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Post by gabrielsmom on Apr 26, 2004 10:58:32 GMT -5
Can you use Clonidine to help with aggression, frustration tolerance and tantrums, as well as sleep issues?. Am I correct in specifying what issues Clonidine is supposed to work for?
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Post by catseye on Apr 26, 2004 11:16:41 GMT -5
Agression is the reason my sd8 is on clonodine... It is hard for me to believe that such a small dose (.05 mg) has made such a tremendous change in her aggression! This year is like a different little girl compared to last years nightmare!! Last year she was getting referalls once a week at lease, suspended off the bus etc etc...
And the bonus is of course help falling asleep the other .05 mg does at night...
cat
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Post by gabrielsmom on Apr 26, 2004 11:25:11 GMT -5
Thank you Catseye for responding
I am considering telling my son's doc to add clonidine to my sons meds. He is taking adderrall xr for adhd but I am going to ask his doc to change to concerta. Seems to me that adderrall xr might be making his tantrums and rages worse. they are not happening more frecuently just that when they do happend they are more intense. Quite frankly, I am tired of getting beat up by an 8 yr. old. This needs to stop and it needs to stop NOW!!!....(quick vent)....so anyway, this is why i am considering clonidine and was wondering if it would help.
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Post by catseye on Apr 26, 2004 16:49:42 GMT -5
Just an FYI sort of thing, they made my sd go to the hospital to get an eeg (or is it ekg?) the heart monitor test... It was a simple test but a bit unnerving about WHY it was necessary before starting clonidine...
The other suggestion from dr, was risperdal but I guess in her opinion clonidine is the lesser of the 2 so we started with it, and it has worked so far, so no risperdal... Also my sd is on adderall xr 30 mg along with the clonidine, not that it matters I just thought it was interesting that you saw an increased aggression with the adderall xr, we attributed sd's aggression to expressing herself when her mom suddenly came back in her life... Good luck
cat
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Post by shelli on Apr 26, 2004 19:19:39 GMT -5
Clonidine in addition to the ritalin has worked well for us. Huge decrease in aggressive behavior and helps her fall asleep alot easier.
Shelli
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Post by gabrielsmom on Apr 26, 2004 20:36:53 GMT -5
Thank you Shelli.....
Doc just switched him to Concerta at my request....let's see what happens. He said if we still have the rages and tantrums that he would add either clonidine or risperdal to the mix. I have already made up my mind that it will be clonidine though.....doc just doesn't know yet....LOL...
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Post by shelli on May 4, 2004 22:24:31 GMT -5
How is the Concerta going? Let us know!
Shelli
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Post by ohmama on May 5, 2004 12:20:46 GMT -5
I am very interested in this med and have been trying to do some research on what it does. Not being computer savvy, my results leave a lot to be desired.
Could someone please answer any of these questions?
1. Is this med in the stimulant family?
2. What does the term central alpha anonist/blocker mean in understandable English?
3. Who is the manufacturer of this and does it have other names besides Clonidine? Is Catapress or Cylert the same thing?
4. What about adverse interactions if taking this with Depakote?
5. Is taking the heart test (EKG) before, after or during the use of this drug advisable? Why or why not?
6. Is this a new med?
Thank you in advance to anyone taking the time to respond to these questions. I am in a serious situation. I caught my boys trying to set a fire in the back yard yesterday. When I brought them in the house and very calmly explained why this was dangerous they didn't seem to think it was serious. You could see the far away look in the eye and could almost read into it that the expression on my one boys face was that he was thinking what it would be like if he didn't get caught. He was actually smiling as I was talking about the danger.
The smile quickly left his face when I informed them of the consequences. No TV, computer, or special treats at Taco Bell after school till July (almost 2 months). Because of the seriousness of the offense and their attitude I felt this was appropriate. I didn't even get the whole thing said and they flew into a rage that lasted an hour. I thought the boy that was on Depakote should have been somewhat more under control but he was the worst.
It wasn't the length of the punishment that triggered the rage. I know this because I didn't even get to say everything before they went nuts on me. It was more than the normal protest. It was very violent. It was the fact that they didn't want any punishment because they don't like consequences and I saw a terrible loss of self control or willingness to take responsibility that went beyond what you would call a bad attitude.
They are 10 years old and I dread the thought of what it will be like when they are older. This has to be brought under control now. I'm very scared for them. I am wondering if Clonidine would be helpful?
I haven't found a good doctor yet and will have to work with the one I have for now. Do you think I should suggest this med to him?
I know I have a lot of questions and don't mean to hijack this thread but thought this is where you moms will be most likely to respond with information on it.
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Post by catseye on May 5, 2004 12:34:01 GMT -5
Hi ohmama, I can only answer some of those questions right now... When I get home I have the paper from the pharmacy that will probably answer more of them, but for now... For sd 8 she had to take the EKG before... It was explained to me to make sure her heart was in good condition before starting... There so far has been no mention of a follow up EKG, and I am not sure why... Maybe she was way ok? I will have to ask that question it sure is a good one that I would of never thought of... I am sorry you are still dealing with such rage, that seems to be over very insignificant issues... For my SD those rages have decreased darn near 100%... Of course there are still days, but nothing as out of control, and violent as before... I found this site very helpfull, when I was feeling alone in this type of issue members.tripod.com/LeeLydon/rage.html ... BTW you are not alone in the ugly rages, nor are you alone in fearing for the future... I will try to answer some of the other questions when I get home tonight... Take care, and we are here for you... cat |
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Post by Brenda on May 5, 2004 14:40:55 GMT -5
I can answer a coulpe of your questions. 1. Is this med in the stimulant family?No 3. Who is the manufacturer of this and does it have other names besides Clonidine? Is Catapress or Cylert the same thing?Catapres is the brand name for clonidine. My dd was taking clonidine for her odd behavior and it helped but made in too sleepy during school.Tenex is about the same thing but is less sedating. |
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Post by catseye on May 5, 2004 22:13:44 GMT -5
Well I got my phamicist thing, alot of information! Instead of answer your questions directly I will just start typing...
