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Clonidine for Anxiety (Catapres): Facts, Uses, and Side Effects

Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride) is frequently recommended for panic disorder and/or other mental health issues since it reduces anxiety episodes and psychiatric symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about Clonidine for anxiety.


Clonidine For Anxiety: Clonidine Anxiety

More than 40 million people in the USA alone experience anxiety, making it one of the most common mental health conditions. It truly is the most prevalent psychiatric condition, affecting a wide range of people. Medication is the other suggested route for managing and treating anxiety, in addition to psychotherapy.

Clonidine is one of the medications frequently used for anxiety. This article examines clonidine’s mechanism of action for treating anxiety, its advantages, and its disadvantages. We’ll consider what authorities and specialists, including the FDA, have to say as well as what actual drug users have to say.

Catapres (clonidine hydrochloride) is frequently recommended for panic disorder and/or other mental health issues since it reduces anxiety episodes and psychiatric symptoms. A common anxiety disorder called panic disorder (PD) can have a significant negative impact on a person’s day-to-day activities as they start to avoid specific locations or circumstances in order to prevent panic episodes.

Treatment aims to lessen panic attacks’ intensity and frequency so that they don’t interfere with a person’s social, professional, academic, or personal life. Outside of the realm of mental health, the drug is also used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension.

How To Use Clonidine For Anxiety? Does Clonidine Help With Anxiety?

The recommended dosage for catapres tablets is two oral doses per day, one in the morning and one at bedtime, with or without food. In order to reduce the possibility of side effects, a greater dose is often taken before night.

If you forget to take a dose, unless it is close to another planned dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses to make up for missed ones.

Please follow the directions for taking the prescription, even if you feel OK, as with most medications. It’s critical to continue without first seeking medical advice. Side effects of withdrawal can range from jitters, agitation, headaches, and shaking to fatality.

After using Catapres for a while, you may need to change your dosage or combine it with another drug since your body may start to lessen the medication’s effectiveness.

Although the drug won’t treat your panic disorder, it will help you control your symptoms.

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Anxiety Fact Sheet

Anxiety Overview

Your brain and behavior are both impacted by the condition of addiction. Substance addiction makes it unable to resist the impulse to use the drug, regardless of how harmful it may be. The sooner you receive treatment for drug addiction, the better your chances are of avoiding some of the disease’s more serious side effects.


Anxiety Symptoms

Behavioral: hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness.

Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts.

Whole body: fatigue or sweating

Also common:  anxiety, excessive worry, angor animi, fear, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling

Anxiety Treatment

  • Support group: A place where those pursuing the same disease or objective, such as weight loss or depression, can receive counseling and exchange experiences.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: A conversation treatment that aimed to change the negative attitudes, actions, and feelings connected to psychiatric discomfort.
  • Counseling psychology: A subfield of psychology that handles issues with the self that are connected to work, school, family, and social life.
  • Anger management: To reduce destructive emotional outbursts, practice mindfulness, coping skills, and trigger avoidance.
  • Psychoeducation: Mental health education that also helps individuals feel supported, validated, and empowered
  • Family therapy: psychological counseling that improves family communication and conflict resolution.

Anxiety Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.


6.8 million

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

10.3 %

19 million adults experience specific phobias, making it the most common anxiety disorder in America.  

Source: ADAA2020

17.3 million

Major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million American adults or about 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health


Usually twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, catapres tablets are taken orally with or without meals. For a reduced chance of adverse effects, a higher dose is often given before bed.
Usually twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, catapres tablets are taken orally with or without meals. For a reduced chance of adverse effects, a higher dose is often given before bed.

Clonidine Dosage For Anxiety: Clonidine Dose For Anxiety

Clonidine For Sleep And Anxiety Dosage: Usually twice every day, once in the morning and once at night, catapres tablets are taken orally with or without meals. For a reduced chance of adverse effects, a higher dose is often given before bed.

Clonidine Anxiety Dose: Unless it’s close to another planned dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. To make up for missing an earlier dose, do not take a duplicate dose.

