There are approximately 40,000,000 people in the United States who have some sort of anxiety disorder. Some of these people never get treatment for their addiction. However, there are some others who start receiving treatment and taking medications to manage their anxiety. Clonidine is a medication often used for anxiety. It is an antihypertensive and is used for many medical reasons.

Many physicians prescribe Clonidine over other medications because it has fewer known side effects. In addition, many other medications used to treat anxiety have a higher risk for addiction. With this being said, that doesn’t mean Clonodine doesn’t have the potential for being abused. In fact, when someone uses Clonidine inappropriately, it could have fatal results.

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Basics of Clonidine HCl

Medically, Clonidine is a type of alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. Many of the other alpha-2 adrenergic agonist substances are prescribed for hypertension. However, Clonidine may also be prescribed to treat the following:

• Some anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Tobacco, opioid, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Hot flashes during menopause
• Dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps)

These are some of the most common reasons why Clonidine is prescribed by doctors. This medication has been prescribed for over forty years. It was first prescribed as one of the antihypertensive medications. Later on, it started being used to treat different disorders, including anxiety.

Common Names for Clonidine

Since some people do abuse this drug, it is helpful to know the different names for it. Some of the common names for Clonidine include the following:

• Dixarit
• Winpress
• Klofelino
• Kapvay
• Arkamin
• Hypolax
• Paracefan
• Nexiclon
• Menograine
• Catapres

Each one of these is used to treat a certain disorder. The Clonidine HCl is prescribed in immediate release tablets, transdermal patches, solutions, or extended release tablets.

Hypertension and Clonidine

The main reason Clonidine is prescribed is to treat hypertension. This is basically high blood pressure levels. It is a disease that begins because the heart pumps excess blood through the body. Many people with hypertension have narrow artery walls as well.

There are many reasons why someone might have hypertension. Stress, anxiety, not getting proper exercise, unhealthy diet, and many other things can lead to hypertension. Some people have hypertension for many years without experiencing symptoms of the disease.

Hypertension is very common in the United States. The CDC states nearly 1 of every 3 United States adults have hypertension. This means there are many people who are prescribed Clonidine.

Clonidine and How it Works

Clonidine stimulates and activates cells in the brain. This helps blood vessels to relax, allowing blood to flow through the body easier. When this happens, blood pressure levels are lowered. Clonidine also interacts with the fight or flight areas of the brain. This is the area that causes the body to naturally react to stressful stimuli.

Some research shows Clonidine inhibits norepinephrine release. This is one of the main chemicals in the brain that cause adrenaline to pump through the body during stressful situations. This medication also relieves tension that has built up in the brain as well. Due to this function of Clonidine, many medical professionals prescribe it to treat anxiety or sleep disorders.

Proper Use of Clonidine Can Be Effective

As you read, there are millions of people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Clonidine is prescribed to treat anxiety and a range of other conditions as well. When this medication is used appropriately, it can be effective. However, just as with many other medications, there is a potential to abuse Clonidine. This is especially true when it is used along with other substances.

Anyone who takes Clonidine should be cautious about their use. They should follow the orders on their prescription. Abusing Clonidine increases the risk of addiction and the risk of a fatal reaction as well.

Signs of Clonidine Abuse or Addiction

When someone is abusing Clonidine, there are generally signs they are doing so. Some of the signs of clonidine abuse or addiction include the following:

• Can’t control their dosage
• Lacking on responsibilities because of use
• Using the medication regardless of mental or physical consequences
• Higher tolerance
• Dealing with withdrawals when missing a dose
• Using to avoid any withdrawals

If you or someone you know has been abusing Clonidine or has an addiction to it, there are treatments available.

Treatments for Clonidine Addiction

The first step to overcoming an addiction to Clonidine is to ask for help. There are many treatment centers that will help to treat this addiction. Some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience include the following:

• Headaches
• Feeling nervous
• Shaking or tremors
• High blood pressure

These are just some of the withdrawal symptoms you might experience when quitting Clonidine. However, the medical professionals at the rehab center will make you as comfortable as they can.

When getting treatment, you may attend different types of therapy, meetings, and work on a recovery plan.

Clonidine can be helpful if used appropriately, but there is still a potential for abuse. If you have become addicted to or have been abusing this medication, get help today.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.