Last Updated:

May 16th, 2025

Taking Clonidine as Part of the Detox Process

The journey through withdrawal is often the toughest part of addiction recovery. Drug or alcohol dependence can lead to intense and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms as your body and brain start to heal. Clonidine is one detox medication that can help lessen these effects and help make detox a whole lot more comfortable and safe. facilitate a smoother detoxification process. However, ensuring the proper use of clonidine under strict medical supervision is essential to safeguard against risks and optimise recovery outcomes.

Clonidine-pills-on-doctor-hand

What is clonidine?

Known commercially as Catapres and by its salt form clonidine hydrochloride, clonidine is a medication from a group known as “centrally-acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents”. It was originally designed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), but clonidine has been repurposed over time to assist in a variety of medical conditions, including ADHD, menopause, certain pain conditions and the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms during drug and alcohol detox.

Clonidine was first developed in the 1960s for nasal congestion before its use for hypertension was observed. Now, it is available in various forms depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s individual needs. Some common forms include tablets, skin patches, nasal sprays and injectable solutions.

Clonidine detox medication is usually given in tablet form with a clonidine maximum dose daily of 1.2mg. However, clonidine tablets are given on a case-by-case basis so the actual size of the dosage varies depending on the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

How does Catapres work?

Catapres works by interacting with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in your brain. These receptors regulate the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked to responses like stress and arousal. Clonidine curtails the outflow of norepinephrine, dampening the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, our so-called “fight or flight” mechanism. This leads to critical physiological changes such as decreased blood pressure and heart rate, which calms you down.

During detox, the sympathetic nervous often goes into overdrive creating various physical, mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Catapres reduce the severity of these symptoms to make detox easier and potentially less dangerous.

However, Catapres is not a treatment for addiction itself. While it can be a huge help in getting through the detox phase more smoothly, a comprehensive rehab approach including therapy and other forms of treatment is needed for the non-physical aspects of drug and alcohol dependency.

How does clonidine reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Clonidine hydrochloride is used in detox for various substances including alcohol, opioids and even nicotine. Withdrawal from the first two in particular can be very uncomfortable, scary and sometimes dangerous which can stop people from quitting and affect the success of those who do.

The onset of withdrawal symptoms is due to your body’s need to readjust to no longer having substances it has become dependent on. The brain, in particular, takes some time to make this readjustment because drugs and alcohol have been responsible for functions like neurochemical releases.

When they are suddenly removed, the whole balance of these neurochemicals is affected. Clonidine helps to stabilise these imbalances in the brain and calms overactive systems which can greatly soothe withdrawal symptoms.

What is clonidine used for?

Clonidine is used for a whole host of withdrawal symptoms which emerge during detox from various substances. For example, in opioid detox, clonidine stabilises certain neuron activity and helps with symptoms like:

  • Abdominal cramps
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhoea
  • Muscle aches
  • Profuse sweating

During alcohol withdrawal, clonidine hydrochloride also lowers blood pressure and can act as a mild sedative. This helps with common and potentially severe withdrawal symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Hypertension
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Delirium tremens (the most severe and dangerous form of alcohol withdrawal)

Clonidine-test-tube

Sometimes, it can even help with insomnia with a clonidine dosage for sleep taken an hour or so before bed. This can be very helpful because insomnia is a frequently experienced withdrawal symptom from various substances.

Why is clonidine bad if not properly supervised?

Professional medical supervision is very important for anyone taking clonidine detox medication because it can have some unpleasant and unpredictable side effects. Some of the most common clonidine side effects include:

  • Constipation – due to a slowed gastrointestinal tract
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness – due to clonidine’s action on blood pressure
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headaches

Less common and potentially more serious clonidine side effects include:

  • Bradycardia – abnormally and possibly dangerously slow heart rate
  • Depression –  this may be a new condition or the worsening of existing depressive thoughts
  • Hypotension – due to clonidine potentially lowering blood pressure too effectively
  • Fainting and dizziness – due to hypotension
  • Withdrawal – due to stopping clonidine too abruptly. Symptoms can include anxiety, headaches, tremors, and rebound hypertension.

Notable Catapres drug interactions

Certain medications may interfere with clonidine’s mechanism of action, impacting its overall effectiveness or leading to an increase in potential side effects. It is important to discuss all medications you are taking with your detox team or healthcare provider so adjustments can be made if necessary. Some of the most notable clonidine drug interactions include:

CNS depressants and clonidine
Combining clonidine with central nervous system depressants can significantly increase its sedative effects, causing deeper drowsiness and potentially risky levels of sedation. It can also cause dizziness and reduced alertness which can lead to various dangerous situations with medical supervision.
Antidepressants and clonidine
When combined with clonidine, tricyclic antidepressants may hinder its blood pressure-lowering effects. This interaction demands careful oversight if clonidine is being used during detox for people also taking prescribed antidepressants.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and clonidine
NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen can also hamper clonidine’s ability to lower blood pressure during detox.
Stimulants and clonidine
Prescription stimulants for conditions like ADHD can also have a huge effect on blood pressure which can make it difficult for clonidine to do its job.

Contact us today to learn more about clonidine and the detox process

If you are struggling with addiction, professional support and advice can make a huge difference. Addiction Helper can help explain how clonidine detox medication works and help connect you to a treatment centre that best suits you. Reach out to us today for expert guidance and we can help you get started on the road to lasting recovery.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clonidine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a typically reported side effect of clonidine. However, individual responses to medication can vary, so it is possible that some people may experience weight changes. Monitoring your weight, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular exercise can help manage any potential weight changes while on clonidine.
How long does clonidine stay in your system?
Clonidine has a half-life of roughly 12 to 16 hours, meaning it takes about this time for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body. However, the total elimination time can vary based on factors like your age, overall health and kidney function. Clonidine typically takes several days to fully clear from your system.​
How to stop taking clonidine?
Clonidine should be stopped under medical observation because of the potential for withdrawal symptoms. It is important not to abruptly stop taking clonidine but rather to taper the dosage gradually according to a plan devised by your medical team. This helps mitigate the risks of sudden cessation.

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