ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental condition associated with your central nervous system. It is accompanied by spells of hyperactivity, being impulsive, and having problems in staying focused. Children with ADHD may have problems with academic performance while in adults, it may show up in the form of difficulties in maintaining cordial relationships with friends and family members. Caregivers often find it a tough thing to diagnose ADHD; since it can be difficult to tell what is normal level of impulsivity. Clonidine is widely used for treating ADHD. But, how to use clonidine for anxiety? It helps to have more inputs.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – in short, ADHD – can arise due to inadequate development of the cerebral system. In general, genetic factors play a key role in the onset of this condition. Studies indicate that more than 3/4th of cases is attributed to genetic reasons. For instance, brothers and sisters of those with ADHD are likely to have it than others.
This condition is best diagnosed primarily by assessing your behavior. Investigative processes often rely on inputs collected from tutors as well as parents. Imaging or scans done on brain seldom yield proper results; owing to this, scanning is restricted mostly for research purposes only.
What is clonidine?
This medication is one of the alpha-adrenergic agonists. Drugs of this genre care widely used for treating hypertension (elevated pressure levels), withdrawal of alcohol or nicotine, ADHD, etc. This drug was patented in early 1960s; it was launched in the mid-1960s. Since it is also sold as a generic variant, you can buy at a lower price. With more than 7.5 million prescriptions written for it, it fares among the top 100 meds widely used in the US.
Clonidine for sleep and anxiety dosage
One of the side effects of clonidine is being dizzy and drowsy. This is helpful in making you sleep. More research is underway to build further evidence on using clonidine for sleep. Most studies done on clonidine are on children, and hence added research is needed on adults.
Clonidine for sleep and anxiety dosage is usually maintained at a lower level. In case of immediate-release version, dosage of 0.1 mg is administered at sleep-time. In case of the extended-release form of clonidine, dosage is restricted to 0.1 mg per day. In case of transdermal patches, these are applied once per week.
How fast does clonidine work for anxiety?
This med is considered a fast-acting drug; its effects may kick-in in ~60 minutes. In some cases, sedative effects have shown up in more than 1 hour. It is also known to trigger fewer adverse effects – barring its direct effects on your nervous system. Of late, it is used for conditions like cessation of smoking, hot flashes during menopause, etc.
How long does clonidine last for anxiety?
The effects this med causes can stay for more than 6 – 7 hours’ time. Clonidine is one of the well-tolerated medications in this genre. Users may experience side effects like drop in appetite level, loss of body weight as well as abdominal conditions like vomiting and nausea. Upon sensing any of these undesired effects for long, you are advised to consult with your treating physician.
In some instances, users witnessed difficulties to pass stools. Your treating doctor may prescribe stool softeners and / or laxatives to provide needful relief. Caveat: use of laxative or softeners of stools can be habit forming. Hence, always use such meds under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
In some remote cases, users experienced acute levels of lethargy, significant drop in blood pressure (also called hypotension), abnormal heart beat (tachycardia), tightness of chest and being lightheaded. Call 911 (in US) or Health Canada upon noticing one or more of these counterproductive effects. Lastly, talk to your caregiver to know about using clonidine for anxiety.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Psychology from Stanford University; Master’s in Health Communication from Boston University. Experience: Over 12 years of experience as a health writer and content strategist, working with healthcare organizations to create patient-centric content.