Clonidine and Headaches: What Users Say

• Kmw...
• January 17, 2016

For Opiate Withdrawal "I am blessed to have found this site! I have been addicted to Percocet for 7 years. Two days ago, I ran out of meds - I was two weeks short on my refill, that's how many I used a day, and if that wasn't enough, I bought off the street. Long story short, there's no room available in my area for detox. The ER turned me away. Even my family doctor, PM nurse, and doc put me on Clonidine, and I feel amazing. Only after two days! No withdrawal symptoms, maybe a slight headache is all. Please, if you feel there is no way out of this narcotic hell, there is help. Just ask for it! I am so happy there is a bright future for me, NARCOTIC FREE!! Best of luck to all that suffer. It WILL GET BETTER."

• Sup...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2021

For Opiate Withdrawal "I don't get all of the people applauding Suboxone or Methadone. I've quit both, and let me tell you, I would stay away from both of them at ALL costs. Quitting pills, or kratom sucks for about a week (the worst of it) compared to around 40 days of a living nightmare for Methadone and Suboxone. Sure it has a higher retention rate BECAUSE YOU ARE TRAPPED! If I knew then what I know now, I would never go near that stuff. Clonidine helps a ton. Sure, there are some mild side effects like headache, lethargy, etc. But we are talking about a week of MILD discomfort vs Methadone and Suboxone that will give you the absolute worst withdrawals of your life for MONTHS. Believe me on this. Bite the bullet, use some Clonidine, cry it out, but stay away from Methadone and Suboxone. You will regret it."

• HG4...
• June 6, 2015

Clonidine for Opiate Withdrawal "I've been on Norco every day for 10 years. I was on 10-12 pills per day for chronic pain. Without clonidine, I would be hurting like hell. I went to detox at the hospital and left after 14 hours. They wanted me on Suboxone, which is good, but it's just another high to kick after. Been there, done that. I don't need a migraine headache as well. Suboxone causes headaches and is hell to get off. The best bet is to stick with clonidine pills. First day 0.1mg x 5, second day x4, third x3, fourth x2, fifth x1. Your sixth day can be 1 or none, you decide. The only withdrawal symptoms I have from Norco are minor diarrhea, minor pain in the stomach, no eating for days, hard to get to sleep but it's possible...and on day 1, I had depression, but I'm over it now. Life saver."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2015

For Opiate Withdrawal "Was a heroin junkie smoking an average of 1.5-2g a day for almost two years. Was a Roxy junkie for five years before the heroin habit. I'm on my fourth day in heavy withdrawal. The kratom worked wonders the first three days but ran short due to needing a heavier dose to do the trick. So I called my doctor today after reading everything available on clonidine and explained my situation. 40 minutes later, I had my clonidine in hand. Up all night with my legs tripping out, headache, arms, and upper back starting to get sore. Took one 0.3 mg dose and 45-55 minutes later, I was able to lay on bed without the RLS or achy upper body. I would recommend this medicine to anyone during the uncomfortable reactions when you are choosing to take your life back. Good luck."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2014

For High Blood Pressure "After three trips to the ER with hypertensive crisis and unbelievable side effects from other medicines, my doctor found Clonidine 0.1mg controlled nighttime spiking. I take Losartan 100mg in the morning and Clonidine at night. In between, I am good. However, headaches where the skull itches and throbs are interrupting my life, and I never get headaches! Not even with the hypertensive crisis."

