Clonidine User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Catapres, Clonidine ER, Kapvay, Onyda XR, Catapres-TTS, Duraclon, Nexiclon XR
Clonidine has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 761 reviews on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Clonidine
- Aga...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 17, 2020
For Anxiety "I am pretty sure this drug is going to save my life. I have tried everything for anxiety: Benzos, buspirone, SSRI's, SNRIs, beta blockers. I almost gave up, then I thought I would try one more. I get horrible med side effects, so I started with 1/4 of 0.1 mg and within 20 minutes, I was more normal than I have felt in years. I tried a higher dose the next day, but was too tired, so for now, I will stick to the small dose. Three days in and I feel like my life has already changed. I can focus at work, I'm happy, I have more energy, no anxiety. Beautiful!"
- Zac...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- October 22, 2020
For Anxiety "A word of advice: do not take the full 0.1 mg clonidine pill. Most of the people here complaining about the medication making them drowsy and fatigued are likely sensitive to clonidine and are taking a much higher dose than they should. Chances are, your doctor will prescribe 0.1 mg since there is no lower dose for this med. If after taking the full 0.1 mg pill it makes you tired, cut it in half, if it still makes you tired, cut it into a quarter, and if it still does, cut it into an eighth. I recommend buying a pill cutter. When I first took it, I felt terrible at the full dose, but then I cut it like I just instructed and at an eighth of a 0.1 mg pill I felt way better. Anxiety almost completely gone and it worked even better than benzos. Plus, this med, unlike benzos, is not associated with any kind of brain damage or addiction."
- Ano...
- January 16, 2020
For Opiate Withdrawal "MS Contin 60mg, with Oxy 10/325 for BTP (breakthrough pain). Made the decision I wanted my life back to what it was pre-opiates. I reduced my MS Contin ER 60 mg/3 per day down to 2 per day, then to 30 mg/2 day, 15 mg/2 day, then 1-15 mg/every 18-24 hours (script of 45), and lastly 1 - 15 mg/per day (as needed, with a script of 30). My doc allowed me to taper at my leisure over 6/9 mos. I stretched them as long as I could while still taking the Oxy 10s for BTP. During this taper, my PM doc prescribed me Clonidine 0.1 mg for withdrawals. One day I finally said screw it - I’m done! I’m not taking the MS Contin anymore or the Oxys - Cold turkey. I’m on day 6. Oh my goodness! I cannot believe how minimal my withdrawals are - sweated a bit, few goosebumps, RLS was slightly intense day 4/5 so I took a half of another Clonidine and it’s now bearable. I’ve had no opiates for six days! The Clonidine does drop your BP and makes you tired. I plan to be medicine-free in the next few days! Glory to God. Try the Clonidine!"
- Kat...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 28, 2019
For Anxiety "I have been dealing with anxiety for about 10 years now with the occasional panic attack. In the last 9 months, my anxiety has been so severe that I’m anxious every second of the day and panic when I have to leave the house. It’s made it hard to function and hold down a job. I recently got a new job, and I was having extreme anxiety to the point of feeling suicidal because I felt like I could not continue living with the severity of my anxiety. I was on 6 different medications and not getting any relief. Finally, my doctor prescribed me clonidine 0.1 three times a day. For the first time in 9 months, I finally felt better. My doctor upped my dose to 4 times a day, and now I’m feeling better than ever! I’m able to function and work again. This is a miracle drug to me. I’m finally living my life again. I would highly recommend trying this drug if you have severe anxiety like me."
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Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Sup...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 10, 2021
For Opiate Withdrawal "I don't get all of the people applauding Suboxone or Methadone. I've quit both, and let me tell you, I would stay away from both of them at ALL costs. Quitting pills, or kratom sucks for about a week (the worst of it) compared to around 40 days of a living nightmare for Methadone and Suboxone. Sure it has a higher retention rate BECAUSE YOU ARE TRAPPED! If I knew then what I know now, I would never go near that stuff. Clonidine helps a ton. Sure, there are some mild side effects like headache, lethargy, etc. But we are talking about a week of MILD discomfort vs Methadone and Suboxone that will give you the absolute worst withdrawals of your life for MONTHS. Believe me on this. Bite the bullet, use some Clonidine, cry it out, but stay away from Methadone and Suboxone. You will regret it."
- Bli...
