my son is taking .3 mg of clonidine plus has 2=.3 mg patches
Can a person die of a heart attack from taking too high a dose of clonidine?
Question posted by arabara on 28 Aug 2010
Last updated on 30 November 2021 by Abigail Ohene
6 Answers
Yes it can lead to death whereby there would be unsafe drop in blood pressure
My prescribed dose of clonidine is 0.3 milligrams 3 times a day. However I had a heart attack a year-and-a-half ago from taking far too much Clonidine. Now, I'm not saying your son is taking too much and that's certainly not for me to say but clonidine is not something to be messed with and I would be remiss if I didn't recommend talking to the doctor if you have any questions. I now have a pacemaker because of that heart attack and permanent heart issues.
I had a triple bypass 2008 and I had been on .2 milligrams of clonidine a day sometimes 3. I no longer have insurance and it's hard for me to afford a doctor to get my refills now I am out and I don't feel too good. I get really angry and nervous. Is this normal. Thank you
clonidine have adverse effect of hypertension & hypotension
with a high dose it cause hypertension and after elimination it shows hypotension
so take a dose as prescribed by the physician
Clonidine causes fall in bp by acting at cns. Otherwise it is a sympathomimetic drug. Taking a high dose lets clonidine escape into general circulation to cause vasoconstriction.
Regarding withdrawl, it can lead to severe hypertension. If you have side effects like sedation and want to discontinue, dearease the dose slowly and replacing it with other medication like lebatolol.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. There have been reports of rare, but very serious (possibly fatal) results, including stroke, from stopping this drug too quickly.
Do not suddenly stop using this medication without consulting your doctor because your condition may become worse. A serious rapid increase in your blood pressure (rebound hypertension) may occur when this drug is suddenly stopped or if you miss replacing the patch for 3 or more days, especially if you have been using it for a long time, at higher doses, or with a beta-blocker medication. Therefore it is important that you do not run out of clonidine.
Even after 7 days, the used patch still has some medication in it. To prevent an accidental overdose, after you remove a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard in the trash away from children and pets.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
maso4169 is correct. I was taking Clonidine for 5 months and started having bad side effects. I stopped cold without being responsible and my BP went through the roof! I blacked out getting up from the sofa and went to the E.R.
Please take the advice from maso4169 and don't increase dose without doctor's advice. And don't stop the medication like I did.
Thank you for responding to my question. I do realize the hazards of going off of the clonidine cold turkey, but I wanted to know, can a person have a heart attack, if they take too much clonidine? My son takes 1.8 mg. a day, and sometimes takes an extra .3 mg. I fear, that he may accidentally kill himself. Also, does clonidine increase blood pressure? No one can help me to get off of the clonidine, is that because it is increasing the adrenaline? If you know someone that help me, I would greatly appreciate it.
The clonodine is to decrease your blood pressure, ie., the reason you do not want to quit taking it suddenly and have a sudden increase in blood pressure, which certainly CAN cause a heart attack or stroke. He needs to have his BP tested daily and if you cannot afford to get something to use at home, go to the pharmacy where they have the BP machines, or to the fire dept. where they are happy to check it for you. IS he taking it to help w/withdrawls from a narcotic? If so, the Dr. will wean him off as necessary when the time is right I am sure, but do check the BP daily if there is a concern, don't just quit taking it. Good luck. Dede
i had many friends die from fatal doses of catapres (clonidine) mixed with opiates;so i recommend that u do not follow in heir footsteps.
Related topics
heart attack, heart disease, clonidine
Further information
- Clonidine uses and safety info
- Clonidine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clonidine (detailed)
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