Clonidine and Dizziness: What Users Say

• 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."

• Lau...
• October 17, 2018

For Anxiety "I have severe panic attacks. My blood pressure goes up to 203 over 101, my heart pounds so hard it makes me cough. It is extremely irregular and my chest gets tight and painful. I am scared of everything around me, loud noises cause me to jump and scream. I am so uncomfortable I sit and cry. I have tried medications for over 30 years and over the last 10 years things have become worse. I was started on clonidine and am now able to tolerate the above. There was one time in particular I ended up having to take 0.3 mg to bring down my blood pressure, it was so high. I highly recommend this drug, use it all the time. I take it with me in my purse. I enjoy my life again."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2014

Clonidine for Opiate Withdrawal "I'm tapering down from 100-200 mg of hydrocodone per day to 20 mg per day. Also, quit 20 mg of Dilaudid per day. The first couple of days were hell. I finally called my doctor and told him what was going on. He prescribed me the Clonidine patch. It has helped me tremendously! The only side effect I have had is a little dizziness when I get up too fast. But I feel great and am on day 4 and down to 20 mg of hydros and still feel good! Like I never started them. By the way, I have been on them for 4 years through pain management for severe diabetic neuropathy. I highly recommend this product."

• Dan...
• February 3, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine was my third group of blood pressure meds due to side effects from others. Started out with 0.1mg at night. 6 months ago I started at 196/101, so I ended up at 0.3mg morning and night. Yes, it lowers blood pressure. I couldn't function as a human being, but it lowers blood pressure. I am in the construction industry so this was not going to cut it. I was tired, nauseous, couldn't think straight, couldn't remember anything, my balance was way off. The list goes on. I don't drink alcohol, but I would relate it to drinking mescal tequila all day long. It was by far the worst med I have ever taken. I am now off of it. I never realized how bad it was until I got off clonidine. My life was put on hold for 3 months while on the higher dose. I am now trying to catch up. I know all meds affect different people differently, but in my opinion, this is one to stay away from. Watch for side effects. Giving this a 2 rating. It works for BP, but the side effects blow this one out of the park."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "The clonidine is horrible for me. I take Clonidine 0.2mg for BP, and I am dizzy, have headache, chest pains, and palpitations. After taking it once a day at night for 2 weeks, I stopped and felt so much better, and all those symptoms went away! About a few weeks later, I experienced rebound hypertension with heart pain and palpitations, and my BP was 187/116! My BP has never been that high! So I took clonidine, and that lowered my BP to 128/77 the next day, but those nasty symptoms returned. I had no idea of the effects on the body when you discontinue it on your own. All I know is I want off, and I want off now!"

• Mea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I tried clonidine, it worked great for hot flashes at first. Then it stopped or I got worse. Not sure. I also increased my dosage too quickly, got dizzy, fell down so be careful! I made a mistake by taking all the pills at once and they haven’t helped. I’ll try to spread them out over the day. One VERY IMPORTANT THING!!! People are writing on here that they are taking 25mg pills. That is WRONG!! I think they mean 25 micrograms or 25 MCG or 25 mcg and NOT 25 mg as they are writing. The pills come in 0.1 mg. The highest dose you can take of them is 6 pills. That is only 0.6mg NOT 6 mg or, God forbid, 25 mg!! I’m not a doctor so of course please double-check me with your doctor to be sure. But I was very confused and called my pharmacy to figure it out. Hopefully I am translating what they told me accurately. Good Luck!!"

• Bec...
• January 20, 2015

For Opiate Withdrawal "I went on treatment for opiate addiction in December of last year. While there, I was encouraged by many other opiate addicts to begin a long-term Suboxone treatment plan, as I had been an active user for almost ten years. After two weeks of being on Suboxone, I knew it wasn't right for me. So the nursing staff and I came up with a plan of action! Clonidine has been an absolute godsend for me. Not only does it help tremendously for withdrawal symptoms, but it has also been incredible in combating my cravings and anxiety since getting out of treatment. Since it is a blood pressure medication, it can have some downfalls. Dizziness and drowsiness. I take 1 mg, twice daily. If I eat, drink water, and stay active, I'm fine!"

• Fly...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 25, 2014

Clonidine for Anxiety "Was prescribed this in conjunction with stimulant meds for ADHD but have found this really works well to relieve NAUSEA caused by ANXIETY. However, as this is primarily a Blood Pressure Medication, it can make you dizzy if you take too much. I have found it the best of any medication to treat the nausea and upset stomach Generalised Anxiety produces. Highly Recommended With Caution!"

• Are...
• July 31, 2013

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Started 2 weeks ago, love this, no more hot flashes. I was having 20-40 a day, they were terrible. It took a few days to get over feeling a little tired and dizziness but now I'm fine. I'm 57 and have suffered for several years with horrible hot flashes, insomnia and etc. I thank my new ob-gyn, the difference in me is amazing."

• Anonymous
• January 21, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "This med is effective at reducing high blood pressure quickly, however, the side effects are extremely bad. This is not the type of medicine you would want to use on a regular basis to manage high blood pressure. I became so lightheaded and dizzy that it was difficult to function normally at work, not to mention the dry mouth and constipation. Use this for a spike then maintain blood pressure levels with another medication with fewer side effects."

• Rae...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 10, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking clonidine for about 8 years straight. I was given the drug for extreme hypertension! I've never had any of the above mentioned side effects unless I took extra. Which, over the course of the years, I have had to do because of a high tolerance to the drug. But I have had a rapid decline in tooth health with decay/loss, which I'm sure can be attributed to the dry mouth I experience! I have started using Biotene and hard candies to combat this issue. Clonidine has never made me feel groggy, I never have 'nightmares.' I've only gotten dizzy/faint when having overtaken the drug. What it does is drop your blood pressure-hence the fact it's prescribed also for high blood pressure."

