Clonidine is a prescription medication that may be prescribed to treat several different medical conditions, including high blood pressure, night sweats, and nerve pain. This type of medication may also be used to assist in drug detoxification. Some possible Clonidine side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and drowsiness. More severe side effects that should be reported to a doctor right away may include low blood pressure, chest pain, and hallucinations.
Many people who use this medication do not experience any negative side effects. Those who do report side effects generally state that they are mild and do not affect the ability to take the medication as prescribed. The most commonly reported Clonidine side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. If these or any other symptoms become bothersome, a doctor should be consulted for further evaluation.
Other possible Clonidine side effects may include weakness, fatigue, or weight gain. Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite as a result of taking this medication. Frequent urination, especially during the night, may occur when using this drug. Sexual side effects such as a loss of sexual desire or erectile dysfunction may occur in some people who take this medication. Blood tests may show an abnormality in the liver enzymes, so liver function may be tested periodically while the patient is taking Clonidine.
Some of the more serious possible Clonidine side effects include a dangerously low blood pressure, chest pain, or heart palpitations. These side effects should be reported to a doctor right away. Psychological Clonidine side effects may include depression, anxiety, or a state of agitation. Some patients may even begin to suffer from hallucinations. Any of these side effects should be taken seriously, and medical attention should be obtained as soon as possible.
A severe allergic reaction is considered the most dangerous of the possible Clonidine side effects. An allergic reaction can prove to be fatal if immediate medical help is not found. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing or the development of hives or some other kind of skin rash. Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat are also common signs that the patient may be having an allergic reaction to the medication. Any of these symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency, as immediate medical attention could mean the difference between life and death for the patient.
