Clonidine for Opiate WD

Clonidine is something that I've used for withdrawal, and I can tell you that it certainly helps out a lot.  It is a medicine that most doctors prescribe willingly, as there is very low potential for abuse and addiction.  It solves many of the aspects of withdrawal, and is used for detox off of other substances like cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.  It is one of the only drugs given for detox in prison and involuntary hospitalization. 

I've used both clonidine and benzodiazepines during withdrawal, and I find clonidine to be more effective in many ways.  Part of this is that clonidine fixes the cause of with physical withdrawal, rather than masks it like benzodiazepines do.

According to Howard Shen, “Clonidine treats high blood pressure by stimulating α2 receptors in the brain, which decreases cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure. It has specificity towards the presynaptic α2 receptors in the vasomotor center in the brainstem. This binding decreases presynaptic calcium levels, and inhibits the release of norepinephrine (NE). The net effect is a decrease in sympathetic tone.”

Basically, I’ve found that clonidine prevents the random rise and fall of blood pressure and heart rate that is so commonly experienced during acute opiate withdrawal.  Additionally, clonidine has a great side effect of sedation, so it can help with the insomnia experienced. 

If you find that you’re having trouble with the sedation side effect during day time use, just know that it goes away after repeated use. 

NOTE, I AM NOT A LICENSED PHYSICIAN IN ANYWAY, AN THIS IS JUST MY EXPERIENCE, AND MINE ONLY.  I used clonidine in the .1mg increment during the day, every 8 hours or so.  At night I’d up my dose to .3mg.  If I had suffered much more severe withdrawals, I may have needed more.

It should be noted that if you use clonidine for more than a week or two, you may have to do a quick taper.  This is because rebound hypertension can be experienced from sudden discontinuation. 

Email me if you have any questions.