• pha...
• July 20, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Very effective, but has caused extreme drowsiness along with fluid retention. The drowsiness can be extreme in the morning and will require an hour nap. Lack of coordination and inability to think clearly and stay awake at times. Some shortness of breath at times."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "Experienced sudden dizzy spells and lightheadedness with this medicine. Also irregular heartbeats and fatigue. Quit in 2 weeks and felt much better. Blood pressure was still on the high side 150/100 while taking it also."

• SpT...
• June 17, 2017

For High Blood Pressure "Five days after I began using the clonidine patch, I started having terrible side effects. These included extreme dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, and a hard, bloated stomach. I immediately discontinued the patch after using it for six days. These effects are still continuing to a lesser degree almost two months later. My hair also stopped growing, but started to regrow after a month. My blood pressure did go down, but it wasn't worth it! The owner at my local health food store recommended that I try taking beet root - two pills twice a day. My blood pressure is now normal and I'm having no side effects!"

• Koo...
• December 3, 2015

For Anxiety "I was prescribed this when I went to a 5-day inpatient detox. They gave me this for anxiety as I could not use any benzodiazepines due to my addiction. So when I left detox, I remained on clonidine for about 5 months. It did significantly relax me, however, it lowered my blood pressure so badly that I would get a head rush and faint almost every time I stood up. Keep in mind my size definitely was a factor as I am only 5'1" and 98 lbs at the time."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine 1 mg x 2 times a day did not lower my blood pressure enough. It brought it to 135/95 (without medicines my readings are 160/110). So now I am taking it 1.5 mg x 2 times (morning and at bedtime) and waiting to see if it helps to get back to 120/80. I also take Cozaar 50 mg once a day. Yes, dry mouth is a slight problem, but I just carry bottled water wherever I go. Cozaar gives me diarrhea and the clonidine has a constipating effect. So they kind of cancel each other out. Clonidine also gives me slight dizziness, especially when I bend down to reach for something and then get my head back up. If the head is not subject to sudden motion, I really have not felt dizziness to be a problem."

• Anonymous
• May 17, 2011

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine may help with blood pressure, but the drug has severe side effects for me. These include terrible dizziness, joint and hip pain that makes it difficult to walk without pain. Thirty hours off the medicine and the pain is gone and the dizziness is much better. Perhaps I am allergic to the medication."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2016

For Anxiety "I have had severe PTSD and anxiety for several years. I also have ADD and insomnia. I started taking Clonidine, and it immediately worked! My physical anxiety halted so quickly I almost didn't believe it. The only problem I have with it is it does make me extremely dizzy. I'm only on 1 mg a day, but every time, without fail, I get dizzy and a bit sleepy for about an hour."

• Dar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 23, 2016

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "I began taking Clonidine when I was 10 years old (now 20) because I had ADHD and the medication for that kept me up at night. I started on .1 mg, and over the first year I was moved up to .3 mg, and ever since then I've just been on the same .3 mg. It has always helped me sleep well, and that was never a problem after I began taking it. Although, I quit taking the medication for ADHD many years ago, but I am still dependent on the Clonidine. It isn't because I necessarily cannot sleep without it. I often don't have any problems sleeping without it, but if I forget to take it one night, I am extremely sick the next day; very dizzy, and I just feel off the entire day."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I went into the emergency room for a pulled side muscle and a blood pressure of 215/120. I was given clonidine while I was there in the waiting room. An hour later, I was nauseous and so dizzy. Ended up in the restroom throwing up with diarrhea and so weak and dizzy I couldn't stand or walk straight. Long story short, I had to get a change of clothes and stayed in the restroom for an hour before I could come out. It lowered my blood pressure to 120/60, but I don't ever want this medicine again."

• CET...
• March 6, 2017

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I started this medication because my hot flashes and night sweats were out of control. I was exhausted from constant sleep interruptions. At first, I took half a tablet (morning and night) with no result. After a week of that, I switched to a full tablet (morning and night). At first, still no improvement, but then after a couple of weeks, I noticed a slight improvement. Gradually, things got better and better until after six weeks, I can honestly say they are 100% gone. I sleep well again, and other than a bit of dry mouth, I feel great! I did sense a little dizziness at first, but that's gone. I chew gum and keep a water bottle handy for the dry mouth. I am so happy I tried this option!"

• Zob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2016

For Opiate Withdrawal "Been on oxy and morphs since early/mid 90's. Had a couple back surgeries, got off them, but pain always comes back. Ran a couple days short this month, tried some clonidine, and it seems to help with some withdrawal but makes me dizzy, so be careful!!"

• Ann...
• March 21, 2010

For High Blood Pressure "I've taken this medicine since January 2010. It controls one part of my blood pressure but not the lower number. When taken with Cozaar, both are under control. However, recently I have been having problems with dizziness and confusion. One day I forgot to take my medicines, left my pill box at home, and found I had no confusion that day or dizziness. My concern is that I am developing a tolerance to these medicines which has happened in the past for me. It is good for controlling blood pressure, but these new side effects are scaring me."

• pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking clonidine for 4 days, and my blood pressure has not gone down at all. I am so dizzy and lightheaded that it is making it difficult to function. Also, very dry mouth, so it is just not working for me."

• MrM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2019

For Anxiety "I was given 0.1 mg twice per day to control anxiety, but it made me so tired and dizzy, it was difficult to stand up. Many years later, after seeing dozens of doctors, it was determined I had adrenal insufficiency and needed hydrocortisone. This drug will decrease cortisol production and make you feel even worse, so be advised."