Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, and have no other medical conditions, you are more likely to experience the following side effects:

• Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, fatigue, dizziness when standing, dry eyes, and constipation are some of the symptoms. Clonidine may lower blood pressure and increase the risk of falling when transferring from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. Clonidine drowsiness can impair a person's ability to drive or operate machinery.
• Agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, skin reactions, slow heart rate, and increased sensitivity to alcohol are some of the less common side effects. The use of clonidine has been linked to skin rash.
• Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, tremor, and headache, as well as a rapid rise in blood pressure; taper off slowly on the advice of a doctor, and reinstate clonidine if necessary.
• Transdermal clonidine may cause an initially localized skin rash at the site of application; continued use may result in a more generalized rash; seek immediate medical attention.
• Clonidine may aggravate or cause arrhythmias, especially when combined with other medications that affect the sympathetic nervous system (such as epinephrine).
• Some people, including those who have previously experienced allergic reactions to clonidine, may be ineligible.
• When using for children, use caution, especially if they have a gastrointestinal illness that may cause vomiting and insufficient tablet absorption.
• Can be given up to 4 hours before surgery and then resumed shortly after.
• For the elderly, a dosage reduction may be necessary.
• Clonidine should be used during pregnancy only if the advantages outweigh the risks. Clonidine is excreted in breast milk, so use caution when administering it to a lactating woman.

Seniors and children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures), or people who take other medications are more likely to experience a broader range of side effects.