The medications listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only.
Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers.
Stimulant prescriptions (such as Adderall or Vyvanse) are only available through ADHDAdvisor in the following states:
Clonidine Hydrochloride (Kapvay) does not have any box warnings.
Common and drug-related adverse reactions (incidence at least 5% and twice the rate of placebo) reported with the use of KAPVAY include: Somnolence, fatigue, upper respiratory tract infection (cough, rhinitis, sneezing), irritability, throat pain (sore throat), insomnia, nightmares, emotional disorder, constipation, nasal congestion, increased body temperature, dry mouth, and ear pain.
What is Clonidine?
There are stimulant and non-stimulant medication options for treating ADHD symptoms. One non-stimulant option is clonidine. Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used off-label to treat many conditions, including ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, tics, and sleep conditions. It was first developed in the 1970s to treat high blood pressure.
The brand name Kapvay is an extended-release form of the drug and is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6-17. Clonidine helps to manage ADHD symptoms, including impulse control, focus, and attention. It is a non-stimulant ADHD medication option that is not a controlled substance. It can sometimes be prescribed alongside a stimulant to help with hyperactivity and sleep.
This non-stimulant medication must always be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness. Regular consultations are necessary to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
Types of Clonidine
Clonidine for ADHD is available in two main formulations: Extended-Release (ER) and Immediate-Release (IR).
- Extended-release clonidine is specifically approved for ADHD and designed to provide a steady release of medication for sustained symptom control throughout the day. Common brands of ER clonidine include Kapvay (tablets taken once or twice a day) and ONYDA XR (a liquid medication taken once daily).
- Immediate-release clonidine can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD symptoms. It’s faster acting and wears off more quickly. Catapres is a common brand of IR clonidine that comes in tablet form.
There is also a transdermal skin patch form of clonidine that delivers medication over seven days, commonly known as Catapres-TTS.
How Does Clonidine Work?
Clonidine is a non-stimulant ADHD medication known as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates the alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, primarily in the prefrontal cortex. By activating these receptors in the brain, clonidine limits the release of norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter is involved with regulating symptoms related to attention, focus, and impulse control.
Clonidine also works on the central nervous system (CNS). Activation of alpha-2 adrenergic receptors decreases sympathetic outflow, leading to relaxation of blood vessels and a slower heart rate, which helps lower blood pressure.
Clonidine helps to regulate attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which are common issues in individuals with ADHD. It can also help ADHD patients get better sleep because of its calming effects.
Symptoms Treated by Clonidine
Clonidine is designed to target specific symptoms of ADHD, helping individuals improve their daily lives and functioning. These symptoms include:
- Inattention: Many individuals with ADHD struggle with staying focused on tasks, organizing their thoughts, or completing activities. Clonidine helps improve attention and concentration, making it easier to stay on track and accomplish tasks.
- Hyperactivity: Restlessness is a common symptom of ADHD, causing individuals to feel the need to constantly move or find it difficult to remain still. The medication works to reduce this overactivity, promoting a sense of calm and control.
- Impulsivity: ADHD often leads to impulsive behaviors, such as interrupting conversations or making quick decisions without considering the consequences. By regulating brain activity, it helps individuals think before they act, improving impulse control.
Who Can Prescribe Clonidine?
Clonidine can be prescribed by licensed medical professionals with the appropriate credentials, including:
- Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
- Psychiatrists
- Medical Doctors (MDs)
- Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs)
- Family Physicians
Certain healthcare providers, such as Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), may also prescribe clonidine depending on state-specific regulations.
ADHD Advisor ensures that all prescriptions are provided by qualified and credentialed professionals so you can rest easy while seeking a clonidine prescription online.
Who Can Take Clonidine
Extended-release clonidine ADHD medication, Kapvay, is FDA-approved to treat children 6 to 17 with ADHD. Immediate-release clonidine, Catapres, is FDA-approved for adults with hypertension. Doctors may sometimes prescribe something "off-label," which just means that it hasn't been FDA-approved yet, but it has the potential to treat symptoms. Clonidine is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat adults with ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, and opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Clonidine is often used alongside stimulant ADHD medication as an adjunct or sometimes an alternative to stimulants. At ADHD Advisor, we only treat patients 18 years of age or older for ADHD.
