How Safe Is Taking Clonidine For Vocal Tics And Intrusive Thoughts?

My son has recently been experiencing a sudden onset of motor/vocal tics and battles obsessive, intrusive thoughts. He has been prescribed Clonidine and has been on it for 10 days. He has had a very rough last 3 days with his symptoms constant and exacerbated. He walks around in circles stomping and he also touches his face while sniffing over and over. Our doctor said it could take a month to see any results from the clonidine. Is this true, what can be done to help him right now? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks