For many people, the fear of withdrawal can be the biggest obstacle to overcoming opioid use disorder. Anxiety, fever, intense cravings, and other symptoms of opioid withdrawal can feel overwhelming.

Withdrawal symptoms can make it hard to imagine getting through the first few days without opioids. Medications such as clonidine can help make the process easier.

Clonidine is one medication that can help during detoxification as you transition away from using opioids. Although clonidine doesn't help with cravings, it may help ease other distressing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, and make stopping opioids safer and more manageable.

Understanding how clonidine works, what symptoms it manages, and what to expect while taking it can help you feel more prepared and supported as you take this important step toward recovery. Below, we'll take a look at what clonidine is and how it can help during recovery from opioid use disorder.

Clonidine and Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid withdrawal — also called opioid withdrawal syndrome — is a group of symptoms brought on by abruptly stopping opioids. Opioid medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone are highly addictive pain relievers that can cause withdrawal symptoms, even after short-term use. When drugs like morphine and heroin lead to symptoms, it's sometimes called opiate withdrawal.

Clonidine doesn't reduce opioid cravings the way methadone and buprenorphine do. Instead, clonidine helps manage other distressing and uncomfortable symptoms. Because of its calming effects, clonidine may help manage symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Heavy sweating
• Irritability or agitation
• Stomach cramps, pain, and muscle aches
• Nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose

It's important to know that clonidine doesn't treat every withdrawal symptom. Cravings are often treated with methadone or buprenorphine, while symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and trouble sleeping may be managed with other medications. A healthcare provider may recommend additional medications for diarrhea and muscle-related symptoms.

How Clonidine Is Used During Detoxification

Opioid medications are prescribed to treat severe pain. However, the effects on the brain can lead to a high risk of opioid dependence and addiction. Opioids briefly increase levels of dopamine, a brain chemical linked to feelings of pleasure.

When the urge to use these drugs becomes hard to control, opioid use disorder can develop. Clonidine is often used as part of a larger opioid use disorder treatment plan to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of continued opioid use.

Clonidine May Be Used With Other Opioid Use Disorder Medications

For people with opioid use disorder, detoxification often involves several treatments.

Medications such as methadone may be prescribed to reduce opioid cravings and certain withdrawal symptoms. These treatments act on the same parts of the brain as opioids and help restore balance so you can focus on recovery.

Clonidine helps reduce other withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and agitation, to support recovery. Naltrexone is another medication that may lower the risk of relapse, but it's usually started only after a person has been opioid-free long enough to avoid triggering sudden withdrawal. For many people, that's about seven to 10 days after short-acting opioids and 10 to 14 days after long-acting opioids.

To help keep withdrawal symptoms under control, medications should be taken only as prescribed and under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.

The Larger Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Picture

At treatment facilities, medications are often combined with other strategies to support recovery. Treatment programs may involve counseling and medical care to support you or your loved one. Individual, group, and family counseling can help people change drug-related behaviors and build healthier habits.

Counseling may also help people stick with their treatment plans. A counselor can help connect you with long-term support, such as Narcotics Anonymous and other peer support groups.

Other treatment options that may help during opioid withdrawal include staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and exercising. Drinking water may help prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Physical activity can help release endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help regulate stress, discomfort, and mood.

Using Clonidine Safely

Clonidine can cause side effects and other risks, so it should be used only as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Don't try to use clonidine to manage detoxification on your own or stop using it without talking to your doctor first.

Side Effects of Clonidine

Clonidine can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Common side effects of clonidine include:

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or nausea
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Low energy, fatigue, or drowsiness
• Sexual side effects
• Dry mouth

In rare cases, clonidine can cause side effects that require urgent medical attention. These may include severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat, a very slow heart rate, fainting, or a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Some people may also notice worsening depression or mood changes.

Clonidine Misuse and Dependency

It's possible to become dependent on clonidine, although this is uncommon. To help lower the risk of misuse or dependence, use clonidine only under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Signs of clonidine dependence may include:

• Having strong cravings or urges to use clonidine
• Feeling like you need to take it each day
• Needing higher doses over time to get the same effects
• Spending more money on it than you can afford
• Keeping extra medication to avoid running out
• Feeling unable to stop taking it, even if you want to
• Feeling sick or uncomfortable when trying to stop taking it

To use clonidine safely, take it only as prescribed by your doctor. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your healthcare provider first. Although clonidine can be a helpful part of detoxification, long-term recovery from opioid use disorder also depends on ongoing medical care, mental health support, and a strong support system.

Join the Conversation

On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you or a loved one been prescribed clonidine? Let others know in the comments below.