Contraindications
There are some contraindications to be aware of with clonidine. For one, if you are allergic to clonidine or any ingredients, you shouldn't take it. You also shouldn't take clonidine if you:
- Have hypersensitivity
- Have a heart block
- Have kidney disease
- Take tricyclic antidepressant drugs
- Have bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Have low blood pressure
As clonidine depresses the CNS, alcohol use can increase the sedative effects, as well as some blood pressure issues, so you should let your doctor know if you drink. Be sure to let them know about any other medications you may be on, including ACE inhibitors, as there can be drug interactions.
Dosages and Administration
Let's take a look at the clonidine dosage for ADHD. According to the FDA Kapvay prescribing information, the extended-release clonidine, Kapvay, is FDA-approved to treat children with ADHD ages 6-17.
The dose starts at 0.1 mg at bedtime. The dosage can be increased to 0.1 mg per day every week as needed. The typical dosage usually runs between 0.1 and 0.4 mg per day in divided doses, often twice daily.
The immediate-release clonidine for ADHD in adults is sometimes used off-label, and the dosing schedule varies depending on what works best. It is very important to taper off this drug slowly to avoid any rebound hypertension, which is a sudden increase in blood pressure that can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly. Remember, only a licensed doctor can determine what dosage is right for you.
Side Effects and Risks
As with any medication, there may be some side effects that you should know about. Let's look at some common and severe clonidine side effects. Clonidine was originally for blood pressure management, and you can find out more at AHA on clonidine for blood pressure.
Common
Some common side effects that can occur when taking clonidine may include: (MedlinePlus: clonidine)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Changes in mood
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Sedation
- Lower blood pressure
- Dry eyes
Serious
- Low blood pressure
- Slow heart rate
- Fainting
- Rebounding high blood pressure if you stop taking it without a proper taper
- Heart block
- Depression
To find out more information about potential side effects, you can learn more at DailyMed: clonidine.
If you experience any side effects, you should discuss them with your provider. If you are having any serious side effects, you can report them to the FDA’s MedWatch reporting program.
Risks
People who take sedatives or consume alcohol should not take clonidine, because it can enhance the effects of these substances, as it is a CNS depressant.
It's important to mention that, unlike stimulants, clonidine is not a controlled substance, and its abuse potential is low according to the DEA controlled substances schedules. However, it can cause physical dependence and should not be abruptly stopped, but your doctor can help you stop taking it safely.
Clonidine vs. Other ADHD Medications
Let's take a look at how clonidine compares to other ADHD medications.
Clonidine vs Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Clonidine and guanfacine both belong to the same class of drugs: alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. They have a similar mechanism of action, but clonidine is a non-selective alpha-2 agonist, and guanfacine is selective and only stimulates the alpha-2A receptors.
Clonidine is only available in immediate-release, but guanfacine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release. Clonidine is known to be more sedative and may react with drugs more often than guanfacine. They both help to calm hyperactivity and improve focus in patients with ADHD.
Clonidine vs Stimulants
Stimulants are often the first answer to treating ADHD as they help to increase focus and other symptoms, but can have some unwanted side effects in some individuals. Clonidine helps hyperactivity problems and improves sleep, but may not be quite as effective at treating focus and inattention like stimulants.
Stimulant drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Clonidine affects norepinephrine inadvertently by stimulating the alpha-2 receptors. Both medications help to manage ADHD symptoms and can be combined for treatment in some cases.
Clonidine vs Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Viloxazine (Qelbree)
Clonidine, atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine (Qelbree) are all non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD symptoms. Atomoxetine and viloxazine are both selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
They work by blocking the reabsorption of norepinephrine, leading to more availability. SNRIs help improve focus and attention. Clonidine works better for sleep and impulse control. Any of these non-stimulant drugs for ADHD may be used alone or alongside a stimulant.
How to Get a Clonidine Prescription Online
With ADHD Advisor, you may qualify to get a clonidine prescription online if one of our clinicians decides it is a part of your treatment plan. We offer non-stimulant medications, such as clonidine, nationwide for adults ages 18 and older. Stimulant options are available, too, but only in select states.
We help with prescription fulfillment every month. ADHD Advisor's clinicians can send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice and ensure that every consecutive prescription is processed as necessary. It's important to mention here that we do not bill insurance directly. We provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement depending on your insurance coverage.
