Get Informed: Catapres

50

Patient Comments about
Catapres

Active Ingredient(s)

Clonidine

What does it do?

Catapres

This product is used in the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by promoting the relaxation of blood vessels which then reduces blood pressure.

Last Text Update:
 2009-Nov-20 5:44 PM
Last Data Update:
 2009-Nov-18 6:14 PM

Other Names

  • Clonidine
  • Catapres
  • Catapres-TTS

How Safe Is It?

Your Risk Rating
Please log in
Average Risk Rating
2: General
Pregnancy Category:
C
Black Box Warning:
No

Facts & Figures

Date Approved
03 Sep 1974
Est US Patients*
960,500
Generic Available
Yes
OTC Available
No

User Age Distribution*

10

< 21

8

21-39

37

40-59

45

60+

Age (Years)

* Estimated number of US people currently taking Catapres or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.

Other Resources

Recent alerts for Catapres

Catapres Safety Report

2: General

The iGuard risk rating for Catapres is blue. It means that Catapres normally has a low risk of serious or long-term side effects if used under normal medical supervision.

Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings

  • Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Catapres interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.

What is Catapres used for?

iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 5,600 patients that use Catapres (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.

Disease / Condition % Average Severity
High Blood Pressure 85% 6
Insomnia 5% 6
Restless Leg Syndrome 2% 5
Tics / Tourettes Syndrome 2% 5
Attention Deficit Disorder 2% 5
Asperger Syndrome 2% 5
Atrial Fibrillation 2% 8
Menopausal Symptoms 2% 5
Other 3% 5

How well does Catapres work?

iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 5,600 users taking Catapres (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.

Average Satisfaction Score

(out of 10)

Average Effectiveness Score

(out of 10)

70 70
86%
of patients are confident that the good things about Catapres outweigh the bad things.
16%
of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Catapres.

Common Side Effects of Catapres

iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 5,600 users taking Catapres (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.

45%

45% of patients experience side-effects on Catapres

4%

4% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Catapres


Most Common Side Effects...

  • 15% Drowsiness
  • 10% Dry Mouth
  • 10% Dryness
  • 5% Fatigue
  • 5% Dizziness
  • 5% Itch/Rash
  • 5% Constipation
  • 5% Hair Loss
  • = 10%

Less than 1%: Headache, High Blood Pressure, Increased Appetite, Low Blood Pressure


Global Patient Feedback for Catapres (Clonidine) ( Post a comment )

Comments, Questions, and Answers
Show Newest | Oldest first

Question/Comment:

I was on Diovan 320 mg and Clonidine .1 mg (2 times daily the Clonidine). Now I was converted to.1 Clonidine, 3 times daily. Am experiencing an ELEVATED BP and vivid nightmares, I can recall by details the next morning. Also a heaviness in my chest and a shaky feeling all over, which is resolved with 5 mg VALIUM. I have no idea what is going on. But the anxiety is tremendous. Monitor BP FAITHFULLY, twice daily, and fax to my PCP. Am on homehealth. Will await their arrival tomorrow. Anyone have this experience? distantwings4747@aol.com

63 year old Female

Posted: 2009-11-11 07:01:35

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Elevated blood pressure is a serious condition and should be evaluated right away. In addition the heaviness in your chest and shakiness are very concerning and could be very serious. You need to be in immediate contact with your doctor and seek medical attention to be evaluated.

Posted: 2009-11-12 21:38:41

Question/Comment:

My daughter is almost 11 & has been taking Clonidine (in the p.m. & Zoloft in the a.m.) for about a year. She takes the Zoloft for depression/anxiety, & the Clonidine to help her fall asleep & stay asleep. She has experienced a MAJOR weight gain within the last year though. Is this coincidence or has anyone else had issues with weight gain while on this medication?

10 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-26 00:25:50

Question/Comment:

Clonidine is a good medication.but it dry you out.

56 year old Male

Posted: 2009-07-26 04:06:43

Answer/Reply:

Since I no longer am prescribed the medication, I no longer have that dried out feeling. I seemed to drink more liquids and the doctor had to place me on another pill to get rid of the excess water. I am no longer on either, since my blood pressure is under control, since I lost 20 pounds and am exercising more, and following a low fat diet. I have eliminated sodium from my diet completely. I read the food labels closely to assure that the food I am eating is very low in sodium. Talk to you doctor about changes you need to make in your lifestyle and you too can possible get off the Clonidine

56 year old Female

Posted: 2009-08-23 23:14:50

Question/Comment:

I have just been prescribed Clonidine 01 to take two times a day. I am a little afraid of it since I already take 3 perscriptions for high BP. I don't need a sleep aid. I also take a med for Angina. Am I worrying for no reason?

Norma 76 female

77 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-09 17:28:33

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Clonidine is mainly used for high blood pressure. It can causes drowsiness and fatigue, although these symptoms should decrease the longer you are taking the medication. Many times treating hypertension requires the need for multiple medications to control the high blood pressure. The medications work in different ways to control your blood pressure and keep it in normal range. If you are concerned about the number of medications or your treatment regimens, make an appointment with your physician to discuss your medications and concerns.

Posted: 2009-07-11 02:52:56

Question/Comment:

My 9 yr old son has been taking it as a booster for ADHD to help him get through the day. I have heard that some BP meds can give you nightmares. And,well, he has been having nightmares every night and is terrified to go to sleep. He is on 2 other medications as well and I am just trying to see if any of these have this effect on people?? He takes Adderall XR, Clonidine, And Risperidone.

26 year old Female

Posted: 2009-07-07 23:04:04

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

iGuard members clonidine, risperdal, or Adderall XR have not reported vivid nightmares while taking these medications. However, the product labeling for clonidine does list vivid nightmares or dreams as a rare side effect. If your son's symptoms continue or worsen, please make an appointment with his physician to discuss them and his medication regimen.

Posted: 2009-07-09 00:41:15

Answer/Reply:

To 256 year female aboyt 9year old son.I am a70 year male with a kidney transplant and have brrn on clodine since before the transplant ,i also take prograf myfortic,prednisone ,flomax.and oncerisperidone which i was taken off of.If you have a home computer log on to 'RXLIST' you can find all about the medications,use side side effect and precautions.The only problem i have with clodine is hair loss. Dean

71 year old Male

Posted: 2009-09-18 02:35:24

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