Clonidine is used in RSD... to affect nerve functions (I don't believe it
has anything to do with dilating blood vessels per se--any dilation would be
secondary to the nerve blocking effects).

But I do see you are taking Toprol? This drug CAUSES cold hands and feet
as a side effect. It is one of the most common side effects people complain about.

Clonidine lowers blood pressure when it is elevated in hypertensives.
It is somewhat sedating also. But the sedating effects vary from person to
person. In addiction management very high doses are commonly given and those patients seem to tolerate it okay. One cannot stop clonidine cold turkey however when going off...it should be tapered. It can cause rebound hypertension and this can be serious.

Clonidine is often added to transdermal gels used for pain.
Other ingredients can be ketoprofen, gabapentin, Ketamine, mixed together.

Here is a site that discusses the patch you are considering:
http://www.rsdfoundation.org/en/en_treatments.html
The patch is typically used over the painful area only.

A small number of patients (about 2%) become agitated on clonidine. This can be confused with mania, and it goes away when the drug is discontinued.