When Is It Prescribed?

Catapres (clonidine) is used to treat:

• Mild to Moderate High Blood Pressure

• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (NOT an FDA-approved indication but generally well accepted)

Catapres (clonidine) is an alternative to stimulants for treating ADHD. It seems to work best in decreasing hyperactivity, but does not always improve distractibility (as stimulants do). Some physicians have found benefits in using this medication with children who have ADHD and conduct problems.

When Will My Medication Start to Work?

It may take two or three weeks before you begin to feel better. It may take longer to feel the full therapeutic effects of Catapres due to use, dosage, and other factors.

Are There Any Drug Interactions?

Always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any other prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. There is more information available on drug interactions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Issues

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.

Other Important Information and Precautions

Catapres (clonidine) is also used to prevent migraine headaches, improve outcome in head injury patients, aid menopausal hot flashes and treat severe menstrual cramps, helps lessen alcohol or narcotic drug withdrawal, has a role in abnormal heart rhythms, and may have a role in limiting the size of heart damage after a heart attack.

Avoid excess salt. Ask your physician about the proper amount of salt you should have in your diet.

DO NOT stop this drug suddenly; possible serious, even fatal, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

Hot weather or fever can reduce blood pressure significantly; in these instances, the current Catapres (clonidine) dosage may need to altered.

In addition to the information listed above, there may be other important issues or precautions related to this medication. For further information, you can ask your prescribing doctor or therapist.

Side-Effect Information

Only some people will experience side-effects--and no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side-effects associated with this medication:

Most common side-effects

Constipation
Your medications can sometimes cause constipation. This side effect may not go away, but it can be controlled by increasing the amount of high fiber foods in your diet, such as breads, fruits, vegetables, and bran. It also helps to exercise regularly and drink plenty of fluids. If constipation is still a problem, your doctor may recommend a laxative or fiber product, or may prescribe an additional medication to reduce the side effect.

Dizziness
If you feel dizzy when you sit or stand up quickly, there are some precautions that you can take to avoid injury. Get up very slowly from a laying or sitting position and make sure you have something to hold onto as you get up. Then, wait a moment or two before you start walking.

Drowsiness
Some people report feelings of drowsiness throughout the day. If drowsiness is a problem for you, talk to your doctor about it. He or she may change your dose or tell you to take the medication at night. In the meantime, be sure not to drive a car or operate other heavy machinery while you are feeling drowsy.

Dry eyes
If you experience dry eyes as a result of your medication, try using eye drops to alleviate this discomfort.

Dry mouth
Some people taking your medications experience dry mouth. Although dry mouth may not go away completely, it usually gets better with time. Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on hard candy or crushed ice, drinking plenty of fluids, or eating frozen grapes.

Decreased heart rate
Some people taking your medication experience decreased heart rate. Contact your doctor if this side effect poses a problem.

Infrequent side-effects

Headache
Your medication can cause headaches, which often fade as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience headaches, and they're disruptive, talk to your doctor before you take any pain medications. He or she can let you know which medications are safe to take with your medications.