{"id":629435,"date":"2024-08-14T13:13:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T17:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629435"},"modified":"2025-10-22T16:53:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T20:53:48","slug":"is-clonidine-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-clonidine-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is clonidine a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to estimates from the <\/span>American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> (AHA), around half of the U.S. adult population has high blood pressure (hypertension). Most of these individuals remain unaware of their condition. The good news is that certain prescription medications can help\u2014including clonidine. Known by the brand name Catapres, clonidine<\/a> is an antihypertensive drug that lowers blood pressure by dilating and relaxing blood vessels. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Catapres for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and managing tics related to Tourette’s Syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some ADHD medications are controlled substances. Most blood pressure drugs are not. So, where does clonidine fall?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is clonidine a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cClonidine is not classified as a controlled substance due to its low potential for abuse compared to other medications,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Andrew Youssouf<\/span><\/a>, Addiction Medicine physician and the medical director of <\/span>Ikon Recovery<\/span><\/a>. According to the <\/span>U.S. Controlled Substances Act<\/span><\/a>, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can classify a drug as controlled based on \u201cthe substance\u2019s medical use, potential for abuse, and safety or dependence liability.\u201d Clonidine has little to no risk of addiction and a low potential for overdose. Therefore, clonidine is not classified as a narcotic and does not fall on the DEA\u2019s schedule for controlled substances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat being said, it can still be misused for its sedative properties, especially when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol,\u201d Dr. Youssouf says. It can <\/span>amplify the effects<\/span><\/a> of alcohol consumption, illicit drugs, and other central nervous system depressants. That\u2019s why individuals looking to extend their \u201chigh\u201d may take it, according to the American Addiction Centers, but it could cause serious side effects that require medical attention. In extreme cases, clonidine abuse may cause loss of consciousness, stroke, seizures, heart failure, heart attacks, respiratory depression, coma, or even death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen taken in excess or with other substances, clonidine may cause extreme tiredness, depression, cardiac system complications, disruption, digestive issues, severe allergic reactions, and hallucinations,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Lea McMahon, LPC, EdD<\/span><\/a>, the chief clinical officer at <\/span>Symetria Recovery<\/span><\/a>. However, \u201csome of these side effects may also be experienced with clonidine alone, which is why a patient should only consume it under the close supervision of a trusted and knowledgeable physician.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants like antihistamines, allergy or cold medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medicine, prescription pain medications, barbiturates, seizure medications, or muscle relaxants should tell their healthcare provider and pharmacist before taking clonidine. Their physician may look for other options that don\u2019t present the same risks or adjust the dosage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, a healthcare provider might use clonidine as a detox method to help ease withdrawal symptoms, says Dr. McMahon. But \u201cthis should only be an explored remedy under the monitored care of a healthcare professional due to the sensitive nature of recovery itself, and the serious issues in motion that patients encounter while on their journey of sobriety.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonidine side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

On its own, clonidine use poses few serious risks. Still, it\u2019s important to know the potential adverse effects it may cause. According to <\/span>clinical trial results<\/span><\/a> from the drug\u2019s prescription label, the most common <\/span>side effects of clonidine<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n