Clonidine and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• 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!"

• 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."

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2014

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Why does the medical community not widely suggest this medicine to women who are suffering from disabling hot flashes & not sleeping? I went to my gyn and I was told that my options were hormones, antidepressants or gabapentin. None of these were acceptable for me for various reasons. I went to my general dr who saw how serious my symptoms were and he prescribed this. I take 0.05 in the morning and 0.05 before bed. The first night I took it I slept like a baby (something I have not done for nearly a year) and I didn't have one single flash all night! I got past the dry mouth and drowsiness and now I have no side effects and I'm my old self again. This saved my sanity and gave me my life back!"

• Ham...
• October 5, 2014

For Opiate Withdrawal "I like clonidine. I've been on heroin for 7 years and clonidine is a miracle. But I take nausea meds with it, a vitamin, and a benzodiazepine, and I believe it really works for me. The only downfall is dry mouth and feeling lightheaded, but if that's the only two complaints I have versus the vomiting and all the other bad side effects from heroin, I would say it's 100% wonderful for me. I enjoy keeping my money and not paying dealers' bills and supporting their families while I suffer. I don't have any babies, but there are things I have put off in my life that now I can take care of."

• cat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2013

For High Blood Pressure "I have had high blood pressure since I was 29 (now 57). I started having uncontrollable blood pressure and my primary doctor tried different medicines to no avail. Ended up at the ER with 174/120. They couldn't explain why it would go up and down. The ER doc put me on 0.1 Clonidine and I've been pretty good since then. There is an issue of 'cotton mouth', and it does help me relax at bedtime...But I'm doing better pressure wise and am grateful for this medicine."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2013

For Opiate Withdrawal "Pretty much minimized side effects of withdrawal/rapid tapering from Percocet/Oxycodone. I'd forgotten to call in a prescription renewal before and went through a weekend of hell. Clonidine cut back sweats, chills, body aches, restless legs - everything from withdrawal by a good 90%. Still some rough spots I went through, but I could function. Two bad side effects for me from Clonidine - cotton dry mouth, drowsiness like a fog. Better than alternative of nothing!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 5, 2016

For High Blood Pressure "Sharing my experience with clonidine for one reason, I had uncontrollable high blood pressure that no other blood pressure medicines could bring down. The doctor then tried me on Clonidine. It took about 20-30 minutes to start working but it saved my life. The bad effects from clonidine that I've found, it makes me sleepy often and sometimes gives me cotton mouth. Either way, I'm still alive! Also, clonidine is very affordable."

• Ron...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 29, 2018

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine will lower your blood pressure when nothing else works, but once you've been on it a few years (I've been on 0.3mg twice a day for almost 12 years since I was 27), you will be stuck with it. If I miss a dose, my blood pressure can easily rise to 240/130, so use it only as a last resort after trying other meds. I have had a blood pressure problem since my early 20s and tried many other meds first, two of which I'm still on in conjunction with clonidine. The main side effects are dry mouth, sedation, and also postural hypotension (feeling faint when you stand up). These effects will mostly go away after a few weeks. It's extremely powerful, so try all the others first. Like I said, it does the job, but the rebound hypertensive effect of missing a dose will make you feel like garbage and is deadly."

• Del...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 30, 2017

For Anxiety "I've found clonidine to be unparalleled at preventing anxiety of the restless and impatient type. i.e. the kind of anxiety that keeps me from sitting in one place. I take clonidine before any engagement where I must sit for a while, e.g., waiting rooms, courtrooms, and so on. Places where some patience is in order. Clonidine is the best for this. The only side effect is a very slight dry mouth, and that only happens sometimes."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 24, 2016

For Anxiety "Clonidine is excellent for performance and social anxiety. But I think it's crucial to get the dosage just right for your body weight & metabolism, so that one doesn't get unnecessarily sedated or have dry mouth. I only use clonidine every now & a blue moon (i.e., rarely), often before a situation or event where I'll need extraordinary patience. I take just 0.1 mg. for this purpose. It prevents nervous tremors of the hand, restlessness and sweating."

• Poy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2017

For Anxiety "I have been on clonidine for a year. At first, it made me sleepy, but after about 6 weeks, my only side effect was dry mouth, and I have to eat when I take clonidine. It has helped lower my blood pressure and my anxiety. Very happy with it."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2020

For ADHD "I started taking clonidine just over a year ago after my anxiety, impulsivity, and ADHD were getting out of hand. I also wanted to stop my stimulants because they didn't improve my quality of life like my neurologist kept telling me they would. My PCP recommended clonidine. It really helps me relax and focus within about 30-40 minutes. I take 1 or 1.5 pills during the day when feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and it really helps me relax, focus, and better control my thoughts. If I take 2 during the day, I get too sleepy. I do take 2 before bed, and it helps me sleep really well. I really enjoy this medication, especially because it doesn't have addictive qualities. I'd definitely recommend this to others. The worst side effect was dry mouth, which went away after the first few months. This medication changed my life and is so simple."

• abe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

For Opiate Withdrawal "I am on day 2 of clonidine and so far so good. It has been a godsend. It hasn't fixed everything. I still find myself slightly fatigued and getting headaches if I do too much too fast. Having some lightheadedness and slight dry mouth. But overall, I finally feel I can beat this demon we call addiction. I have an appointment to get the Vivitrol shot next week, and for the first time in years, the future looks bright."

