HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Taking Clonidine For High BP In Half Cause Flu-like Symptoms?

default
Posted on Tue, 22 May 2018
Question: I’m taking Clonidine for High BP, I was only on for 2 weeks,0.1mg (twice a day) and had every side effect. The Dr. Said to to cut back to once a day for 3 days and then go to 1 every other day. I did the 3 days and am on the 2nd of every other day. After that I became very sick(flu like symptoms ). I don’t know if I should start taking 1/2 every day and then cut back to every other day. I’m at my wits end.
Please help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Shortening Clonidine withdrawal period is better.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that as you are experiencing important multiple adverse effects fro m the very beginning of Clonidine, it is advisable to stop the drug from the ongoing therapy.

It seems rational performing a gradual withdrawal of Clonidine in order to avoid rebound hypertension (which may happen with sudden discontinuation of the drug), but as you are continuing to experience persistent adverse effects during down titration of Clonidine daily dose, it is not worth prolonging withdrawal escalation any more.

Instead, I recommend discussing with your doctor for switching as soon as possible to a safer antihypertensive medication in order to stop Clonidine in a shorter perion and avoid potential rebound hypertension.

That's my professional opinion.

Hope to have been helpful to you!

In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9545 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Taking Clonidine For High BP In Half Cause Flu-like Symptoms?

Brief Answer: Shortening Clonidine withdrawal period is better. Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome on HCM! I passed carefully through your concern and would explain that as you are experiencing important multiple adverse effects fro m the very beginning of Clonidine, it is advisable to stop the drug from the ongoing therapy. It seems rational performing a gradual withdrawal of Clonidine in order to avoid rebound hypertension (which may happen with sudden discontinuation of the drug), but as you are continuing to experience persistent adverse effects during down titration of Clonidine daily dose, it is not worth prolonging withdrawal escalation any more. Instead, I recommend discussing with your doctor for switching as soon as possible to a safer antihypertensive medication in order to stop Clonidine in a shorter perion and avoid potential rebound hypertension. That's my professional opinion. Hope to have been helpful to you! In case of any further questions, feel free to ask me again. Kind regards, Dr. Iliri