Clonidine for ADHD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Clonidine?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is typically thought of as a childhood disorder, but it's becoming clear that this condition still affects many adults today. You can learn more about ADHD and its symptoms in the NIMH ADHD treatment overview.

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. It was first developed in the 1970s to treat high blood pressure. Clonidine is used off-label to treat many conditions, including ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, tics, and sleep conditions.

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, an ADHD medication, helps to manage symptoms, including impulse control, focus, and attention. It is not a controlled substance but a non-stimulant medication option for ADHD symptoms. It can sometimes be prescribed alongside a stimulant to help with hyperactivity and sleep.

Likewise, it is important to note that the decision to prescribe clonidine for your ADHD is made by a healthcare professional at ADHD Advisor, who only treats adults aged 18 and older. They will carefully consider your individual circumstances and medical history to determine if clonidine is a good fit for your treatment plan.

How Clonidine Works

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.

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 ADHD medication. 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, and viloxazine 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.

ADHD Care with ADHD Advisor: Nationwide Non-Stimulant Access

According to the CDC ADHD treatment guidance, ADHD can be successfully managed with therapy, stimulant, and non-stimulant medications.

A non-stimulant option for ADHD treatment is clonidine. With ADHD Advisor, you can potentially receive an ADHD medication online if one of our clinicians decides it is a part of your treatment plan. We offer non-stimulant medications, such as clonidine, nationwide.

Stimulant options are available, too, but only in select states. You may be able to receive online Adderall in Texas with a prescription. Also, you may be able to qualify for stimulants from your online ADHD doctor in Florida.

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.

Step-by-Step Process

Want to know how to get tested for ADHD online? All you need to do is complete the following steps.

1. The first step is to fill out our intake form and provide some information about your symptoms and medical history.
   
2. Next, you'll schedule your telehealth evaluation with one of our licensed clinicians.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.

Access, Cost & Insurance

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.