Opiate Withdrawal: Methadone Facts

Question: Clonidine for opiate withdrawal pain?

(Posted by: on 2011-12-11 00:21:26)

Does Clonidine (Catapres) alleviate the pain that comes from opiate withdrawal? My doctor has put me on 150mcg twice a day. Will it minimise the pain?

Posted by: cta-music.com on 2011-12-12, 13:49:16

When individuals who have been opiate dependent stop taking opiates, the body sees an increase in noradrenaline (adrenaline); a phenomena sometimes called a 'noradrenaline storm'. This increase in noradrenaline results in withdrawal symptoms such as tremor, anxiety, churning stomach, runny nose and tearing of the eyes, and muscle pain. Clonidine is a blood pressure lowering medication, but may be seen as an 'anti adrenaline' drug. This anti adrenaline action has the effect of reducing, but not eliminating, opiate withdrawals, including muscle pain. As clonidine is a blood pressure lowering medication, side effects can include dizziness, particularly when standing. Because of this, individual's blood pressure should be monitored during initiation of treatment. In the UK we use a similar medication called lofexidine (britlofex), which has been found to have less of an effect on blood pressure.

Posted by: Evelyn Minnick on 2011-12-11, 00:40:52

Clonidine is a blood pressure medication. Your blood pressure will increase, become higher, when you stop taking the opiate. Be very careful you do not fall and really hurt your self. Do not drive, cook, run a bath. You can pass out. This is serious medicine. I have been treated with this med. Do not think you will have time to lay down. Respect that this med will put you out cold, fast! Take good care of your self. I hope the best for you. Evie