Clonidine for sleep

Insomnia is a sleep-based disorder wherein you may have difficulties in falling asleep. You may also be staying awake during nighttime for long, sleepless. Most people with insomnia may experience sleepiness during daytime, low levels of energy, depression and be seen in an irritated frame of mind. As a result, insomniacs may cause accidents while driving, and may have challenges in staying focused. This sleep-disorder can either be a short-term problem – spanning only a few days, or a long-term phenomenon – persisting for more than 3 weeks. But, can you use clonidine for sleep?

Sleeplessness can show-up either as an outcome of another health issue or as an independent problem. Factors leading to sleeplessness are living in a stressful condition, hyperthyroidism – excessive production of thyroid, acid reflux, living with chronic / severe pain, intake of caffeine-rich foods like tea, coffee, etc.

People who smoke tobacco-based products – especially those containing nicotine, and those who take excessive amount of alcohol may also have insomnia. Such sleep conditions are also prevalent among people living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD).

Children living with neurological conditions like autism may spend sleepless nights more often. Apart from the above risks, those who frequently do night-shifts and people living with sleep apnea may also be insomniacs. It is estimated that 15% – 25% of grown-ups may experience sleeplessness at some point in their lives. More than 5% of such people may go sleepless for more than 4 weeks in a year; such sleepless spells are not attributed to any other external health issues or problems.

What is clonidine?

Clonidine is an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. It is widely used for treating hypertension (high blood pressure), flushes experienced during menopause stages, managing symptoms of ADHD and withdrawal of drugs – especially, drugs like opioids, alcohol and nicotine. This med is available as a pill / tablet, an injection and as a transdermal patch. Key ingredients of clonidine may start working in less than 60 minutes’ time; its remedial effects are known to last more than 7 hours from the time of dosing.

Clonidine received its patent in early-1960s. It was put to public-use in mid-1960s. A glad news about clonidine is: you can get it as a generic drug – this means, you can buy its generic form at a relatively lower cost. As per recent data, clonidine is part of top-100 popular meds in the US. Number of prescriptions has already crossed the 9.5 million level each year.

Clonidine for sleep

Clonidine causes sedation; this effect is also called sleepiness. This property is chiefly used for treating insomnia, especially among those living with ADHD. It is widely used for treating children with hyperactive conditions. Studies done thus far on clonidine for sleep are mostly restricted to teens and children. Hence, it is difficult to state how effective it truly is, for treating insomnia in other age groups.

Clonidine for sleep and anxiety dosage

Dosage of clonidine for sleep and anxiety starts at as low as 0.1 milligram (mg); it is taken orally prior to bedtime. Such a dosage is prescribed mainly for children above 7 years of age. Dosages are increased by 0.1mg per day – over each week, till sleeping patterns are normalized. In some cases, dosages are offered 2 times per day, at equally-distributed time intervals.

Maximum dosage of clonidine is 0.4 mg per day, offered as two (2) distinctive dosages. You can take this med either before or after a meal. Crushing this pill or chewing it can lead to a sudden-spurt in release of clonidine into your blood. This pill is swallowed – as a whole – with 6 to 7 ounces  of fluids like juices or water. It is not advised to discontinue this medicine all of a sudden. As your dosage plan for clonidine comes to an end, your doctor will taper-off dosages by 0.1 mg every 4 to 5 days.

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.