Clonidine is an alpha-adrenergic blocker. It blocks sympathetic discharge. This sympathetic discharge
may be responsible for elevated blood pressure and some of the symptoms, such as chills and sweats
(diaphoresis), of opiate withdrawal. By blocking this sympathetic discharge, clonidine can relieve
or decrease these symptoms of opiate withdrawal. It is probably the most widely used medication in
treating the signs and symptoms of the opiate abstinence syndrome and precipitated opiate withdrawal.
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/243/4/343
The major side effect is hypotension, low blood pressure. This causes dizziness. Dizziness can be
relieved by lying down. Patients are cautioned to get up slowly and hesitate; sitting before standing
and waiting a moment before walking. Patients should also avoid sleeping in a sitting position; they
should sleep lying down.
Clonidine is used in higher doses for withdrawal symptoms than to treat hypotension. It is usually used
in combination with other medications to treat opiate withdrawal symptoms whether from abstinence or
precipitated with antagonists.
