What are the side effects of Clonidine?

Users most often report drowsiness, depression, dizziness, anticholinergic effects, dry mouth. Side effects came up 13 times across 72 reports.

User reports can't establish safety. PubMed lists 311 meta-analyses and 1,394 randomized trials. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take other medication.

Clonidine side effects

Across 72 first-hand reports, people mentioned a side effect 13 times (about 18 per 100 reports). The most common: drowsiness, depression, dizziness. User reports show what people notice — they can't tell you whether Clonidine is safe for you.

Reported side effects

drowsiness4

depression2

dizziness2

anticholinergic effects1

dry mouth1

tolerance1

orthostatic hypotension1

hypertension1

In their own words

“it made me feel dizzy, sleepy, cognitively much worse during the day...felt like the two medications were fighting for supremacy.”

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“Clonidine was the worst, though. The anticholinergic affects were way too intense for me. It aggravated my symptoms.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

“My doctors have tried me out on clonidine and strattera, but neither of these were effective for me.”

Didn't helpRead the discussion ↗

“My psychiatrist tried prescribing me clonidine to help and it didn’t work.”

Didn't helpRead the discussion ↗

“I have comfort meds clonidine and hydroxzyine but they’re too damn sedating to take during the day.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

“I can never fall asleep without taking something strong, like Ambien or clonidine, which makes me super tired and drowsy in the morning.”

MixedRead the discussion ↗

Is Clonidine safe? What the research covers

AResearch: Strong311 meta-analyses · 1,394 randomized trials on PubMed

Lancet Psychiatry · 2018

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Conclusion: Our findings represent the most comprehensive available evidence base to inform patients, families, clinicians, guideline developers, and policymakers on the choice of ADHD medications across age groups. Taking into account both efficacy and safety, evidence from this meta-analysis supports methylphenidate in children and adolescents, and amphetamines in adults, as preferred first-choice medications for the short-term treatment of ADHD. New research should be funded urgently to assess long-term effects of these drugs.

CNS Drugs · 2023

Nonstimulant Medications for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Conclusion: All investigated nonstimulants were more efficacious in the treatment of ADHD in adults, than placebo, while the placebo had better acceptability and tolerability.