
Clonidine is FDA-approved for the treatment of hypertension in adults. Drug: methylphenidateMPH is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD symptoms in children.Other Name: MPH
  • Efficacy outcome was change in score on the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire for Teachers
  • the ASQ-Parent and Child Global Assessment Scales . Adverse events were monitored using AE logs, the Pittsburgh Side Effects Rating Scale, vital signs and electrocardiograms
  • Is Strattera Right For You

    While stimulants such as Concerta and Adderall are the go-to prescribed medicines for the treatment of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , they are not always well-tolerated. These powerful stimulants can cause many unwanted adverse effects such as weight loss, irritability, and insomnia. Stimulants like Concerta, Ritalin, and Adderall have also been linked to cardiovascular side effects and the risk of dependence.

    There is an alternative, though: Atomoxetine, known by its brand name, Strattera, is the only non-stimulant ADD/ADHD prescription sold in the United States. Usually, Strattera is prescribed as part of a more complex treatment plan that includes social, psychological, and other treatments.

    Atomoxetine is one of the most researched and studied chemical compounds, both for safeness and effectiveness. Clinical studies have determined that it is safe and effective for long-term use, although not as effective or quick-acting as stimulants.

    One good example of such a study is the 2008 clinical study in the Journal of Attention Disorders. The research was conducted on nearly 400 adult volunteers with ADD/ADHD who took Strattera for up to four years. The participants noticed their ADD/ADHD symptoms lessened by more than 30%, and the authors reported no unforeseen adverse effects.

    Some Strattera claimed benefits include:

    • Improve attention span
    • Erection that lasts for several hours or longer

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    Rated For Bipolar Ii Disorder Report

    I started clonidine HCL pills about 5 years and I take 0.12 mgs at night.I have insomnia and it has helped me sleep better which I’m also on another med for sleeping. I have dry mouth on and off plus dizziness some fatigued in the morning.I think the side effects out weigh the benefits of this medication.

    Is There Any Evidence Suggesting Clonidine Is Ineffective

    ADHD & Substance Abuse medications – Pharmacology – Nervous System | @Level Up RN

    There appears to be no significant evidence suggesting that Clonidine is ineffective for the treatment of ADHD. Nearly every published study highlights some degree of improvement in regards to ADHD symptoms. While the improvements may not have been as significant as those produced by psychostimulant drugs like methylphenidate, they are still regarded as clinically significant compared to a placebo. The FDA approved Clonidine for the treatment of ADHD, solidifying its status as an effective option.

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    Rated For Hot Flashes Report

    I was encouraged by my gp to try this before trying the dreaded HRT and I am so glad that I did, I take half a tablet twice a day, I was having up to 10 flushes at night including those that I would have to get up and change my pjs as they would be dripping, and some 15 during the day at work, I was at the end of my rope with not much sleep and feeling really down with all of it. I never knew how the affect would change my life, almost no hot flushes at all, sleep so much better with not waking up for 7 hrs at times, feeling like my old self again, happy and clear minded, ready to take on another day, it may not work for u but its certainly worth a try , have not had any side effects either, u could say its just what the doctor ordered lol , hope it helps

    Clonidine In Menopausal Syndrome

    Vasomotor changes including hot flashes and night sweats occurred in up to 70% of women at the time of menopause with significant impact on quality of life .

    Management included lifestyle modifications, some herbal and vitamin supplement, HRT, clonidine, SNRIs and gabapentin .

    CNS sympathetic overactivity, mediated through alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, is an important factor responsible for the narrowing of the thermoneutral zone underlying hot flashes .

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    Advantages Of Using Clonidine For Adhd

    Below is a list of various advantages associated with using Clonidine for the treatment of ADHD. A primary advantage associated with Clonidine compared to other drugs is that it doesnt stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, allowing an individual to remain calm rather than anxious as a result of the stimulation.

    From Nasal Decongestant To Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Treatment

    Clinodine

    Clonidine dates back to about 1962 when it was developed as a nasal decongestant by pharmaceutical manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim. Gradually, the focus was changed as the drug gained recognition for its ability to lower blood pressure, leading to FDA approval for the treatment of hypertension in 1974.

    Clonidine is part of a class of prescription drugs called central alpha agonists, these drugs work in the brain to lower blood pressure. Sold under the names Catapres and Kapvay among others, discoveries of more uses for the drug changed its focal point it evolved from a purely antihypertensive medication to being used more frequently to address psychiatric entities .

    The drug is FDA approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and for many years it has been used to treat conditions like:

    • Tourettes syndrome
    • Smoking cessation
    • Restless leg syndrome

    But what about children with autism? Will a medication involved in lowering blood pressure provide relief for any of the symptoms challenging kids on the spectrum? Limited research found some positive evidence.

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    Clonidine As A Medication Choice For Adhd

    John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health .

    Catapres is a medication that was originally approved to treat people with high blood pressure. However, because of the calming effect it has on the body, clonidine has been found to help people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms like hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, overarousal, and sleep difficulties.

    The Food and Drug Administration has also approved Kapvay, the extended-release version of clonidine, as a medication for children with ADHD ages 6 and up. It can be taken alone or along with stimulant medication.

    Side Effects Of Clonidine For Adhd

    The most common side effects of clonidine are:

    • Orthostatis, a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing
    • Dry mouth
    • Constipation
    • Sexual side effects

    Other serious side effects include low blood pressure, irregular heart rate, or changes to mental health including hallucinations. If you experience rash, hives, swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or hoarseness, it could be a sign of a more serious reaction. You should call your doctor or seek medical treatment immediately.

