[OhKay]

I saw my pdoc today and she prescribed 0.1mg of clonidine for my anxiety disorders. I'm thinking of trying 1/2 pill since I'm home for the day now.

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with it?

[Mari]

I have not used it.

I hope it helps you.



M

[bizi]

no experience sorry
bizi good luck!
keep us posted.

[OhKay]

Yeah, I had not even heard of it. I guess it's primary purpose is to treat high blood pressure. I didn't want to tweak any meds or start taking anything new so close to surgery, but I was really left with no choice.

I had to call the people at the hospital to let them know I'm taking a new med and left a message. Because it effects blood pressure, I'm sure I'll be given some kind of instructions such as withholding it prior to surgery.

[mrsD]

Did your doctor actually say to you the name of your new medication?

I ask because clonidine can be given by mistake, either by a doctor or pharmacy. Clonidine can be mixed up for Clonazepam...they are next to each other on the pharmacy shelf. Clonazepam is used for anxiety. Pharmacies that keep the generic next to the brand name, this is not likely. But the trend today is to put all the drugs alphabetically on the shelf...so these two generics may be next to each other on the shelf and the wrong one grabbed.

Clonidine or Klonopin? A small mixup in the name is a big problem - Chronicle-Telegram

https://www.downstate.edu/patientsaf..._drug_list.pdf

Clonidine is not commonly used for blood pressure today, except for hard to treat patients as a last resort. This is because it has an undesirable effect of causing rebound hypertension when stopped suddenly. Rebound meaning higher readings that when the patient started the drug.

It has been used to treat some ADHD kids, but that is not so common anymore either.

It may be used in some pain management treatments, but its sedative effects are often a reason that the patients tend to reject it.

Just to be safe, do double check that an error mixup has not been made.

[OhKay]

Thanks mrsD, but she specifically said "clonidine." I take klonopin already, and have some drug knowledge.

My pdoc mentioned it may be worth trying because my problems with anxiety extend much farther than GAD, and it's been used quite a bit in the treatment of PTSD.

My GYN told me today at my pre-op that she prescribes it in conjunction with SSRIs to treat hot flashes in some patients.