Clonidine For Anxiety Dose: Please follow the directions on the prescription, even if you feel OK. This is true for the majority of medications. It’s crucial to keep going after first seeking medical advice. From jitters, anxiety, headaches, and trembling to fatality, withdrawal side effects might range.

Clonidine For Anxiety Dosage: After using Catapres for a while, your body may become accustomed to it and the medication’s effectiveness may decline, necessitating a dosage change or combining with another prescription.

Although it won’t treat your panic disorder, the medicine will help you manage your symptoms.

The dosage of this medication will vary depending on the patient. Observe your doctor’s instructions or the label’s instructions. The following details only the typical dosages of this medication. Unless your doctor instructs you to, do not alter your dose if it differs from the recommended one.

The strength of the medication determines how much of it you should take. Additionally, the medical condition for which you are utilizing the medication affects the number of dosages you take each day, the interval between doses, and the duration of treatment.

For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):

  • Adults—At first, 0.17 milligram (mg) once a day, given at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.17 to 0.52 mg per day.

For oral dosage form (Clonidine HCL 0.1 Mg Tablet For Anxiety):

  • Adults—0.1 milligram (Clonidine 0.1 Mg For Anxiety – Clonidine .1 Mg For Anxiety) two times a day, taken in the morning and at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. The usual dose is 0.2 mg to 0.6 mg per day, divided and given two times a day.

Clonidine For Sleep And Anxiety (Clonidine For Anxiety And Sleep): Label and Off-Label Uses

The use of the prescription drug clonidine for the treatment of high blood pressure was its original use. Due to its soothing effect, it is now utilized to treat anxiety as well as a number of other psychological illnesses and problems. For the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 and older, the extended-release form of clonidine has FDA approval. It can be taken either on its own or in conjunction with other drugs.

Clonidine is employed to treat generalized anxiety disorders, despite this not being a genuine indication. Additionally, people who experience panic attacks are prescribed it. It treats Tourette’s syndrome patients’ tics. A frequent off-label usage of clonidine is to treat withdrawal symptoms. The medication has a soothing effect that aids in reducing withdrawal symptoms.

Clonidine is frequently suggested by doctors to individuals who are trying to quit smoking, drinking, or using opioids. Other uses include treating menopausal flushes and female menstruation cramps. For some individuals, including those with cancer, clonidine is also used to treat both acute and chronic pain.

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Is Clonidine Used For Anxiety? Clonidine For Anxiety In Adults

How Does Clonidine Work For Anxiety? A neurotransmitter called norepinephrine is affected by clonidine, which therefore affects its activity. Among other things, norepinephrine impacts anxiety and related states like attentiveness. Certain brain regions are affected by the medicine, making them feel calmer and less excited. It is crucial for someone who is experiencing anxious thoughts to experience this calming influence.

Some of the common side effects of clonidine include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea and constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Cold symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, sore throat as well as a stuffy or runny nose.
  • Call a doctor if you experience severe side effects or if they persist.

After a few doses, many of these typical adverse effects normally disappear. If they continue or get worse, contact a doctor. Serious side effects that are less prevalent but for which you should promptly seek medical assistance include allergic reactions.

These negative effects include developing hives or rashes, swelling of the face and other body parts, breathing or swallowing difficulties, and hoarseness. If you have any negative effects, stop taking the drug right away and visit the emergency department.

Can Clonidine Be Used For Anxiety? Is Clonidine Good For Anxiety?

Clonidine Dosing For Anxiety: For the greatest outcomes, your doctor will advise you on the proper clonidine dosage. One to two times per day, 0.1 to 0.4 mg is the typical dosage range. The most typical dosage is 0.1 mg twice daily, however as previously mentioned, your doctor will specify exactly how much and when to take it. Never deviate from the dosage that your doctor has advised. Use the medication exactly as directed and for no longer than recommended. Don’t use less or more than that.

To ensure that you receive the optimum fit for the best results, your doctor may adjust your dosage numerous times. Clonidine may be taken with or without food. Discuss any additional drugs you may be taking with your doctor. Never stop taking clonidine all of a sudden. Talk to your doctor about the best way to stop taking the medicine if you need to.