• Bul...
• December 13, 2013

Clonidine for Alcohol Withdrawal "Clonidine (Catapres) works great for hypertension, cold and hot sweats/flashes, headaches, and overall agitation when undergoing ethanol/alcohol withdrawals. 0.1 mg 3 times daily in conjunction with a benzodiazepine like chlordiazepoxide (Librium) or diazepam (Valium) may be needed depending on alcohol intake or the degree of withdrawal symptoms. Remember to always be honest with your M.D., put pride aside because most likely it isn't anything he/she hasn't heard before."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ama...
• March 2, 2016

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I was prescribed clonidine for my inferno day flushes and uncomfortable night sweats 4 weeks ago. I take 0.025 micrograms 4 times a day, and after the third week, I started to feel like myself again. The flushes are just a mild warmth, and the sweats have almost disappeared! They were a bit tricky getting used to initially, but my ability to focus is returning, the strange headache has reduced by 90%, and I'm actually feeling more human now. I've been told the effects of the medication won't last long term, so I'll need to look into that, but for now, I feel great!"

• Kaz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2017

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I'm 49. I started taking 2 clonidine in the morning and 2 at night for my hot flushes and night sweats. Bingo!! Very much reduced. Until my body got used to them, so the doctor told me to take 3 in the morning and 3 at night - again, BRILLIANT result, for about 3 weeks. Now they are worse than ever!!! I wake 3, 4, 5, 6 times a night, and that's only WHEN I sleep. Usually, by 2:30 a.m., I'm WIDE AWAKE, having been woken by a night sweat, absolutely soaking wet with sweat. I feel yucky all the time, my skin is dry, and my contact lenses are UNBEARABLE. I have headaches, cramps, and my memory is shocking!!!! So, today I took the plunge. I went back to the doctor and have started on HRT today. I'm 49 (for 10 more days)."

• 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."

• got...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2023

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD/BPD at 15 years old and am 47. I was on Lamictal/Wellbutrin for 20/10 years, respectively, and then tapered off both due to some other medical issues. Was off all psych meds for 3 months until things were so bad I couldn't stand it anymore. No motivation, always wanting to be on the go, mind wouldn't stop, irritable, etc. Have to be careful what I take because of other meds, so my doctor tried Clonidine XR because I was getting a caffeine habit. So far, I have been on it for 2 1/2 weeks. There was effective relief after the first dose. I felt calmer and could focus. It was a miracle for me! Now this is technically a blood pressure drug and I don't have a problem with HBP. I actually run on the lower side, and my typical BP reading is around 105-110/64-68 with this. I do get a headache and get tired, so I take a supplement with a sip or two of caffeine when this happens and don't bend over a lot at once or stand up quickly. However, that is a small price to pay for my (and my family's) sanity!"

• swe...
• December 23, 2015

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I'm 52, and last October, hot flashes started, about 14 daily (worse at night). Desperate for relief, my GP prescribed clonidine, warning they cause headaches. I'm prone to headaches, 2-3 weekly, and also suffer from migraines. Took for 2 weeks, and flushes stopped completely AND no headaches! However, after only 2 months, the hot flashes returned, and I was getting migraines. My GP advised I stop, but must do so gradually. When I did, OMG, migraines were debilitating, so be warned! Don't understand why pills stopped working for me. I was on cloud 9 with these, had got my life back! Felt terrific for those 2 months, so frustrating!"

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2022

For Anxiety "I have not experienced any good effects with this drug for my panic attacks. It seems it makes them worse. It makes my head feel heavy, like dizzy and like I will pass out. It made my restless leg worse. I pee all night, like up to 10 times when I take this. My sleep is terrible when I take it. It is in 15-40 minute increments where I am waking up. I will have waking dreams where I am talking aloud and doing motions with my body. I feel like this drug is not for me. Hoping the doctor can find me something else that works."

• chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2024

For High Blood Pressure "Clonidine IR has been a miracle. I'm in my 40s. I've had high BP since my late 20s and was taking hydrochlorothiazide. In my mid-30s, that didn't work anymore. Doc switched me to triamterene. It didn't help. Then I tried lisinopril which gave me extreme headaches and nausea, interfering with work. Doc switched me to amlodipine. I ended up in the ER with 182/101, so I went back to the thiazide. 145/94 became my average and sometimes 155/98. I also deal with anxiety, pain, PTSD, and ADHD. I stopped my pain meds. Stopped all my other meds and only take clonidine, and it helps with everything! I can actually watch a movie, get work done responsibly, and sleep. My BP is 117/64 after I take it and up to 138/84 as it approaches time for another dose. My only concern is that my body can feel when it is due for another dose, and I can feel it wearing off, and I need the next dose to prevent anxiety or spikes. Xanax was better in that regard. I never felt like I needed another dose of Xanax 0.5. Last resort."

