Catapres
(continued)
Other Important Information and
Precautions
Catapres (clonidine) is also used to prevent migraine headaches,
improve outcome in head injury patients, aid menopausal hot flashes
and treat severe menstrual cramps, helps lessen alcohol or narcotic
drug withdrawal, has a role in abnormal heart rhythms, and may have
a role in limiting the size of heart damage after a heart attack.
Avoid excess salt. Ask your physician about the proper amount of
salt you should have in your diet.
DO NOT stop this drug suddenly; possible serious, even fatal,
withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Hot weather or fever can reduce blood pressure significantly; in
these instances, the current Catapres (clonidine) dosage may need to
altered.
In addition to the information listed above, there may be other
important issues or precautions related to this medication. For
further information, you can ask your prescribing doctor or
therapist.
Side-Effect Information
Only some people will experience side-effects--and no one
experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience
any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and
continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain
all of the side-effects associated with this medication:
|
Most Common Side-Effects |
constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth,
decreased heart rate |
|
Infrequent Side-Effects |
headache, fatigue, burning eyes, anxiety, sleep disorders
(nightmare or vivid dreaming), skin rash, hives, swelling,
itching, sexual dysfunctions (decreased libido, impotence) |
|
Rare Side-Effects/Risks |
hallucinations, depression, psychosis, heart rhythm disorders,
urination at night, nausea |
