My ex-husband called me this past week and informed me that our son was diagnosed with adhd and want to to give our son a medicine called Cloridine, I am unsure what Cloridine is or what it is used for. If I could some advice on this drug, maybe I would feel alot better about my son taking it. I would appreciate any information about the drug and adhd and if there is a web site that I can go to find out what type of research and side effects that this would have on my son.
Thank you very much!
Renotta, I've copied some information from various web sites about Clonidine. I have no personal experience with it so I cannot give you any other information. I hope you find this helpful. -Gettingagrip-
Catapres etc. (Clonidine)
Catapres etc. (Clonidine) is an antihypertensive medication traditionally prescribed to relieve high blood pressure, but that may also be helpful in reducing ADHD symptoms. Like another antihypertensive drug, Tenex (Guanfacine), Clonidine regulates levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and has been found to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms alone or in combination with stimulants. They also may be used as an alternative to stimulant medication, especially in the 30% of children who cannot tolerate stimulants and in children with conduct problems. However, antihypertensives may not improve attention deficit or distractibility. Clonidine may also reduce symptoms of aggression and reduce the insomnia associated with stimulants.
Clonidine (Catapres) is an antihypertensive drug (Manheim et al. 1982) that is effective in the treatment of ADHD (Hunt et al. 1985; Steingard et al. 1993). It has also been used to treat Tourette syndrome by reducing tics, improving hyperactivity, and decreasing obsessive-compulsive symptoms (Leckman et al. 1985; Leckman et al. 1991; Hewlett et al. 1992). Clonidine is an alpha-adrenergic stimulating agent that acts on presynaptic neurons to inhibit norepinephrine activity (fig. 8.2). Hunt et al. (1985) suggested that clonidine may be most beneficial in children with ADHD, who are easily emotionally overwhelmed, are anxious, and have a low frustration tolerance. Clonidine also stimulates growth hormone release (Leckman et al. 1984), and it causes sedation, so it may be helpful in treating the ADHD of children with FXS who have sleep disturbances, motor tics, or hyperarousal (chap. 1).
Leckman (1987) reported improved ADHD symptoms in three males with FXS treated with clonidine. Hagerman et al. (1995) reported a survey of 35 children with FXS who were treated with clonidine. Overall, 63% of the parents said clonidine was very beneficial for their child, 20% said clonidine helped their child a little, 6% said clonidine had no effect, and 11% said their child's behavior was worse on clonidine. Although 89% of the children were taking clonidine for hyperactivity, other problems, including aggression, tantrums, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, were common and were somewhat improved on clonidine. Most of the patients (69%) were also on other medications, including methylphenidate. For instance, in a young boy with FXS, clonidine was used successfully in the afternoon and evening, with methylphenidate in the morning and at lunchtime. Clonidine helped to alleviate the irritability in the late afternoon exacerbated by stimulants, the sleeping problems at bedtime, and the ADHD symptoms at home. Methylphenidate was better at school because a greater degree of concentration was demanded at school compared to home. The use of combined pharmacotherapy is an emerging trend in pediatric psychopharmacology because of the frequency of comorbid disorders and the benefit of a synergistic effect from two medications (Wilens et al. 1995, 1998, 1999).
Catapres
IMPORTANT NOTE The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
TITLE CLONIDINE - ORAL
HOW TO PRONOUNCE (KLAHN-eh-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAMES Catapres
USES This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by stimulating certain brain receptors (alpha adrenergic type) which results in the relaxing of blood vessels in other parts of your body, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
OTHER USES This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated with the long-term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). In addition, clonidine may also be used for migraine headaches, hot flashes associated with menopause, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO TAKE Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor because your condition may become worse. A serious rapid increase in your blood pressure (rebound hypertension) may occur when this drug is suddenly stopped or if you miss 2 or more doses in a row, especially if you have been taking it for a long time, at higher doses, or with a beta-blocker medication. Therefore it is important that you do not run out of clonidine. There have been reports of rare, but severe (possibly fatal) results, including stroke, from stopping this drug too quickly. If you must stop taking this drug, your dose should be gradually decreased over several days as directed by your doctor. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
SIDE EFFECTS Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, depression. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS Before taking clonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you developed a rash during treatment with clonidine in the patch form; or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart disease (e.g., severe coronary insufficiency, conduction disorders, recent heart attack), depression, blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's disease). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness. Caution is advised when using this drug in children. If they cannot take doses of this medication due to vomiting from stomach/abdominal illnesses, they may be at increased risk for developing rebound hypertension. (See How to Use section.) Consult your doctor immediately about what to do in case your child becomes too ill to take this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: beta-blocker drugs (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol), cyclobenzaprine, other drugs which can slow the heart rate (e.g., digoxin, calcium channel blockers, guanethidine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Many cough-and-cold products may also contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), tranquilizers. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Check out these sites for information about medication
http://my.webmd.com/hw/add_adhd/hw164961.asp
http://www.drugs.com/xq/cfm/pageid_0/htm_D00044A1.htm/type_m tm/tgid_36/bn_Catapres/qx/index.htm
The site below is a message board about Catapres. There are tons of comments and suggestions from parents whose children are currently take this drug. You will probably get the best information here.
Info was hard to find looking under Cloridine but the information I've found says that it is a generic form of Catapres (also called Clonidine) which is a antihypertensive medication. From what I've read it's seems kind of strange that they started your son off on this particular drug. This seems to be used after people have tried other drugs and they haven't worked. I have also read that it is usually used in combination with a stimulant. Sorry I can't help more I don't know much about this drug and haven't really spoken to anyone that has taken it.