• Rod...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 30, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I'm on three other BP meds, and couldn't get the BP down to normal. The Dr. put me on clonidine, and my BP finally went to normal levels. Unfortunately, the med only lasts for about five or six hours, and my BP goes back up to around 150/90. So far, the only side effect is the dry mouth. I can't say that this is the solution, but it is the first time in about four years that I have had a handle on my BP."

• Neu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2013

Clonidine for Hypertensive Emergency "All I can say is THANK GOD for clonidine (Catapres). I'm just taking the pill form 0.2 mg, and within 20-30 minutes my blood pressure goes from about 172/105 to around 115-125/75-80. Only side effects I get are a little bit of dry mouth and some drowsiness. That beats the heck out of a stroke or MI, in my opinion. By the way, I'm 6'2'' and about 190 pounds. First med the doctors have found that actually WORKS without nasty side effects. I hope your results with it are as positive as mine. Ciao."

• Suz...
• November 12, 2009

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I was prescribed a combination of Clonidine and Celexa to get rid of my hot flashes as I did not want to take hormones. (Weight gain possibility and the fact I'd already been on them since I was 29, I'm 47.) It works! But when you first take Clonidine, you are so tired you cannot keep your eyes open. I literally could not, if my life depended on it, stay awake for anything. I was on one in the morning, one in the evening. I had to take them both just before bed. At first you are so thirsty and have dry mouth you can barely stand it. It all does pass once you get used to it."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2022

For ADHD "We're almost certain I have some pretty bad ADHD, my psychiatrist noticed it immediately upon the first visit and mentioned it about 5 sessions in. We decided to try a non-stimulant first, and my psych recommended 0.1 mg of Clonidine. Quite literally, I pretty much changed overnight. I'm on day 4 now, but it feels like it's fully taken effect already. Sure, dry mouth isn't the best, but I don't mind much and know it'll likely go away with time. With Clonidine, I can focus better, having the concentration to clean and take care of the house is a godsend, and since the impulsivity is nearly gone, it's so much easier to sit down, concentrate, and DO THINGS. If you're reading this and considering Clonidine, try it. Please. With how well and how fast it works, I genuinely cannot recommend it enough."

• 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."

• khr...
• April 22, 2008

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Using 0.05mg in the morning and again late afternoon for hot flushes (menopause). The hot flushes have definitely abated. Dry mouth, for sure, but that makes me drink more water, which I need to do anyway."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2014

Clonidine for Perimenopausal Symptoms "I take 0.1 mg transdermal patch. I found the patch was/is much more effective than oral route (side effects less noticeable - dry mouth, inability to focus well). I prepped my skin for the patch by showering, then cleaning the site with alcohol. Once dry, I applied the patch. There is a temporary (1 week) 'lightening of color' at the site when the patch is removed. I've found that leaving the old patch on for 24 hours, after placing the new one, seems to give better medicinal coverage. ALL hot flashes GONE!"

• tsb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 12, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "People have high blood pressure for different reasons. If you're the type of person or your blood pressure goes up and down quickly, it may be induced by anxiety and adrenaline. This drug is aimed at reducing the amount of adrenaline that your body senses. That's why it has a great calming effect also. It's true that if you have been using it for a while and suddenly stop, your body reacts to the adrenaline which is overstimulated, at least for a while. Therefore, your blood pressure goes way, way up. The things I notice about it are, in addition to the blood pressure going down, that at least in my case, it also reduces my back pain. So, with the combination of anti-anxiety, lowering of high blood pressure, and reducing pain, it's really quite a medication! The only side effect I had was a dry mouth and slight constipation. If you use any other high blood pressure medication and it controls your BP, then fine, use it. Clonidine has been around for a long time now."

• Kru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2018

For Anxiety "Clonidine can totally change your life. It can also make you a zombie during the first 2 to 4 weeks, but eventually you will normalize and become used to it. Only take the minimum needed to reduce your anxiety. Any more makes you a kind of altered consciousness (not in a good way) that leaves you empty of thought and too heavy, weak, tired, and slow to live an ordinary life. For me, the dry eyes and dry mouth are pretty bad if I take more than the usual dose. It also seems to alter the way some foods taste. It turns chocolate into a waxy, greasy mess (not in reality, just for you), and most high-fat processed foods taste really bad. Fresh foods and even natural fatty meat still taste normal. I love and eat a lot of chocolate, so this is a serious side effect!"

• GS ...
• August 31, 2015

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine has been the most effective drug I have used to keep my blood pressure under control. My BP is now in the 130/80 range, which is down from 155-160/110. I do take it with a diuretic as well. Dry mouth is definitely a symptom, but over time it diminished for me. Also, it does make me a little tired, but not so much that I can't function. I take my night dose before bed anyway. Another little bonus is it seems to have eliminated my occasional RLS symptoms."

• tic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 28, 2012

Clonidine for Tourette's Syndrome "My son was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome at an early age. He was put on clonidine. It made him sleepy, so we gave one-fourth of his dose, and it suppressed his tics. Very beneficial to his quality of life in my eyes. Did cause mild dry mouth."