Of the various development related conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – in short, ADHD, is fast turning into a common one. Its characteristic signs are difficulties to stay focused, taking impulsive decisions and actions. You may tend to be in persistent state of restlessness. Kids may have problems with schooling due to difficulties to concentrate on lessons. Clonidine is a commonly administered drug for treating ADHD; but, is this med a psychotropic drug? It is a key thing to have more details on this topic.
Studies done on ADHD attribute genetic triggers as a major cause for its incidence. In fact, this reason fares as a chief cause among as high as 70% of people having this developmental problem. Research also suggests that use of alcohol (or alcoholic drinks) during pregnancy may also cause ADHD. The possibility of its incidence due to exposure to poisonous chemicals such as pesticides (especially, phosphate-based chemicals) can also make you get ADHD.
Clonidine
What is clonidine?
This drug is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD. It is sold as an oral pill and as a skin-patch. The oral pill is also available as an extended-release variant. A leading brand is Kapvay; this drug is sold as a generic med as well. However, the generic version may not be available in all dosage strengths as its branded equivalent. This drug is grouped under a category called centrally-acting alpha agonists.
The key ingredients help regulate your attention span, and moderate the way you express your emotions. It also helps reduce blood pressure levels, and aids in relaxing your arteries. These actions help calm your nerves and bring about needful relief from signs of ADHD. Owing to its ability to reduce pressure level, it is also used to manage episodes of hypertension or very high blood pressure.
Is clonidine a psychotropic drug?
This med is increasingly administered for treating several mood-based disorders and mental conditions. Clonidine is found to be effective in treating de la tournette syndrome, post-traumatic stresses and opiate-detoxing. Among women, this med is known to reduce cramping of muscles during menstrual cycles as well as to manage flushes experienced during periods. Most of these administrations are however done as off-label use.
Clonidine is known to have an impact on neurotransmitters like norepinephrine; this neuro/brain chemical plays an active part in making your nervous or get excited. The essential ingredients of this drug work directly on the availability of norepinephrine in your body; as a result, you may find your system calming-down after each dose.
How to safely use clonidine?
The dosage plan prescribed to you varies on many factors viz., your age, severity of anxieties or restlessness and presence of prior mental illnesses – if any. Does administered may range from 0.1 – 0.3 milligram (mg). The 0.1 mg dose is the most commonly administered strength. You may take the doses either before or after a meal. Your doctor may also alter your dosage strength during the course of treatment. It is important to follow all the instructions of your caregiving team.
Last but not the least – it is not a safe thing to discontinue the intake of clonidine all of a sudden. Those who stopped it abruptly noticed a few withdrawal signs – such as migraines, sleeplessness, change in appetite level, etc. If you notice any of these reactions, consult with your treating doctor with immediate effect.
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: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Florida. Experience: 5 years as a pharmacist and medical writer, creating content on medication management and pharmaceutical news for healthcare blogs and patient education sites.
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