• Lif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2017

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I'm on my second week of using the clonidine patch for the terrible flushes and night sweats. What a difference! Yes, I still have 2 or 3 during the day, maybe 2 at night. Nothing like I was having, so it's a great relief. I am having headaches, but I think I can deal with them rather than sweating profusely and no sleep."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2019

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "I was given clonidine to help my insomnia due to anxiety. The first time I took it, I fell asleep in 15 minutes, and the next day I had to stay home from classes because of the side effects. I had a pounding headache, I couldn't walk or stand without almost fainting, I was too anxious to eat, and I was so dizzy. After that, I didn't take it for about a week, then began to take half of it. Now, I worked back up to taking 0.3 mcg, but every time I stand up or walk, I lose my vision and hearing and almost faint. I think it's due to the drug being meant to lower blood pressure, and I have a hard time eating."

• Anonymous
• July 5, 2010

For Opiate Withdrawal "I have detoxed inpatient with clonidine twice for Lortab and OxyContin. Now I am on day 3 detoxing at home from Opana (oxymorphone) and OxyContin again! This has been a 5-year battle for me, and I've tried many detox methods. Clonidine with Suboxone or Subutex is the best route! I've experienced zero withdrawal symptoms with these two combined! I sleep fine, no leg pain, no upset stomach, only a mild headache today!"

• NEa...
• November 16, 2019

For Insomnia, Stimulant-Associated "This medication is terrible. Clonidine causes me to become so dizzy that I cannot stand without falling. Taking 0.25 mg every night for insomnia. Does not work and only makes me dizzy and weak instead. I have headaches every night around 30 minutes after I take this. Every day at school, I am dizzy and disoriented, even though this medication is supposed to make me fall asleep without side effects. Instead, this has terrible side effects and does not help me fall asleep at all. Most nights, I cannot even fall asleep at all. Could not recommend not ever taking Clonidine enough. I regret being forced to take this medication."

• Taz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2021

For High Blood Pressure "Started on .01 mg once a day, Feb 21, 2021. As of the 15th of June, the doc raised it to 2x a day for BP spike at night, yet told her I wanted off this med. Then tried .02 mg for 2 days, and I had the worst burning in my stomach and colon. Severely constipated and couldn't poop!! Headache and back pain too. Way too many side effects for me. Now trying to wean off, and my heart rate is way high. Be very careful with this med."

• Gre...
• December 10, 2022

For Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome "Outstanding medication for treating POTS, helped eliminate my hypertension associated with POTS and greatly reduced nausea, headaches, and chest pain. Can’t say enough good things about this medication."

• Van...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2021

For Perimenopausal Symptoms "I started with perimenopausal symptoms late last year but didn't realize that I was going into menopause. Only last month did I realize that it was menopause and it became worse. The sweating was unbearable, coupled with severe headaches. My pharmacist suggested I use Menograin (a brand of clonidine), and my sweating has subsided tremendously. Great product."

• ora...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2017

For ADHD "This review is more frustration with my doctors than this drug. I was diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD over a year ago, although I've had it for my entire life. Because my heart rate was high, I was initially put on Strattera. Didn't work, massive headaches, gross night sweats. Gave up for a while. Finally got a new doctor, and she puts me on Catapres because it helps with anxiety (which I have bundles of), and prescribing a stimulant would lead to 'questions about her qualifications' (seriously tho). Taking it at night with my Trazodone does help put me to sleep, but has long-lasting lethargic effects during the day that end up causing ironic panic attacks at work because I hate feeling sedated when I need to be alert. Back to square one."