- January 17, 2020
For High Blood Pressure "I have used clonidine for 1+ years. It's my last resort med. I've had HBP for 40 years and have tried most other HBP meds with bad results/side effects. Clonidine at first made me very tired and my eyes sensitive to light. These both wore off after a few weeks, and the only side effects that remain are dry mouth & eyes and sometimes heel pain. But these are tolerable to me compared to ER trips for 230/130 blood pressure. I take it 3 times a day exactly every 8 hours. Over 8 hours, I get withdrawal symptoms. Then my pharmacy changed me from Unichem brand of clonidine to another brand. My blood pressure went through the roof! I couldn't figure out why my blood pressure was spiking & my face was beet red. Then I realized that it only happened since they changed brands. So I found an original Unichem clonidine pill and took it, and lo and behold normal blood pressure and no red face! These companies need to be held accountable for substandard pills!"
- Kmw...
- January 17, 2016
For Opiate Withdrawal "I am blessed to have found this site! I have been addicted to Percocet for 7 years. Two days ago, I ran out of meds - I was two weeks short on my refill, that's how many I used a day, and if that wasn't enough, I bought off the street. Long story short, there's no room available in my area for detox. The ER turned me away. Even my family doctor, PM nurse, and doc put me on Clonidine, and I feel amazing. Only after two days! No withdrawal symptoms, maybe a slight headache is all. Please, if you feel there is no way out of this narcotic hell, there is help. Just ask for it! I am so happy there is a bright future for me, NARCOTIC FREE!! Best of luck to all that suffer. It WILL GET BETTER."
- Anonymous
- November 15, 2015
Catapres (clonidine) for Opiate Withdrawal "I went to a detox facility for heroin addiction. I never heard of clonidine being used to assist with withdrawal symptoms. It was a lifesaver. I was actually able to tolerate the suboxone taper with the clonidine. I am no longer dependent on ANYTHING! I never thought it was possible."
- Emm...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 11, 2016
Kapvay (clonidine) for ADHD "Depression for fifteen months hinged on the fact that my inattention was so bad. Every day it was constantly 'OH MY GOD, CAN'T DO ANYTHING.' I had so many motivations and ambitions for projects and was so overwhelmed by ADHD that I could not do any of it. All I can say is that I am really disappointed with Strattera... I fought and fought to get a stimulant to no avail, and they finally gave me Kapvay for bedtime. It's been two weeks, and my depression has finally lifted because my inattention and distraction are gone. They are symbiotic with each other. And now I can DO STUFF and not have to binge-watch Impractical Jokers anymore. To ADHD, I stand atop a tram in a superhero costume and say 'SUCK IT!!!'"
- One...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 3, 2016
For Opiate Withdrawal "I am a Marine Corps veteran. I served in Desert Storm and in Somalia. I was a victim of an IED but survived. Two of my buddies didn't. My left foot took the most damage, and I almost lost it. I kept refusing amputation even though I was being told I would never be able to walk on it. Eleven months later, I was walking with the aid of crutches. Long story short, I ended up addicted to opiates. I tried over and over to kick the addiction myself with no luck, and believe me, I tried. For 14 years, I tried. I finally broke down and asked for help. My doctor gave me clonidine for my RLS symptoms, and it worked wonders. And this is coming from a person taking 240mg of OxyContin, then was switched to 120mg of Opana a day. It works, people. Ask for help."
- Doc...
- September 20, 2019
For Anxiety "I have been suffering with severe depression and extreme anxiety for years. Doctors tried me on everything, including Xanax, but nothing seemed to work. It had gotten so bad that my blood pressure shot up sky high. So, to control my blood pressure, they put me on clonidine. Lo and behold, the clonidine not only lowered my blood pressure but also controlled my depression and anxiety. My anxiety was so bad that I was afraid to leave my house, I suffer from social anxiety as well. When I am taking my clonidine as prescribed, I feel absolutely normal. If you have tried everything and nothing seems to be working, then you need to speak to your doctor about clonidine. To me, it is a miracle drug, it has helped me become human again."
