Clonidine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Aga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

For Anxiety "I am pretty sure this drug is going to save my life. I have tried everything for anxiety: Benzos, buspirone, SSRI's, SNRIs, beta blockers. I almost gave up, then I thought I would try one more. I get horrible med side effects, so I started with 1/4 of 0.1 mg and within 20 minutes, I was more normal than I have felt in years. I tried a higher dose the next day, but was too tired, so for now, I will stick to the small dose. Three days in and I feel like my life has already changed. I can focus at work, I'm happy, I have more energy, no anxiety. Beautiful!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Mic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 29, 2020

For High Blood Pressure "I started taking clonidine for high blood pressure approximately 4 years ago, and it never reacted with me in any negative way until recently, a few months ago did they change the medicine. I've always taken a generic, but with the orange (or more pink pills), I was getting sick, not feeling well, tired, weak, and really feeling horrible. I didn't know what it was. Then when I changed my pharmacy, I went back to the white oval ones I had before (I don't know the company's name), I'm feeling good again. Anyway, I think it should be known that some of the generics really are not up to the quality that they should be."

• Fin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2019

For Opiate Withdrawal "So at 14 I started using first pain pills then heroin. Then at 17 I started using subs to stay off the other drugs. I wanted off the subs (had been on 12 years) and had tried just about everything and always failed. By the second or third day the withdrawals were so bad I'd go back to subs sometimes even other drugs if I couldn't get the subs. I finally talked to my doctor and she prescribed clonidine. It's been a miracle drug. On day three of being off subs and the only problems I've had is being tired and sweating a lot but I'll take that over nausea, diarrhea, and restless arms and legs any day. At this rate I know I will be clean from here on out and it makes me so happy. I'm telling you talk to your doctor about it, it works 100 percent. I get being skeptical I was at first too since nothing ever helped but just try it."

• Ali...
• February 5, 2011

Clonidine for ADHD "I have an 8-year-old son with ADHD. He is extremely hyper and unable to focus. School and friends became a true nightmare. We see a wonderful and highly respected psychiatrist who is very knowledgeable on ADHD medicines. I was told that when there is an emotional factor to the ADHD, Clonidine is the best medication for this. We tried Clonidine after MANY stimulants and non-stimulants, also antipsychotics. Clonidine 1.0 mg 2x a day was the only medicine that we saw immediate results with. The only side effect was tiredness, which did go away. I started him on Kapvay 2 weeks ago. This medicine is a true GODSEND. He is calm, focused, and far less emotional. We can't say enough great things. Please give this medicine a try."

• 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."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2014

For Opiate Withdrawal "My story is a five-year-long battle with two failed back fusions, starting back in 2009. With my first surgery, as anyone knows that has had an L5 S1 fusion with a bone graft taken from your hip, it is painful! So as you can imagine, you are taking pain meds! So here I am 5 years later in 2014, with 2 fusions that didn't take, and hoping my third has! Four months ago, my daily meds intake was 15 10mg oxycodone, 4 30mg OxyContin, and 4 x 5mg oxymorphone! My tolerance was very high! Finally decided, enough was enough, so I went to a detox facility in Seattle and was put on Suboxone. What a difference, I felt so much better! Four months later, I tapered off the Suboxone and started on Clonidine. It made me tired, with dead legs, but kept withdrawals away! I'M A NEW MAN!"

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2021

For Anxiety "I have hypertension, ADD, and anxiety, the majority of the things that clonidine is used for. I was so happy when I was finally put on it. I take 0.1 mg 3 times a day, and soon they are going to raise my dosage. It is a miracle drug, it does great for my blood pressure and my anxiety. I will say, though, it does not help my ADD, so I am still on Adderall for that. I do want to address something with those that are on it strictly for anxiety and who are having issues: this medication will lower your blood pressure, so if your anxiety is getting worse or you are extremely tired and possibly feeling faint, you are taking too much, and your blood pressure is more than likely too low. Try taking a smaller dosage, taking more would make it worse. For those that are saying it works but wears off and are taking the 0.1 mg, talk to your doctor because that is the smallest dosage and it can be raised."

• 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."

• OAB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2017

For Opiate Withdrawal "I was on 100 mg of fentanyl with hydrocodone 10 mg on top of that. I tried to quit cold turkey before, but it was the worst experience of my life. I was given some clonidine from a friend. I took 0.1 mg of clonidine at night with gabapentin for my nerve pain in my arm. Sometimes I also took 0.25 mg of Xanax. I'm on day four. The ONLY problems I have experienced are a little cramping, slight nerve pain (IF I went past the time I should've taken another dose of clonidine), and I'm very tired and weak. I can hardly get up to do anything. I have zero cravings for opiates. Clonidine DEFINITELY works! Now, how do I get my energy back?"

