Clonidine for Opioids withdrawal Syndrome

Clonidine for Opioids withdrawal Syndrome

One of the reasons why addicts don’t start treatment is fear of withdrawal syndrome. These unpleasant symptoms include:

1- Agitation and anxiety.

2- Inability to sleep.

3- Muscle aches.

4- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea.

5- Nausea and vomiting.

6- Cold flashes.

7- Nasal and eye drips.

8- Restless leg syndrome.

Clonidine is a class of drugs known as central alpha agonist. It is commonly used for treatment of high blood pressure.. Clonidine can be used to management of opioid withdrawals. This drug does not eliminate all these undesirable symptoms, but it can resolves many of the most unpleasant ones include:

1- restless leg syndrome. ( A common uncomfortable symptom in opioid withdrawal ).

2- insomnia.

3- diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

4- nasal and eye drip.

5- tachycardia.

6- and other autonomic symptoms.

Side Effects of Clonidine

There are a number of side effects associated with Clonidine including:

1- low blood pressure (hypotension).

2- constipation.

3- drowsiness.

4- dry mouth.

5- lightheadedness and dizziness.

Cautious

patient should not stop using this drug suddenly. because it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including:

1- Nervousness and agitation.

2- Shaking.

3- Rebound increase in blood pressure.

4- Headache.

5- It is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women.