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Updated on September 13, 2023
4 min read

Dangers of Mixing Clonidine and Alcohol

Kelly Brown
Elena Borrelli M.S.PAC
Written by 
6 Sources Cited
Kelly Brown
Written by 
6 Sources Cited

Clonidine (known as Catapres) is a prescription antihypertensive blood pressure medication that treats hypertension. It decreases certain chemicals in the blood, causing blood vessels to relax and the heart to beat more easily.

Some people mix clonidine and alcohol to amplify alcohol's effects. However, mixing the two substances is very dangerous and increases the risks of serious side effects.

Can You Drink Alcohol on Clonidine?

Healthcare providers recommend that people using clonidine limit their intake of alcohol.  Alcohol intensifies the effects of the medication. Drinking alcohol and clonidine also depress the central nervous system (CNS), causing serious adverse reactions.

Mixing clonidine with alcohol may result in:

  • Dizziness
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Headaches
  • Hallucinations
  • Dangerous blood pressure shifts
  • Liver damage
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Coma
  • Death

Using clonidine with alcohol also increases the risk of overdose. Symptoms of a clonidine overdose include:

  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
  • Hypothermia
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Confusion
  • Irritability 
  • Decrease in reflexes
  • Dysrhythmias
  • Apnea
  • Coma

Overdose symptoms usually occur within 30 minutes to two hours after taking clonidine. However, they occur sooner when alcohol plays a role in the overdose.

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Why Do People Mix Alcohol and Clonidine?

Clonidine amplifies the effects of alcohol and other drugs. It boosts the intensity and duration of a high. 

For this reason, people abuse clonidine by mixing it with other substances, most frequently alcohol. Doing so produces a zombie-like effect that some use as a sleep aid.

Clonidine is also easier to obtain since it's not a controlled substance. Many doctors are likely to prescribe this drug for various conditions. For this reason, those who have a prescription can easily access it and use it to enhance their intoxication.

Clonidine

What is Clonidine Used For?

Clonidine is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • ADHD
  • Cravings for opioid drugs
  • Menopause symptoms
  • Smoking cessation
  • Tourette syndrome
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Side Effects of Clonidine 

Clonidine is FDA-approved and considered safe. However, like all medications, the use of it poses a risk of side effects. The most severe that require immediate medical attention include:

  • Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Syncope
  • Slowing of the heart leading to abnormal heart rhythms
  • Swelling of the lips and airway
  • Depression

Less severe and common side effects that tend to dissipate with time as your body adjusts to the drug include:

  • Constipation (common)
  • Decreased sexual ability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dry, itching, or burning eyes
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Rash or skin irritation (Sign of an allergic reaction)
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Clonidine for Alcohol Withdrawal

Clonidine eases the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and is occasionally used in addiction treatment. It’s especially effective for easing withdrawal symptoms such as:2

  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Anxiety
  • Tension
  • Depression

Clonidine is also effective in easing the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.3 These symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Cramping

Can You Get Addicted to Alcohol and Clonidine?

Most clonidine addictions involve alcohol. The medication is rarely abused on its own. Those already struggling with substance abuse or alcohol abuse are at risk of addiction if clonidine is introduced. 

Make sure you discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Get all the drug information you need before taking clonidine.

People addicted to clonidine and alcohol experience alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the combination of drugs. These include:

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Sweating
  • Seizures

Someone who abruptly stops using clonidine (after abusing it long-term) may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Hypertension
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid mood changes
  • Restlessness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Anxiety

Treatment for Clonidine and Alcohol Addiction

Detoxing and recovering from an alcohol and clonidine addiction requires medical supervision. The process is dangerous, and withdrawal puts someone at risk for serious side effects.

It’s important to gradually wean someone off the substances to reduce the risk of serious complications. Treatment options for clonidine and alcohol addiction include:

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient rehabilitation requires you to live in a recovery facility while receiving treatment. Professionals are available 24/7 to provide help. The treatment includes supervised care, individual and group therapy, and medical monitoring.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment offers addiction counseling sessions on an outpatient basis. This type of treatment is more flexible than inpatient treatment. It allows people to maintain some independence while still receiving professional help.

Medication-Assisted Therapy

Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) uses medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. You can combine this treatment with counseling, behavioral therapy, and other addiction treatment programs.

Support Groups

Support groups provide you with a safe environment to share your experiences with addiction. During these meetings, you'll receive encouragement from peers in recovery. Examples of support groups include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Summary

Clonidine and alcohol shouldn’t be used together. Mixing the two can create a risk of overdose and other adverse reactions. 

If you or someone you know suffers from an alcohol and clonidine addiction, seeking medical help is important. Detoxing from these substances should be done under medical supervision with gradual weaning.

Updated on September 13, 2023
6 sources cited
Updated on September 13, 2023
All Alcoholrehabhelp content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

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All content created by Alcohol Rehab Help is sourced from current scientific research and fact-checked by an addiction counseling expert. However, the information provided by Alcohol Rehab Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice.
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