    The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

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    How Clonidine For Anxiety Works

    Clonidine works by affecting the activity of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine affects, among other things, anxiety and related states such as attention. The medication affects certain parts of the brain, ensuring that they are calmer and feel less excited. This calming effect is especially important for someone with anxious thoughts.

    Among some of the common side effects of clonidine include

    • Dry mouth

    Side Effects Of Clonidine

    ADHD Medication Options

    Even though research lauds clonidine hydrochlorides appreciable effectiveness and tolerability there are serious side effects parents should take note of before considering the drug for their children.

    In a study assessing the safety and effectiveness of extended-release clonidine, in Korean children and adolescents with ADHD and/or Tourettes syndrome, 65.5% of subjects experienced adverse effects. The most common effect experienced was drowsiness or sleepiness which, according to the authors, resolved in most cases. Other side effects mentioned in the study include:

    • A decrease in blood pressure
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Aggravation of motor and vocal tics

    Reading anecdotal accounts, it becomes clear thatthough effective for irritability, sleep troubles, and challenging behaviorsparents are worried about serious adverse effects like bradycardia, weakness, drowsiness, and dry mouth.

    Even though most studies mention the relative safety and tolerance of clonidine in pediatrics, all seem to agree that more research and clinical trials are necessary. This is especially relevant for children on the autism spectrum because autism is characterized by deficits in communication, extra care is needed when trying any new pharmacological intervention.

    A safe drug treating sleep disturbances, anxiety, hyperactivity, and behavioral challenges in autism sounds too good to be true. Only a randomized double-blind placebo control study could tell us if it is.

    References:

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    How Does Clonidine Compare To Psychostimulants

    Upon comparison to other psychostimulants, Clonidine is less effective for the treatment of ADHD. Clonidine produces a moderate reduction in symptoms, while psychostimulants are known to produce an extreme reduction in symptoms. Its like saying that Clonidine is effective, whereas a psychostimulant is super-effective its just not quite on the same level of efficacy as the dopaminergic drugs.

    Clonidine has a totally different mechanism of action compared to psychostimulants that primarily function as dopamine reuptake inhibitors . Clonidine bolsters norepinephrine stimulation in the prefrontal cortex, ultimately improving attentional capacity. Although Clonidine may not be as effective as first-line psychostimulant treatments it is still clinically effective and thus has FDA approval for treating ADHD.

    Some speculate that Clonidine may be more effective than psychostimulants for treating certain subtypes of ADHD. Cases of ADHD with prominent features of hyperarousal, hyperactivity, and/or aggression may derive more benefit from Clonidine than psychostimulants. It is noted as being less effective than psychostimulants for severe attention deficits and moderate hyperactivity.

    Tips For Good Reviews

    • Only rate drugs or treatments you’ve tried.
    • In your description, mention the brand, dose, and period of time that you used the drug or treatment.
    • Please share your positive and negative experiences with the drug, and compare it with other treatments you have used.
    • Do not include any personal information or links in your review.

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    What Customers Say About Strattera

    “It does work. But, give it two or three weeks. You will feel weird at the beginning and a little nauseous. It goes away. I do feel like I concentrate better and focus longer. Be careful with caffeine! It makes caffeine much stronger and last longer.”—Mikey

    “At 34, I started Ritalin. It had an up & down effect. At 46, I began Strattera. I hated it. Gained 35 lbs anxiety soared was fatigued & lethargic. My current dose is 60mg 2x/day. I never lost weight, but I feel normal. I don’t limit caffeine intake. I drink tea, no coffee. Anxiety & depression are better w/Strattera.”—Mature Female

    “I was taking Concerta but had to go down from 54mg to 30mg because of side effects. With Concerta, I said everything that was on my mind, and I still could not concentrate enough as my mind was all over the place.”—Chris

    “Game changer for me. 60mg for ~3y. The not magic bullet, but without it, I couldn’t be self-employed. I still lose days immobilized or where all I can do is a few emails but compared to weeks of incapacity without it.”—Jen

    Adolescents 12 Years Of Age And Older

    Order Clonidine Online

    Prior to initiating stimulants for adolescents with newly diagnosed ADHD, clinicians should assess for symptoms of substance abuse and when substance use is identified, treatment of the underlying disorder should be evaluated and treated. Medical practitioners should monitor for signs of misuse or diversion of stimulants. Atomoxetine, extended-release guanfacine, or extended-release clonidine may be considered when misuse of stimulant medications is a concern .

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    Is Clonidine Plus A Psychostimulant More Effective

    Researchers have long noted that Clonidine can be used as an adjunct to a psychostimulant. Clonidine plus a psychostimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD is considered well-tolerated among children and adolescents. Despite the tolerability of Clonidine along with psychostimulants, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest increased efficacy of the combination when compared to a standalone psychostimulant.

    Many experts theorize that by adding Clonidine to a psychostimulant, the combination elicits a synergistic effect most notably in the prefrontal cortex. In other words the prefrontal stimulation of the Clonidine adds to the attentional improvements derived from the psychostimulant usage. Therefore, some individuals may notice significantly greater improvements with Clonidine and a psychostimulant compared to a standalone psychostimulant.

    It is unknown as to whether universal responses to the combination produces superior symptomatic improvements when compared to standalone treatment with a psychostimulant. That said, it is known that the combination is effective, and some individuals may respond favorably to a blending of the mechanisms.

    One controlled trial suggests that among those with ADHD and comorbid tics the combination of Clonidine and methylphenidate is superior than either drug as a standalone treatment. This suggests that in particular cases of ADHD with various comorbidities like tics, a combination of treatments may produce preferable outcomes.

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