Clonidine for Treating Hot Flashes
Examples
Clonidine is available by prescription only in pill or
patch form.
How It Works
Clonidine is a blood pressure medicine
that relaxes the smooth muscle of blood vessels, causing them to widen, or
dilate. This reduces the pressure of blood flow through the artery. Clonidine's
effect on hot flashes is not well understood.
Why It Is Used
Clonidine can be used to treat hot
flashes. Because it is a nonhormonal treatment, women with a history of breast
cancer can use it without increasing the risk of further cancer cell growth (as
in the case of estrogen treatment).
How Well It Works
Clonidine may relieve hot flashes for
some women. But studies have not shown that clonidine makes hot flashes less
severe or less frequent.1
If you have
high blood pressure and hot flashes, clonidine may be an effective choice for
both problems.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of clonidine
include:
- Drowsiness, fatigue.
- Dry
mouth.
- Difficulty
sleeping.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
Clonidine lowers blood pressure, so your blood pressure is
monitored while you are taking this medicine. With low blood pressure, sitting
or standing up quickly may make you dizzy (called postural or
orthostatic hypotension).
The clonidine
patch may cause skin irritation.
See Drug Reference for a full
list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The clonidine patch should be
changed weekly.
Do not suddenly stop taking
clonidine. To stop clonidine use, slowly decrease your dose over 2 to 4 days to
prevent nervousness, agitation, headache, confusion, and tremor along with a
sudden rise in blood pressure (rebound hypertension).
Clonidine
for treating
hot flashes is an
off-label use.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
- Morris E, Rymer J (2007). Menopausal symptoms, search
date December 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carla J. Herman, MD, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine |
|---|
| Last Revised | May 4, 2010 |
|---|
Last Revised:
May 4, 2010
Morris E, Rymer J (2007). Menopausal symptoms, search
date December 2006. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence. Also available online:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
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