As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where clonidine interactions can occur. In such cases, use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with this medication include the following.
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Any sedating drug
- Digitalis
- Calcium channel blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Agents that affect sinus node function or AV nodal conductions
Please note that this list is not complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Trazodone (Oleptro)
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication sold under several brand names including Oleprtro. Trazodone can have a sedative effect. Taking it with clonidine can increase the severity of that effect, meaning it can lead to increased sedation.
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Mirtazapine is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression. It is sold under the brand name Remeron. Taking clonidine with mirtazapine can increase the sedative effect of the mirtazapine.
Methadone (Diskets)
Methadone is an opioid drug often used in an opioid replacement program. Although methadone is also an opioid that can be addictive, it tends to be easier to withdraw from, so someone who is addicted to heroin might take it to help calm the withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Taking methadone with clonidine can increase the risk and severity of adverse effects from the methadone such as sedation.
Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
Methylphenidate, sold under the brand name Ritalin among others, is a stimulant used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Taking methylphenidate and clonidine together can impact heart rhythm. Anyone taking both should contact their doctor if they feel an irregular heartbeat or chest tightness.
Metoprolol Tartrate
Metoprolol is a selective beta-blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart. Metoprolol is sold under the brand name Lopressor.
Taking metoprolol with clonidine can increase the risk of developing extremely low blood pressure. ( in some cases physicians want patients to be on multiple blood pressure lowering medications)
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Alprazolam, typically sold under the brand name Xanax. Is a short-acting tranquilizer used to treat anxiety and panic disorders? Taking it at the same time as clonidine may lead to excessive sedation.
Adderall
Adderall is the brand name of a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also be a performance enhancer. It works as a stimulant.
It’s unclear if there is an interaction between Adderall and clonidine. But, it is important to discuss with your doctor about possible drug interactions.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine found in over-the-counter products like Benadryl. It is also an active ingredient in nighttime pain relievers such as Tylenol PM or Advil PM. The reason these nighttime products contain diphenhydramine is that it causes drowsiness.
When diphenhydramine and clonidine are combined, they can cause an increased sedative effect, including the risk of oversedation.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Some people take a melatonin supplement as a sleep aid. People who take melatonin supplements should alert their doctor if considering clonidine.
Mixing melatonin with clonidine can increase the sedative effect and lead to possible oversedation.
Gabapentin (Neuraptine)
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures, neuropathic pain, hot flashes, and restless leg syndrome. Gabapentin is sold under the brand name Neurontin. Taking gabapentin with clonidine can increase the risk of sedation.
Food Interactions
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications. Food and drink that may interact with this drug include:
- Alcohol
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Clonidine and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on clonidine and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions. According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with clonidine include:
- Bradycardia — a slow heartbeat
- Coronary insufficiency — reduced blood flow to the heart
- Dehydration — not enough fluid intake
- History of heart attack
- History of heart disease
- History of heart valve disease
- History of heart rhythm problems
- Hypotension — Low blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Stomach or intestinal problems
- History of stroke
- History of syncope — fainting
- Kidney disease — may require a lower dose
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take this medication.
Clonidine and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on clonidine and pregnancy risks.(don’t add anything here)
Weight Changes
Weight gain is listed as a rare side effect of taking clonidine. It is unclear whether taking this drug might cause some people to lose weight, though.
Heart Rate
Clonidine treats high blood pressure by decreasing a person’s heart rate and relaxing the blood vessels so blood flows easier. Those who already have a low heart rate may have complications if they take clonidine.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
