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Clonidine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. But it might also be useful for managing anxiety. Learn more about how this medication works and its side effects.
Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication, meaning it’s designed to reduce your blood pressure and heart rate. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette’s syndrome. Clonidine is sold under the brand names Catapres or—when used to treat ADHD—Kapvay.
In some cases, a physician might prescribe clonidine off-label, meaning for reasons not approved by the FDA. For instance, psychiatrists from leading online psychiatry platforms might prescribe it to treat conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder.
Perhaps you’re curious about whether clonidine might offer a path to managing out-of-control anxiety. Or maybe you’ve been prescribed the medication and want to understand the side effects. Learn more about how clonidine works, its side effects, and its limitations.
Clonidine is what’s known as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. This type of drug decreases activity in your sympathetic nervous system, the part of your nervous system that triggers your body’s fight-or-flight response. By calming this stress response, clonidine also reduces physical anxiety symptoms, like sweating, shakiness, rapid heart rate, and quick breathing.
Current research shows that it might be best used for specific types of anxiety relief. For example, you might use it to manage panic attacks if you have panic disorder.
Clonidine isn’t considered a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, and it’s rarely used without another medication. Other medications have more evidence behind their effectiveness in treating anxiety. However, clonidine might be used in situations when other drugs are ineffective or come with too many health risks or side effects. For instance, benzodiazepines can also treat anxiety, but come with the risk of addiction. So, if you already have a history of substance abuse, a doctor might prescribe clonidine instead.
Clonidine is commonly prescribed in dosages that range from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per day. The medication can be available in various forms, including tablets for immediate or extended release. The exact dosage you’re prescribed will vary based on factors like your blood pressure, your body’s reaction to the drug, and co-occurring conditions you might have.
In some cases, you might notice that clonidine reduces your anxiety symptoms within an hour. The effects may continue to last between 6 and 10 hours. But it’s important to keep in mind that clonidine is often used alongside other medications.
The most common side effects of clonidine include:
Medication can affect different people in different ways. Less common but potentially serious side effects of clonidine include:
Reach out to your doctor immediately if you experience any of those serious effects.
If you suddenly stop taking the medication, you might experience withdrawal symptoms or an increase in blood pressure. Instead, you’ll need to taper off your usage.
Additionally, if you have a history of depression or heart disease, your doctor will want to closely monitor your reaction to the medication. Clonidine could potentially worsen these issues. Your doctor will likely warn you against mixing the medication with alcohol or other sedatives.
When taking clonidine, the following tips can help minimize health risks and side effects.
Get a prescription. Only ever use clonidine after getting a prescription from your doctor. They can determine the right dosage to start with and help monitor for side effects as your body adjusts to the medication.
Use it for specific issues. Your doctor will likely advise you that this medication is being used to target specific issues, such as intense waves of anxiety or panic.
Combine it with other anxiety management strategies. While it might be a helpful part of your treatment plan, clonidine isn’t a replacement for therapy or other long-term anxiety treatments. A comprehensive approach to improved mental health might include a combination of medication, therapy, and adjustments to your daily lifestyle.
Monitor your blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend that you regularly check your blood pressure for any changes. Because the medication can affect blood pressure, you’ll probably be prescribed the lowest possible dosage as you start treatment.
If clonidine isn’t working for you, your doctor may switch you to another medication. It’s also likely that they prescribe you other types of drugs before trying clonidine. Here are some alternatives.
SSRIs. Drugs like Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Lexapro (escitalopram) are options for long-term anxiety management. They increase serotonin, a chemical linked to mood regulation and lower anxiety.
SNRIs. Drugs like Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) also influence chemicals tied to mood regulation. They might come with more side effects than SSRIs, but are potentially more effective for some people.
Benzodiazepines. This class of drugs includes medications like Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). They’re fast-acting but carry a risk of addiction. They’re typically prescribed for short-term anxiety management.
Hydroxyzine. Developed to treat allergy symptoms, this fast-acting drug might also be used off-label to calm your nervous system.
Beta-blockers. Beta blockers, such as propranolol, can also help you manage situational anxiety. Like clonidine, they reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing heartbeat and sweating.
Non-medication strategies, such as mindfulness meditation and other stress-reduction habits, should be used alongside prescription drugs whenever possible. Finding a qualified therapist can also be an important step to take. A therapist can help you explore the roots of your anxiety as well as give you tools to manage it. To start your search for a mental health professional, read our reviews of the top online therapy platforms.
Last updated or reviewed on December 9, 2025Learn about common side effects, risks, and taking medication responsibly
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Prozac (fluoxetine) is an FDA-approved medication for anxiety-related conditions. Learn more about how this medication works and its side effects.
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