although I drink hardly any fluids at nite. I started with the 0.1 twice a day and my doctor increased it to 0.2. Twice a day. No matter the dose, my sleep is interrupted. Oddly, it doesnt work on my kidneys excessively during the day when drinking water.
I don't think clonidine is a diurec. But I'm waking up two or three times at nite to go urinate?
Question posted by Lgit on 17 July 2011
Last updated on 10 April 2020 by Iloveevan
7 Answers
Iloveevan
10 April 2020
I have worn a .3 mg patch for about 2 years and never realized that may be why I get up 2-3 times a night to urinate.
jellero
10 April 2020
do not take clonidine after 3:00 or so. taking it in the evening will make you have to pee all night. by the time morning joe is on i just watch it... then go back to bed. just don't take it after three. i asked a pharmacist with no reason to lie, is clonidine a diuretic? he said technically no, but it has some of the characteristic effects of a diuretic... i wouldn't advise taking at night. jp
donaldeasterling
23 March 2013
I took plenty of years of pharmacology and also take a much higher dose of clonidine so I think I know what the deal is. I noticed increased urination at night, but not necessarily during the day. As my dose increased/became more frequent, I noticed an increase in needing to urinate at night. Since it does its job (effectively at that) of lowering blood pressure by ultimately working on the smooth muscles of the vascular system, your body should actually retain water during the day if you are being active. At night, however, if you take your final dose, your body realizes it needs to get rid of the excess fluid as normal, especially as the clonidine's effect wears off some. (it has a relatively long half-life, but it still wears off). So, at rest your kidneys are doing their job to rid the body of excess water, electrolytes, etc. As I am sure you are aware, it does make one thirst; for me, very thirsty. And perhaps I take in more water than needed and that adds to the problem.
At any rate, I guarantee you that there is a correlation, but not necessarily a direct causation
Lgit
18 July 2011
Ah, so headaches is a side effect. Today, it's not so bad since I backed down to the 0.1 dosage. Thanks so much to everyone for their input
Inactive
17 July 2011
I did a quick review of the symptoms of this drug on Drugs A to Z. I did notice that frequent urination in the night was listed for the transdermal patch of Clonidine, but not listed in the pill form. I would think the side effects would be the same, but not a medical professional. I would call your pharmatist or your doctors office if this continues to be a problem. Hope this is of some help to you...
Lgit
17 July 2011
Today I went to an extended care after hours office at my clinic. The doctor suspected a bladder infection and confirmed it after a urine sample. So now I'm on 500mg of Cipro twice a day for 7 days. Hopefully this will clear if up. I have to talk with Dr about getting of 0.2 of clonidine. It makes me drowsy and I have to work when I take the first daytime dose. Then last nite I developed a splitting headache that I still have. I rarely get headaches. Can't remember the last time. Wonder if this is a side effect. I'm backing down to the 0.1 pills I still have left over. I'm so disgusted with all the med changes, allergic reactions--basically trial 'n error.
Inactive
17 July 2011
Here is what I found, & yes headache is listed:
Side Effects of Clonidine - for the Consumer
Clonidine
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Clonidine:
Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; nausea; tiredness; trouble sleeping.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Clonidine:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness); blurred vision or other vision changes; chest pain; decreased sexual desire or ability; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, agitation, depression, nervousness, restlessness); severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Hope this helps...
Inactive
17 July 2011
Clonidine will have the effect of removing some fluid for people. I asked my dr long ago why even as a younger woman I had to get up several times per night to go to the restroom, the explanation he gave me made sense to me. He said that since for my job all day, my kidneys couldn't get the fluid out during the day, so at night, while i was reclining and asleep, the kidneys worked overtime to cleanse the blood of toxins and remove fluids. This my not be why for you, but the clonidine is likely causing excessive fluid to be removed, that does happen with blood pressure meds and. Clonidine is a bp med technically.
Niena
17 July 2011
Clonidine is a blood pressure med i think. I took it yrs back for leg pain. It helped the blood flow so my legs didnt hurt as bad. It didnt make me urinate. And it seems to me it would make u go in day as well if it was a diurec. Tinkle time has no clock. lol jk What are u takeing it for?
Related topics
sleep disorders, clonidine, sleep, doctor, kidney
Further information
- Clonidine uses and safety info
- Clonidine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clonidine (detailed)
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