Clonidine and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 2)

• opi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 11, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "My wife and I have been taking clonidine for about 3 years. It works great for us. I think it has saved us from a stroke or heart attack. Yes, you can have dry mouth, but I thought all drugs had some kind of side effects."

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "I've been taking this for about a year. It helps me sleep, but my mouth stays dry all the time and it makes me dream weird stuff. Also, I ran out and missed a dose last night, and my blood pressure has been high all day and my hands shaking terribly."

• Ann...
• April 30, 2016

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Started my menopause in my late 30s. I am very fit and thought I would sail through it! Instead, I had so many hot flashes day and night, plus anxiety and very bad insomnia, so much so I could not function. Thankfully, my husband was very patient and caring as I would get very moody and emotional. I am now 57 and still going through it, and after trying quite a few things which did not work (not HRT), I was put on clonidine 4 years ago, thank goodness, as I do not have half as many hot flushes, very few sleepless nights, so I'm not tired, which makes me very happy. It obviously works for me, and I cannot believe I was not told about it sooner. I cannot remember having any side effects, i.e., dry mouth or headaches, and I take 25 mg a day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "Prescribed 0.1 mg for hypertension at my annual physical. Being unaware of this condition, I did not know that I actually had white coat syndrome and that BP was not nearly as bad as the office reading. This drug causes dry mouth and fatigue in addition to orthostatic hypotension, which makes you lightheaded upon standing. Check your BP at home. It might be lower than you think. Overall, not a good experience. Change your diet and exercise. BP will normalize, and you won’t have to deal with side effects."

• 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."

• Bay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 11, 2018

For Hypertensive Emergency "I went into renal failure, and my doc discontinued HCTZ. Then put me on metoprolol and losartan 100 mg. Amlodipine made my legs swell terribly. ACE inhibitors made me cough. Hydralazine gave me petechiae, cough, shortness of breath, and severe headaches. Clonidine worked and only gave me dry mouth. The problem is clonidine is only effective for about 6 hours, and the doc wants to cut it down. My BP goes to 180/110 without clonidine. I like clonidine, it works. I only take it when my BP gets to 140/90 or higher. We are going to try the transdermal patch."

• DHa...
• January 15, 2017

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "Clonidine has been very effective in reducing both the intensity and frequency of my hot flushes and night sweats. At first, I thought the drug would not work for me. It took a full month to see an effect as it is very subtle at first. Initial fatigue and dry mouth were troubling, but both have resolved themselves. Nice to get a proper night's rest 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!"

• Fem...
• June 12, 2009

For High Blood Pressure "I took this medicine for one week. It caused extremely blurry vision, tired all the time, jittery feeling, and extremely dry mouth problem. I called my doctor and was taken off the medicine immediately. The only good thing I have to say is that it did lower my blood pressure."

• 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."

• Kar...
• January 8, 2016

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I started having heat flashes just a few months ago. My sleep has always been disrupted, but with the hot flashes, sleep was impossible. I just started taking one dose every day at bedtime. Not only are the heat flashes completely gone, but I'm finally able to get the rest I need. I do notice the dry mouth, but it's not that much of an issue. Thank you for this product. I would highly recommend it."

• Anonymous
• October 19, 2008

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine, along with Diovan, brought my blood pressure under control. The side effects that are so annoying for me are extreme dry mouth and constipation. So, I chew gum, gargle, and brush my teeth with a product for dry mouth, and I am using Mag 07 for the constipation. I dislike the side effects, but I am so glad my blood pressure is under control."

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

For Opiate Withdrawal "I overused medication and shorted 2 days on my (1 patch) Fentanyl patch. Dr. said no early refill - I was terrified, anxiety I think was more of an issue than helping with clonidine and also 1 extended-release tramadol. I can see how this is a great help. I did get a headache, dry mouth, and lightheadedness. But it was a great feeling to feel different than I have in 13 years. I am going to discuss trying to get off meds with the help of the doctor."

• ALa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2021

For Hypertensive Emergency "So I absolutely despise using pharmaceuticals unless necessary. Yesterday was horrible. My blood pressure just wouldn't come down! I was extremely anxious all day, and my husband was doing what he could, but it was getting worse. I remembered I had a breakthrough drug for hypertensive crisis. I was initially reluctant as I was afraid of the side effects, but the other choice was the emergency room during a national pandemic. I took this clonidine, and within 40 minutes, I started feeling relief, my anxiety lifted, and I smiled for the first time all day long because I wasn't scared and in pain. So I'm very grateful. I'm working to get my stress levels under control so I don't have to take anything, but I am so glad it worked so well, so soon, it saved me a visit to a more stressful emergency room. So this morning my pressure is rising a bit, I'm taking another. It worked and my side effect? Dry mouth. I have that anyway upon waking, so yep. lol"

• Rod...
• October 7, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Nothing helps with insomnia like clonidine for me. I have bipolar type 2, and since we have a history of drug abuse in my family, I don't want to use benzodiazepines. It really helps me to get to sleep when my mind is racing. The only drawback is that my mouth gets very dry when I use higher dosages. So make sure you brush your teeth! Dry mouth can be detrimental to your oral health. Also, sometimes I wake up early when the dose wears off too soon, but adding a small dose of sedating antihistamine helps with that. I use dosages of 0.075 mg, which is half a pill, and don't have any daytime sedation the day after."