- 2nd...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 21, 2019
For Opiate Withdrawal "I have had an opiate addiction for the last 10 years. I started with shoulder pain, and my doctor put me on Percocet 10mg 4 times a day. After two years of this, she finally did surgery, and I continued the pills for another year, then she took them away with no warning. I turned to snorting heroin because I couldn't find Percocet. I've been a heroin addict ever since. It has destroyed so much of my life. I'm 47 and finally chose to seek help. I snorted my last line at 8 am this morning. The doctor has prescribed 0.1mg clonidine and Zofran. I'm supposed to start those at 8 am tomorrow. Wish me luck. I have high hopes. I will let you know how it goes."
- ell...
- July 19, 2018
For Opiate Withdrawal "I want to share my Fentanyl experience to help anyone that is going through opiate withdrawal symptoms. I was on the Fentanyl Patch 100 mcg for 8 years. My doctor no longer was prescribing pain meds. Weaning off, the first 3 days were unbearable. I lost fluids, shook so bad I couldn't hold a teacup, legs and stomach developed charley horse knots, severe diarrhea, muscles taut and burning, accelerated heartbeat, flu symptoms, and legs would not stop moving and cramping. And 3 days with insomnia. My doctor prescribed Clonidine 0.1 mg 3 times daily. After the first dose at 20 minutes my legs stopped cramping and moving. Muscles relaxed, stomach settled...Still felt bad, but nothing like I had been. I finally slept. It did save me. I had rapid heartbeat, my pressure elevated some, I was very dizzy and had dry mouth. But, that was nothing in comparison to the hell of WD. Clonidine will not stop WD, but it made it a LOT more bearable. I hope this helps someone."
- HG4...
- June 6, 2015
Catapres (clonidine) for Opiate Withdrawal "I've been on Norco every day for 10 years. I was on 10-12 pills per day for chronic pain. Without clonidine, I would be hurting like hell. I went to detox at the hospital and left after 14 hours. They wanted me on Suboxone, which is good, but it's just another high to kick after. Been there, done that. I don't need a migraine headache as well. Suboxone causes headaches and is hell to get off. The best bet is to stick with clonidine pills. First day 0.1mg x 5, second day x4, third x3, fourth x2, fifth x1. Your sixth day can be 1 or none, you decide. The only withdrawal symptoms I have from Norco are minor diarrhea, minor pain in the stomach, no eating for days, hard to get to sleep but it's possible...and on day 1, I had depression, but I'm over it now. Life saver."
- Ren...
- June 27, 2019
For Opiate Withdrawal "Took 40 mg of oxycodone for 15 years and got tired of it, the doc gave me clonidine. It beats going cold turkey, which I tried dozens of times. Yes, I still knew I was in withdrawal but it made it WAY EASIER. I'm 60 and female. Good luck y'all"
- Mic...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- November 29, 2020
For High Blood Pressure "I started taking clonidine for high blood pressure approximately 4 years ago, and it never reacted with me in any negative way until recently, a few months ago did they change the medicine. I've always taken a generic, but with the orange (or more pink pills), I was getting sick, not feeling well, tired, weak, and really feeling horrible. I didn't know what it was. Then when I changed my pharmacy, I went back to the white oval ones I had before (I don't know the company's name), I'm feeling good again. Anyway, I think it should be known that some of the generics really are not up to the quality that they should be."
- Opi...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- August 14, 2014
For Opiate Withdrawal "This medication is a godsend! I was addicted to pain pills, any kind I could get my hands on. This eventually progressed to a heroin habit that lasted for 15 months. I tried many times to stop on my own, but the withdrawal symptoms are pure hell! I was given a 7-day supply after visiting an ER one night... OMG, it helped and almost stopped every symptom completely! When my 7 days ran out, my family doctor gave me more. My biggest issue was the restless legs, and just restless everything that kept me from sleeping. Clonidine takes it totally away for me & I get very peaceful rest. I can finally see myself getting back to the person I used to be, thanks to this medicine! I highly recommend you at least give it a try."
- the...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 12, 2015
For Opiate Withdrawal "As a mom of 5, I put my life into my kids. Never have experienced addiction, no smoking, no drinking... I started taking hydrocodone 10mg for a herniated disc. After a while, my tolerance grew, so I started taking more than prescribed, buying more from friends of friends. What a low for a mom, right? Clonidine, 0.5mg, has saved me. It was so hard to go and admit to my doctor (who delivered my kids) that I was doing this. It was so worth the embarrassment. Withdrawal symptoms are, I would say, 80% gone with clonidine. I feel like if I can do it, anyone can. You're not alone! Stay strong!"
