If you have ever considered taking Clonidine for opiate withdrawal, then there are a few things you need to know before you dive in with your first dosage. We’re going to do a quick run down on Clonidine due to the fact that many detoxes and treatment centers and using it in their opiate withdrawal protocols. It can do a lot for withdrawal and help with anxiety as well.
What Is Clonidine?
Clonidine is a popular drug which has a wide range of uses and benefits. The biggest effect that Clonidine has on the body, is it’s ability to lower blood pressure, and remove any excess of certain chemicals which may be causing the heart to beat faster than it should be. Because of this, Clonidine is popular amongst those who suffer from high blood pressure, and on some occasions, it has been used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (more commonly known as ADHD)
Taking Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal
Thanks to it’s ability to reduce blood pressure, and the rate at which your heart beats, Clonidine is regularly used as a way to lessen the amount of anxiety associated with opiate withdrawal. Not only has Clonidine been proven to help with opiate withdrawal anxiety, it is also touted as an effective treatment for restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is a common side effect of opiate withdrawal.
Clonidine is not the complete solution for opiate withdrawal, since there are several side effects which it cannot eliminate, but if you are interested in trying Clonidine for opiate withdrawal, then here are a few ways in which it could potentially benefit you:
Clonidine can help you sleep better at night, thanks to it’s ability to reduce heart rate, which can help induce sleepiness.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the majority of opiate withdrawal symptoms, and Clonidine has been proven to combat the nervous system’s response, ultimately lessening the effects of those symptoms.
It’s ability to treat restless leg syndrome will allow you to find comfort.
Sweating, and anxiousness are completely eradicated, because of it’s effect on blood pressure.
Clonidine Dosage For Opiate Withdrawals:
To maximise the effects of Clonidine for opiate withdrawal, it is recommended that you take 0.2mg twice a day (Orally), or the TTS-2 transdermal patch (0.2mg) just once per week. When my doc gave me my prescription, he also suggested taking 0.1mg four times daily. Combining your Clonidine dose with a benzo can be a powerful duo for withdrawal symptoms!
Is Clonidine Safe For Opiate Withdrawal
Clonidine is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for opiate withdrawal, and it’s generally deemed safe the majority of the time, but as with any drug, certain side effects can show up from time to time, so it’s a good idea to have an idea of them beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect.
The potential side effects of using Clonidine for opiate withdrawal are:
- Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Light-headedness, or dizziness
Even rarer side effects may include:
- Irregular heart beat
- Shortness of breath
- Depression, and other mood swings
- Cold sweats
The chance of developing addiction to Clonidine is almost non-existent, but it is highly recommended that you never stop using the drug abruptly, as the sudden change could lead to a rapid increase in blood pressure, headaches, severe shaking, and nervousness.
Where Can I Purchase Clonidine For Opiate Withdrawal?
Unlike a few of the other popular choices of opiate withdrawal medications, Clonidine is fully regulated, and available to pick up from a pharmacist with a prescription from your doctor.
The length of treatment can range from a few days, to a few weeks ,depending on the severity of your addiction, but you should always be in touch with your doctor throughout the entire process.
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