• Sev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2016

For Opiate Withdrawal "This medication saved me from all the horrible pain I was suffering. I stopped all the other meds (benzos and Ambien) thanks to this med. It makes me tired, but after a quick 30-minute nap, I am ready for my day with no withdrawal symptoms. I am detoxing from Suboxone, and I am on day 8. Please try this medication if you are an opiate user and want to quit. Please do not get on Suboxone. I was on it for 5 years. Yes, it changed my life, and I am stable, but for cheaper Clonidine could have done the same, and I wouldn't have to suffer another detox!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 20, 2017

For Opiate Withdrawal "I require large doses of high-strength opiates after an accident left my spine irreversibly damaged and in excruciating, intractable pain. As the media and public demonize these drugs since addicts abuse/overdose (a lifesaver for the people prescribed/deserving), the times where I've been unable to obtain my normal refill and shamed out of the ER trying to explain I'm not a drug seeker have increased. I'm left in extreme pain along with withdrawal symptoms - a combination so incredibly brutally agonizing and horrific. One time I happened to have Clonidine for anxiety 0.1, taking 2-4 every 4-6 hours (no doctor would agree) and it relieved 70% of all symptoms. Very, very tired, but 100% WORTH IT."

• 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."

• Way...
• December 18, 2019

For High Blood Pressure "I have been on clonidine 0.1 two times a day for three years. I do cut the 0.1 tablets in half, so I take 0.05 four times a day. I have to say there are side effects with this medicine, but it works fantastically for my high blood pressure, which is a problem for my lung disease. I don't have regular high blood pressure, I have a lung disease that causes my blood pressure to go high. Without this drug, I know I would be dead. The only thing I could say is be careful about which manufacturer you get. I use Unichem manufacturer, which seems to be really good for my blood pressure. So don't switch manufacturers because they all act and feel differently in your system. The side effects that I get during the three years are thinning of the top of my head of hair, and some days I'm very tired, and I sleep, and sometimes I have some aches and pains. I'm very grateful for clonidine."

• gem...
• January 10, 2017

For Opiate Withdrawal "Clonidine is amazing! It makes you tired as hell, but I would rather feel tired than sick as hell... a true lifesaver. I have no cravings, just a bit of stomach cramps and I lost my appetite, but again, I would rather feel like I have gas than go through withdrawals."

• 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."

• Vhh...
• September 2, 2015

For Opiate Withdrawal "I had brain surgery in May and was on Oxy for 4 months at at least 40 mg a day. That may not seem like a lot for very long, but I had a history of being hooked on opiates, and I knew it would get out of hand, so I went to pain management right away and asked how to taper properly, and he gave me a schedule to follow and clonidine because I never want to go through withdrawal again. I took it yesterday and the craving feeling is gone. No anxiety, nothing. But...I am so tired. Flat on my back tired. I am hoping that it eases up, but I know it's a side effect of this medication."

• Anonymous
• July 24, 2012

For High Blood Pressure "I love the transdermal patches. Very convenient weekly application and virtually eliminates the ups and downs I experienced with the pill form of clonidine. Tiredness, fatigue, dry eyes are a small price to pay for good blood pressure control."

• Joy...
• August 18, 2017

Clonidine for High Blood Pressure "It has reduced my blood pressure while taken in conjunction with 2 other drugs. However, I feel just plain lousy 2-3 days after taking it. My arms and legs feel leaden, and I have no energy. As the week goes, those side effects appear to lessen, and I feel okay. Then the cycle repeats itself. It has also reduced my heartbeats to below 60. I wonder if this drug is worth it."

• Com...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2016

For Opiate Withdrawal "So in the UK, you can get clonidine, but not for opiate withdrawal. It's not even known about by my estimation by 90-95% of users, clinics, doctors. The alternative is Lofexidine, but to obtain this for a home detox is almost impossible. So after research, clonidine is marketed as symptomatic treatment of the female menopause, thus meaning you can obtain it legally via online pharmacy facilities where you complete an online consultation, then the meds are prescribed if you fit the criteria. Seriously, this medication is an absolute godsend. I don't say this lightly, but if you get the dosage correct, you will get 100% pain-free withdrawal. You will be extremely drowsy and lethargic, watch your BP."

• los...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 26, 2019

For Anxiety "I was given this medication with Paxil for severe anxiety. I never took the Paxil but did take the clonidine. I was told to take half of a 0.1 mg tablet twice a day for panic attacks as needed and one whole 0.1 mg at night for insomnia. The first time taking it, it worked! I took half of a tablet in an American Eagle dressing, though, but got extremely tired. But ever since then, it is not as extreme as the first time, luckily. It just helps enough that I don't get myself thrown in the ER. I don't take it every day, though."

• 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."

• sus...
• November 1, 2009

For ADHD "My 14-year-old son has ADHD. He was diagnosed 8 years ago. He was prescribed Vyvanse in May 2008. It wasn't working. He gained weight and inches. He couldn't sleep. He became aggressive and lazy. His heart began to race and his old tics returned. We were referred to a psychologist. He prescribed clonidine. His failing grades went to A's. It controlled his moods, calmed his heart, and the tics disappeared. Also, he sleeps well now. We are thrilled. He is also more organized."

• Lam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2023

For High Blood Pressure "I have been taking this awful stuff for about 5 years. It was the only drug that brought my BP down, but the side effects continue to make my life hell. I’m tired all day. I take .3 mg three times a day, and about an hour after each dose, I can’t function. I get high, extremely tired, and have to lie down. It can ruin your day. I’m constantly constipated to the point of sometimes having one bowel movement a week! I have PAD, and this stuff makes my legs ache, making it difficult to walk. My doctor won’t budge on changing it. I’m ready to go through withdrawals and live my life again, even if it’s shorter. It’s that nasty."