- Chi...
- August 9, 2020
For Anxiety "I was on clonidine from the age of 8-14. I didn’t want to take pills for the rest of my life, so I stopped taking all my meds, half of which I didn’t even know what I was taking them for. About a month ago, I started having really bad anxiety attacks. I felt like I was living completely out of my body, I felt awful, and wanted to die if I’m being completely honest. After dealing with having them 1-2 times a week, I called and got into counseling and requested to be put on medication. The psychiatrist called me a week after and recommended I take clonidine again. I recommend anybody with anxiety to try this medicine. I was on it for 6 years, and it really made a difference even the first day I started taking it again."
- Hol...
- April 24, 2016
For Opiate Withdrawal "I've been on Methadone 60mg for 10 years following an accident that broke my neck, shoulder, and caused neuropathy. I used to beg for anything else, but unfortunately, every doctor prescribed the same thing. I literally stopped my methadone 7 days ago. My doctor called in Clonidine 2mg, and I take Xanax anyway. I have to say I personally have experienced no withdrawal at all and am beyond grateful for Clonidine, and that this horrid narcotics game is over... Hope this helps! Best of luck!"
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- August 23, 2020
For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I was having hot flashes between 30 and 50 per day. I was miserable, they came with a sense of doom. It was impossible to be social, and work was a nightmare. I was bringing 4 changes of clothes with me. So embarrassing. I started clonidine, 0.025 x 4 per day, and I'm only 3 days in, but the hot flashes practically ceased. I've only had 2 in the last 24 hours! I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm so grateful right now to have some relief. It's worth a shot ladies, if you're suffering."
- You...
- July 12, 2016
For Opiate Withdrawal "I was a trash can, to say the least. A normal day over a 4-year period consisted of 0.2 of dope, 4 pure 15mg oxys, 2 10mg methadone, a little coke, 2 10mg adderall. I should be dead. I checked into detox and was given 0.1mg clonidine and 1mg ativan 2 times a day for 3 days. I'm on day 7 now of detox and 4 days off clonidine. It's a wonderful drug. It doesn't take 100% of withdrawal away but at least 80% of withdrawal symptoms were kept at bay. The ativan makes you sleep through the majority of withdrawal. But on day 5, I felt better than I had in years! After day 4, it's a mind game of the fear of living without opioids, just stay busy and you'll pull through. Trust me, I never thought I'd pull through."
- cam...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 20, 2014
Catapres (clonidine) for Opiate Withdrawal "After having Catapres given to me at a detox, I cannot imagine detoxing without it. Whether detoxing cold turkey or through tapering, I would recommend Catapres for anyone who's going through opiate withdrawal."
- Fin...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 22, 2019
For Opiate Withdrawal "So at 14 I started using first pain pills then heroin. Then at 17 I started using subs to stay off the other drugs. I wanted off the subs (had been on 12 years) and had tried just about everything and always failed. By the second or third day the withdrawals were so bad I'd go back to subs sometimes even other drugs if I couldn't get the subs. I finally talked to my doctor and she prescribed clonidine. It's been a miracle drug. On day three of being off subs and the only problems I've had is being tired and sweating a lot but I'll take that over nausea, diarrhea, and restless arms and legs any day. At this rate I know I will be clean from here on out and it makes me so happy. I'm telling you talk to your doctor about it, it works 100 percent. I get being skeptical I was at first too since nothing ever helped but just try it."
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For Opiate Withdrawal "I'm almost 40, been taking opiates for 20 years exactly this month. I was taking 300mg of Oxycodone a day. I knew it would be hard. I got a script of ninety 0.2mg Clonidine tablets. I know I'm taking too many of them, but they really do help the WDs. Without them, I couldn't have done it. I'm on day 2 and it's relieved about 75% of the worst part of the withdrawals. I cannot recommend it enough! If you don't want your doctor to know you are addicted to opiates, simply say you want to try Clonidine for anxiety. Because it sure helps with that. And I also take two 0.5mg Xanax XR tablets a day, which also helps a lot. Bottom line, it can be done! Use the Clonidine for sleep and watch your BP, of course. Best wishes to all, the end is only a few weeks away, and then it's just a matter of getting your mood and old self back. Good luck! I hope this helps at least 1 person"