Let's learn how to get diagnosed with ADHD online with ADHD Advisor.
Is it Legal to Get Clonidine Online?
Yes, obtaining clonidine online is legal, but only through licensed telehealth platforms that comply with strict federal and state regulations. As a prescription medication, clonidine must be prescribed and managed carefully to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The Ryan Haight Act ensures that online prescriptions for medications like clonidine adhere to the same safety standards as in-person consultations, with key provisions including:
- Comprehensive Medical Assessment: A licensed healthcare provider must conduct a thorough evaluation, usually via a video consultation, to review your symptoms, medical history, and overall health before prescribing clonidine.
- Licensed Professionals: The prescribing provider must be properly licensed to practice in your state, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications to prescribe medication safely.
- Ongoing Care: Telehealth platforms are required to offer continuous monitoring and follow-up care to track your progress, making sure the medication is working as intended and adjusting the treatment plan as necessary.
ADHD Advisor Process
Want to know how to get tested for ADHD online? All you need to do is complete the following steps.
- The first step is to fill out our intake form and provide some information about your symptoms and medical history.
- Next, you'll schedule your telehealth evaluation with one of our licensed clinicians.
- Then, the clinician will determine your unique treatment plan. This plan can include therapy, non-stimulant medication like clonidine, or stimulants if you reside in one of the select states where we offer stimulants.
- Clonidine is available nationwide as a non-stimulant medication for ADHD. ADHD Advisor treats adults aged 18 and up. You could possibly receive a clonidine prescription online if necessary.
- Finally, you will have follow-up appointments where your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored. This will also give you a chance to discuss any improved symptoms and any adverse effects that you may be experiencing.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation with ADHD Advisor will provide personalized care to assess your symptoms and discuss effective treatment options, including medication and lifestyle changes.
- Review of Your Screening Results: Your healthcare provider will review the results of your ADHD diagnosis evaluation, helping to clarify your symptoms and their severity.
- Detailed Discussion of Your Symptoms and Their Impact on Your Daily Life: You will have an in-depth conversation about how your ADHD symptoms affect your work, school, relationships, and overall well-being.
- Discussion About Potential Treatment Options: The provider will explain various treatment options, including medication like clonidine and lifestyle changes that can help manage your ADHD symptoms.
- Manage Your Online Prescription Through ADHD Advisor: You will learn how to easily manage your medication, request refills, and access ongoing support through the ADHDAdvisor telehealth portal.
By the end of the consultation, you'll have a clear treatment plan and know how to manage your prescription through ADHD Advisor, ensuring ongoing support for managing your ADHD.
How Much Does Clonidine Cost?
Clonidine is available in both generic and brand-name forms, including Kapvay. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of the generic form of clonidine. Clonidine is widely available in most United States pharmacies.
Without insurance, it may cost around $25 per month. Remember, ADHD Advisor does not bill insurance. But we will provide you with a superbill that you can submit for possible reimbursement.
FAQs
Is clonidine addictive?
No, it is not a controlled substance, so it is not considered to be addictive. However, you can become physically dependent, and therefore abrupt stopping is not recommended. If you stop taking clonidine suddenly, you may experience rebounding high blood pressure as well as other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Always consult your medical provider when you want to stop taking a drug so they can advise you how to do it properly.
Can ADHD Advisor prescribe clonidine?
Yes, ADHD Advisor provides non-stimulant medications like clonidine to adults 18 years of age or older nationwide.
How does clonidine compare to stimulants?
Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that can help with symptoms of ADHD. It has a different mechanism of action and is less potent than stimulants. Clonidine may help more with hyperactivity and sleep issues, and stimulants may work better for focus.
What's the difference between clonidine and Kapvay?
When comparing Kapvay vs. clonidine, the simple answer is that Kapvay is the extended-release version of clonidine and is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6-17.
What are common side effects?
Some common side effects of taking clonidine include: drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, and feeling weak.
Can I get my clonidine medication delivered?
Yes, many telehealth services partner with pharmacies that offer mail-order delivery for convenience, allowing you to receive your medication directly to your doorstep.
Where can I pick up my clonidine prescription?
You can pick up your prescription at a local pharmacy, or in some cases, have it delivered through an online pharmacy service that partners with telehealth platforms.