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Clonidine And Anxiety: How Long Does Clonidine Take To Work For Anxiety?

How Fast Does Clonidine Work For Anxiety? Within a week of starting to take clonidine for anxiety, patients report an improvement in their anxiety. Some people take a little longer than others. Every patient is different from the next and reacts to medications differently.

Within a week of taking the drug, one of the earliest signals that it is working is a reduction in sleeping problems. Adult sleep problems can be effectively treated with a dose of 0.1 mg.

If clonidine is used with other drugs and psychotherapy, the time it takes for anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms to improve may be shortened.

Within a week of starting to take clonidine for anxiety, patients report an improvement in their anxiety.
Is Clonidine For Anxiety? Within a week of starting to take clonidine for anxiety, patients report an improvement in their anxiety.

Benefits Of Clonidine For Anxiety: Clonidine Used For Anxiety

The following are just a few of the major benefits of utilizing clonidine for anxiety:

  • Clonidine has demonstrated strong efficacy. Clonidine produced excellent results for several patients who had failed to respond to other treatments. Some of these individuals have struggled with anxiety disorders for years and have tried numerous drugs throughout that time. Clonidine has, to put it mildly, changed the game for these patients’ mental health.
  • Contrary to several drugs that are identical to it, clonidine does not cause addiction. Patients have used clonidine for anxiety for years without developing an addiction, and there is no evidence indicating the opposite.
  • It has been demonstrated that clonidine increases the stimulant effect. Patients who take stimulants not only for anxiety but also for other mental conditions like ADHD and depression will find this to be extremely useful.
  • It does not affect appetite. The suppression of appetite has long been linked to some drugs, primarily stimulants. For individuals who are already suffering from being underweight, this can be a very serious issue. You can confidently use the drug without worrying about gaining any weight because it also doesn’t enhance hunger.
  • The adverse effects of clonidine are generally not severe and don’t affect daily living too much. Once more, not everyone encounters these negative impacts. Similar to the previous statement, these side effects typically subside after a few dosages.

Clonidine For Anxiety Reviews: Clonidine Reviews Anxiety

Clonidine Anxiety Reviews: When people reviewed clonidine for anxiety, up to 65% of them were favorable. After taking the drug, users claimed to feel “mellowed out” and at ease right away. These users advise consulting a physician about lowering the dosage. The majority of these individuals cut the pill in the half, quarter, or even eighths after feeling too sleepy from taking the recommended dosage. Numerous Reddit reviews (clonidine for anxiety reddit) also advise dividing the pill in half. It is important to emphasize that only a skilled healthcare professional can choose the right dosage for you.

The negative evaluations are entirely related to the side effects and not how well the medicine works to relieve anxiety. After using clonidine, some people complained of feeling excessively sleepy and worn out. As they became accustomed to the medication, some people’s negative effects subsided, but for others, the same side effects remained to the point that they had to stop taking the prescription.

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The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

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Clonidine for Anxiety (Clonidine Hcl For Anxiety) FAQs

  1. Does the Clonidine Patch For Anxiety Work?

    Before the clonidine patch fully relieves your anxiety, it may take 2-3 days. Even if you feel good, continue to use the clonidine patch. Without consulting your doctor, never stop using the clonidine patch.

  2. Propranolol Vs Clonidine For Anxiety: Which is better?

    Clonidine Vs Propranolol For Anxiety: Propranolol lowers your heart rate and facilitates simpler blood circulation throughout your body. It can help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as shaking and perspiration, and is typically taken for high blood pressure and other cardiac conditions.

  3. Clonidine Or Gabapentin For Anxiety?

    The blood pressure response is moderately reduced by oral pregabalin and gabapentin, while the heart rate is dramatically reduced by clonidine. All three medications work wonders to lower anxiety and enhance sedation.

  4. Clonidine And Hydroxyzine For Anxiety: Can you take them together?

    Your blood pressure may be lowered more effectively if you take cloNIDine and hydrOXYzine together. You might feel lightheaded, dizzy, have headaches, or faint, or your pulse or heart rate might alter.

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