Leading a stressful life, frequent intake of unhealthy fats like red meat, fried / oily foods, etc., pursuing a sedentary lifestyle – all these bear very high levels of risks. These risks can often turn into cardiac problems or may result in a sudden collapse of your heart muscles. You are advised to pursue a healthy and balanced diet, work out daily and keep a proactive watch over your blood pressure level. Your treating doctor may also prescribe meds – like clonidine – to manage your blood pressure. Is it safe to take clonidine along with hormonal supplements like melatonin? What happens when these two drugs are co-administered? It is a wise thing to know about the risks involved – before starting such a treatment plan.
Clonidina
Antihypertensive drug clonidine helps decrease spells of hypertension. The drug works by pulling a few strings attached to receptors in your brain. As an outcome, the tension in your blood vessels gets reduced. A reduction in blood pressure is an eventual outcome of taking doses of clonidine. This drug also halts the firing of a select group of neurons; this action results in reduced production of transmitting compounds like norepinephrine and / or renin. In addition to reduced pressure levels, you are likely to experience calming down of nerves and a marked decrease in confusion or anxiety levels.
Your caregiver will need to be told about other drugs that you may be taking now. As you are sharing such details, ensure to add over the counter (OTC) meds, prescription drugs, vitamins, proteins and dietary / herbal supplements. Those who live with prior episodes of hypersensitivity or allergies to clonidine must exert added caution. Also, people who remain unaware of such allergies are usually treated with a lower dosage level of this drug. Dosages are increased only when your system responds well to the initial, low level dosages. Clonidine is available in various forms – such as a controlled release, immediate release, etc. It is not safe to take two unique variants of clonidine at the same time.
In order to avoid daytime discomforts, it is safe to take this drug before you go to sleep. However, never share this drug with a family member or a friend – who is experiencing same symptoms as you. Always remember that no two individuals may have the same condition, or and are seldom treated with a same dosage plan. It is equally important to know that your dosage plan is strongly influenced by several factors – such as your pre-existing clinical conditions, gender, age and prior allergies or hypersensitivity to active ingredients of clonidine.
What is melatonin?
This is a natural hormone that your system makes on its own. It plays a key role in regulating your sleep cycles. When it gets dark all around, your system starts to make this hormone. On the other hand, when light comes up (i.e., when dawn breaks), your system makes the hormone is lesser quantity. People who live with sleep disorder or spells of insomnia are known to have lesser levels of melatonin. The supplement form of melatonin – especially, the controlled release- can also treat spells of hypertension (high blood pressure level). In some one-off cases, this supplement is used to allay restlessness prior to surgeries – especially among adults.
Side effects of melatonin
Use of the man-made form / supplement of this hormone is generally regarded as safe when taken for a shorter span of time. However, a long term use of melatonin is likely to cause a few discomforts and undesired side effects. Commonly experienced side effects include excessive levels of sleepiness, feeling dizzy, migraines and a few abdominal discomforts such as vomiting or nausea. It is not a safe practice to engage in any adventurous activity like cycling or swimming soon after taking this hormonal supplement. It is equally hazardous to engage in driving or working on machines that require fairly sizeable levels of mental focus or concentration.
Co-administration of melatonin and clonidine
You need to be careful while taking melatonin along with clonidine. When taken at the same time, you are more likely to experience persistent spells of dizziness, being in a confused state of mind, inability to stay focused and maintain concentration levels. In some cases, combined use has triggered frequent episodes of dizziness. Older patients are more vulnerable to several risks. Elderly users have reported loss of coordination, impairment of motor function, inability to think properly or to take logical decisions. As a general precaution, you are advised not to engage in activities like working on large equipment / machinery or driving; performing tasks which need high level of focus may cause accidents – which may turn fatal.
Above all, this list of discomforts and side effects do not constitute a full listing. It is quite possible to experience a few unlisted side effects when these two drugs are taken together. If you witness any such unknown discomforts, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Residents of the US need to call 911, or may also reach out to the helplines of the food and drug administration (FDA). Those who live in any of the provinces of Canada must quickly rush to a poison control center located nearer to their home. Canadians can also call Health Canada without delay.
In sum, melatonin is a naturally made hormone. It plays a vital role in determining your sleep as well as wake-cycles. This hormone is also available as a supplement – which is made in labs. On the other hand, clonidine is a drug prescribed for treating high levels of blood pressure. Needful caution is required if these two drugs form part of your treatment plan. When melatonin and clonidine are consumed at the same time, it is likely to trigger dizziness, confusion and / or face difficulties in remaining focused. Elderly patients or older people may experience a marked loss of coordination, inability to use motor function, being restless or excessively nervous. It is harmful to drive vehicles, work on large equipment or engage in any other activities that may need a high level of mental focus or concentration. It is a good practice to consult with your treating physician about the risks involved.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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