• kal...
• October 20, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I've used clonidine before for high blood pressure. I don't think I had hot flashes at the time, but I wanted to give my two cents' worth regarding a couple of things. It absolutely will make you sleepy for a couple of weeks, then it wears off. The sleepy part, that is. Also, you get dry mouth. The sleepy part is great at night for those of us with insomnia, but during the day, it's not feasible. Lastly, I need to comment about how much people are saying they're taking. No way it's 25 mg, probably 0.25 mg! I overdosed on this medication when I was much, much younger. It would be very dangerous for someone to take a dose like that! Please don't play with these pills. If your doctor says one pill, take one pill. I may try them again for hot flashes, as HRT made my migraines worse."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Psychiatrist prescribed 0.1 mcg clonidine once a day for anxiety, then upped to twice a day. I also take 20 mg duloxetine, 20 mg buspirone, and 40 mg dicyclomine every 6 hours for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Clonidine may help a little, but leaves me so drowsy I can barely function. It also causes severe dry mouth. I doubt I’ll be able to stick with it. Xanax works well for me, but I have to restrict use to avoid dependence. A higher dose of duloxetine helps reduce anxiety but causes severe constipation."

• 30Y...
• September 19, 2010

For Tourette's Syndrome "Prescribed clonidine in December when my motor tics had become debilitating. One pill three times a day didn't accomplish much. My neurologist upped my dose to 5 pills 3 times a day, and my tics ceased completely within 10 days. When my life gets really stressful, the tics come back, but a few days at 2 pills 3 times daily, and they usually subside. Side effects with 3x5 daily were significant...could not stay awake for more than an hour or two at a time (couldn't drive), and the dry mouth (cotton mouth) was terrible, but the tics went away. Side effects with 3x2 daily are similar, but not as severe."

• Cla...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2017

For Restless Legs Syndrome "Clonidine is a fantastic little medicine and is helpful for many things. I recently discovered that clonidine is 100% effective for akathisia: an extreme motor restlessness that prevents one from relaxing or sleeping. But for me, I have to use a higher dose of clonidine. Doctors routinely prescribe 0.1 mg, but I didn't find that helpful for stopping the restlessness. About 0.2 mg, though, and it does the trick. Akathisia gone; I can relax and sleep again. The only side effect is a really dry mouth."

• Tou...
• June 9, 2011

For Tourette's Syndrome "I used clonidine for Tourette's syndrome when I was 15. I would fall asleep in class all the time. So I quit taking it. Now 30 and I'm going to give it one more try. So far, the side effect is I can't sleep. I feel sleep fine, but up at 2:30 in the morning, I have dry mouth really bad. I will keep everyone updated."

• GoP...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 24, 2017

For Tourette's Syndrome "I was diagnosed with Tourette's when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 32. I've mainly been on clonidine and Tenex for it over the years. The dry mouth is terrible, I will say that, but Biotene (sp?) makes a dry mouth spray that is a lifesaver! That being said, I think the patches are amazing. My last switch from Tenex to clonidine was so I could give the patches a try. You change it once a week, feels like you have constant coverage and I don't have sweaty palms like I did every time I was due for an oral dose. My dry mouth is not as bad on the patch - anyone that has suffered from this side effect knows how awful it can be and so embarrassing! I was only tired when I went from 0.1 to 0.2 mg, and it was only a couple of days. Try the patches!!!"

• Nih...
• February 5, 2018

For Tourette's Syndrome "I have never used medication for my tics. I have always had a high frequency, but my tics are very mild and hard to notice. At the age of 23, my life got consumed by my tics. I was struggling with severe tic anxiety, which made my tics significantly worse. I ended up having between 10-20 mild tics every minute. I started taking 0.15 clonidine 3x a day, and after roughly two months, my tics reduced significantly and my anxiety was gone, further reducing my tics. My tic frequency has been reduced by roughly 90-95%. The only bad side effect I have is trouble sleeping (I wake up too early). My other side effects are mild sedation, which helps my ADHD, and dry mouth and dry hands, which are beneficial as I used to have sweaty hands and excessive saliva production. Start with a lower dose. I started on 0.15 three a day, and I was sick for the first week. I am also a big 6'2" fellah who attends the gym rather frequently, so I had my body weight in my favor too. Be careful starting your treatment!"

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2021

For Anxiety "I was prescribed clonidine (0.01 mg) daily for anxiety, ADD, facial tics, and OCD. It works fairly fast, however, it makes me extremely tired, and the dry mouth is very bothersome. It definitely lowers your heart rate which, in my case, makes me sleepy. I’m not sure I can continue taking this medication because I cannot think of anything but getting into bed 30 mins after I take it. I’m giving it one more week."

• Ash...
• December 21, 2015

For Tourette's Syndrome "After 3 days of taking clonidine (50 mcg twice a day), I can't bear to continue. I've had little to no relief from my tics, and the side effects surely outweigh any minor benefit. Side effects have included: dry mouth, increased thirst, irritability, mood swings, extreme feelings of anger, constipation, nausea, drowsiness, nightmares, feeling like I'm in a constant, almost disassociated state, and dizziness. My vocal tics before starting this medication were generally only at a normal speaking level of voice, and I could usually tell when I was about to tic, but they have increased to loud yelling with little or no premonitory urge. I would like to have tried this drug for longer, but due to the side effects, I will not be continuing it."

• Tir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2019

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "Struggling to remain asleep after 3 or 4 hours. I used to take Benadryl but started having bladder issues because of it. Doctor prescribed clonidine 0.1. It did nothing. I felt dizzy, and got a dry mouth but never fell asleep."