Catapres
From Drug Rehab Wiki
Catapres is the brand name for the generic medication clonidine hydrochloride. The medication is a centrally acting alpha-agonist hypertensive agent that is generally available as a tablet for oral administration. Catapres is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure.
While the FDA has not approved this method, Catapres is also sometimes used to relieve the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol use, aiding in methadone and opiate detoxification and as an aid to quit smoking. Catapres has also been used to treat diabetic diarrhea and to treat Tourette’s Syndrome.
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Abuses of Catapres
When Catapres is administered in the treatment of those with an addiction to other drugs such as heroin, it poses specific problems for abuse. As a result of the drug’s use in individuals who already have a dependence problem, further cause dependence and addiction can be common in users who are not closely monitored.
An individual who abuses alcohol or other substances is at a greater risk for Catapres abuse. In addition, the abuse of this particular drug is often associated with transmission of infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV. Catapres is often diverted for non-medical use, therefore it is recommended that careful records are kept in the ordering and dispensing of the drug.
Effects of Catapres
Catapres that is used for its original intent will lower blood pressure by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood. This process allows your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily. As an individual takes Catapres – either for high blood pressure or other uses, certain side effects can be common. Serious side effects associated with the use of Catapres include fast or pounding heartbeats, a very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute), feeling short of breath – even with mild exertion, swelling, rapid weight gain, confusion, hallucinations, fever, pale skin, urinating less than usual or not at all and feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious side effects that can result from the use of Catapres include feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired, or nervous, dry mouth, dry or burning eyes, blurred vision, headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, sleep problems (insomnia), urinating more at night, mild skin rash or itching, decreased sex drive and impotence.
Withdrawal of Catapres
No matter the cause of the Catapres use, those who rely on the medication in the long-term should not discontinue therapy without consulting their physician. Sudden cessation of the Catapres can produce certain withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to handle. In some instances, withdrawal from the medication has resulted in death.
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Catapres withdrawal stage:
• Nervousness • Agitation • Headache • Tremor • Rapid rise in blood pressure • Elevated catecholamine concentrations • Hypertensive encephalopathy • Cerebrovacsular accidents
Treatment of Catapres Addiction
As a result of the life-threatening symptoms that can arise when a patient stops taking Catapres after long-term use or abuse, it is imperative that treatment be administered by a health care professional. Sudden cessation should never occur and an individual should only discontinue the medication under the care of a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist.
A quality treatment center will perform a comfortable detox method that uses withdrawal medications specific to the individual and their type of abuse. A full physical on a person will be done to determine the right medications for comfortable detox. This method helps to correct the chemical imbalances in the individual and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care. Such an approach helps to identify the reason for the addiction, while treating the whole person.