common brand name -catapres
uses This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. It works by stimulating certain brain receptros (alpha adrenergic type) which results in the relaxing of blood vessels in other parst of your body, causing them to widen. Lowering high blood pressure helps preven strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
other uses
This medication may also be used to ease withdrawal symptoms associated with the long term use of narcotics, alcohol and nicotine (smoking). In addition, clonidine may also be used for migraine headaches, hot flashes associated with menopause, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use
Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime) or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therabpy. Use this medication regularaly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same times each day as directed. It is important to continue takeing this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sik. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor because you condition may become worse. A serious rapid increase in your blood pressure (rebound hypertension) may occure when this drug is suddenly stopped or if you miss 2 or more dosses in a row, especially if you have been taking it for a long time, at higher doses, or with a beta-blocker medication. Therefore it is important that you do not run out of clonidine. There have been reports of rare, but severe (possibly fatal) results, including stroke, from stopping this drug too quickly. If you must stop taking this drug, your dose should be gradually decreased over several days as directed by your doctor. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase)
Side effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, or constipation may occur as you body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effect persist or worsen notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, dink water or use a saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immedicately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occure: fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, depression. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention ifit occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notic other effects not listed above, contact you doctor or phamacist.
Precautions
Before taking clonidine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you developed a rash during treatment with clonidine in the patch form: or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell you doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of :kidney disease, heart disease (e.g., sever coronary insufficiency, conduction disorders, recent heart attack), depression, blood circulation disorders (e.g., raynaud's disease). Before having surgery tell you doctor or dentist that you are takin this medication. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy: use caution engaging in activities requireing alertness such as driving or using machinery. limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness. Cuation is advised when using this drug in children> If they cannot take doses of this medication due to vomiting from stomach/abdominal illnesses, they may be at increased risk for developing rebound hypertention. Consult your doctor immedicately about what to do in case your child becomes to ill to take this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Me again resting my hands, then I will finish with drug interactions in the next post...
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Post by catseye on May 5, 2004 22:26:43 GMT -5
drug interations Before using this medication, tell your doctor or phamacist of all prescription and nonprescreiption/herbal product you may use, especially of beta-blocker drugs (e.g. metroprolol, propranolol), cyclobenzaprine, other drugs which can slow the heart rate (e.g., digoxin, calcium channel blockers, guanethidine), MAO inhibitors (e.g. furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline,isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g. cough and cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increas your blood pressure. Many cough and cold products may also contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cuase drowsiness such as: antihistamines (e.b. diphenhydramine), anti anxiety drugs (e.g. diazepam), anti seizure drugs (e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital), medicine for sleep (e.g. sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g. codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g. phenothizines such as clorpromazine), tranquilizers. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or phamacist approval... WHEW!!! I sure hope that all helps... BTW I didnt take alot of time checking it, so there may be some gramatical errors to ignore  cat |
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Post by ohmama on May 5, 2004 23:04:40 GMT -5
Oh Cat, that was terrific!! Thank you so much. Just think of all the typing practice you got with it LOL.
I hate to bug you again but does your information say who the manufacturer is?
Thanks, your the best!
Also a big thanks to Brenda!
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Post by catseye on May 6, 2004 21:25:19 GMT -5
hmm... I dont see the manufacturer on there at all... Sorry!
cat
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Post by Mayleng on May 7, 2004 18:34:10 GMT -5
ohmama, clonidine comes in many different name brands and are manufacturered by different companies. Here is a listing: Substance: clonidine hydrochloride Trade Names: Catanidin 0. 150 mg, 0. 30 mg tab. Bender A Catapres 0. 100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0. 3 mg tab. Boehringer U.S. Mylan Pharm. U.S. Wyatt Pharm.U.S. Catapres (o.c.) 0. 100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0. 3 mg tab. Warner Chilcott U.S. Par Pharm. U.S. Elkin-Sinn U. Catapresan 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg tab.; Boehringer G, FI,DK, A, ES GR, CZ, NO Catapresan 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg tab.; Bender A Clorudin 0. 150 mg, 0. 30 mg, tab.; 3M Medica G Clonidine 0. 100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0. 3 mg tab.; Schein U.S. Clonidine (o.c.) 0. 100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0. 3 mg tab.; Barr Labs U.S. Clonidine HCL 0.100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0.3 mg tab.; Pure Pack U.S. Clonisin 0.150 mg tab.; Leiras FTC.-ratio-pharm (o.c) 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg tab.; Ratiopharm G Clonistada (o.c) 0. 150 mg, 0. 30 mg, tab.; Stadapharm G Combipres 0.100 mg, 0.20 mg, 0.3 mg tab.; Par Pharm. U.S. Dixarit 0.025 mg drag.; Boehringer Ingelh. G Haemiton 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg tab.,- Dresden G Arzneimittelwerk Mirfat 0. 150 mg, 0. 30 mg, tab.; Merckle G Paracefan 0 The most common one is Catapres by Boehringer There is also more info at this link: www.healthtouch.com/bin/Econtent_HT/drugShowLfts.asp?fname=usp0221.htm&title=Catapres&cid=HTDRUG |
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