Aa
klonodine
is it ok to use klonodine to help with opiate withdrawals
I take clonidine and it helps alot with my withdraws!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It appears that you may be confusing two medications--
Clonidine is the generic name for a blood pressure medication in the class of drugs called 'alpha-2 agonists'-- and has been a classic treatment for opioid withdrawal for a number of years.
Klonopin is the brand name for a drug with the generic name clonazepam, and is a benzodiazepine that has actions similar to diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Clonazepam and other benzos are sometimes given to people to help tolerate withdrawal, but they are addictive as well, and so some people would recommend avoiding them.
In my opinion, opioid withdrawal is so miserable that both can and should be used-- IF in a controlled environment, such as a detox center or hospital. But I would be very careful about prescribing benzos for outpatient withdrawal---- they are respiratory depressants, and if the person starts using opioid agonists in combination with benzos, there is significant risk for overdose and even death.
Clonidine, on the other hand, doesn't have the respiratory depressant actions. It does, though, lower blood pressure-- so it should only be used in people who are adequately 'hydrated'-- i.e. drinking and keeping down liquids, without dehydration from nausea or diarrhea. It won't eliminate withdrawal, but it will reduce most of the symptoms by 25% to 50% intensity.
Clonidine is the generic name for a blood pressure medication in the class of drugs called 'alpha-2 agonists'-- and has been a classic treatment for opioid withdrawal for a number of years.
Klonopin is the brand name for a drug with the generic name clonazepam, and is a benzodiazepine that has actions similar to diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan). Clonazepam and other benzos are sometimes given to people to help tolerate withdrawal, but they are addictive as well, and so some people would recommend avoiding them.
In my opinion, opioid withdrawal is so miserable that both can and should be used-- IF in a controlled environment, such as a detox center or hospital. But I would be very careful about prescribing benzos for outpatient withdrawal---- they are respiratory depressants, and if the person starts using opioid agonists in combination with benzos, there is significant risk for overdose and even death.
Clonidine, on the other hand, doesn't have the respiratory depressant actions. It does, though, lower blood pressure-- so it should only be used in people who are adequately 'hydrated'-- i.e. drinking and keeping down liquids, without dehydration from nausea or diarrhea. It won't eliminate withdrawal, but it will reduce most of the symptoms by 25% to 50% intensity.
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