David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
Clonidine for ADHD
by Janice Rodden, ADDitude, Medically Reviewed by William Dodson, M.D.
June 26, 2019
What Is Clonidine?
Clonidine is the generic name for a medication taken to reduce blood pressure, or hypertension. It is part of the alpha-adrenergic agonist class of medication. Clonidine for high blood pressure affects nerve impulses in the brain to relax the blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through more easily, and lowering blood pressure.
In 2009, the FDA approved the use of extended-release clonidine for treating ADHD in children1. It is thought to trigger the release of norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which can improve ADHD symptoms like inattention and restlessness2.
Clonidine for ADHD
Kapvay is the brand name for an extended-release formulation of clonidine, also called clonidine ER. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 as monotherapy, or in addition to stimulant ADHD medications1.
Catapres is the brand name for a short-acting formulation of clonidine. Short-acting clonidine is not FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is sometimes used off-label because there is some evidence that the short-acting formulation also relieves ADHD symptoms3.
Clonidine: A Non-Stimulant Medication for ADHD
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD4 because they are considered the most effective; they alleviate symptoms for 70-80% of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). There are two types of stimulants: methylphenidates like Concerta, Ritalin and Daytrana, and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Evekeo.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are the second-line treatment for people who:
The non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine).
Benefits of Clonidine for ADHD
Clonidine extended-release tablets significantly decrease ADHD symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention for children ages 6 to 175.
Clonidine can expand or extend the benefits of stimulant ADHD medications for children whose symptoms aren’t fully alleviated by stimulant medication6, especially for children with oppositional defiant disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or tics2.
Clonidine can reduce conduct, or aggressive behavior, problems for children with ADHD when used in addition to stimulant medication7.
Clonidine can alleviate insomnia when used in addition to stimulant ADHD medications8.
Clonidine reduces symptoms, with fewer side effects, than other ADHD medications for some patients9.
Clonidine has a low risk of abuse or dependence. It is not a controlled substance, and may be a good option for someone with ADHD and a history of substance abuse.
Disadvantages of Clonidine for ADHD
Non-stimulants, including clonidine, are considered less effective for ADHD symptoms than are stimulants medications like Ritalin and Adderall.
Clonidine can be very sedating, which can make it hard to function at work or drive a vehicle10.
Clonidine does not last as long as some other non-stimulants, like guanfacine10.
Forms and Dosage of Clonidine
Clonidine is available as a tablet (Catapres) and an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). Catapres is available in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg tablets. Kapvay is available in 0.1 and 0.2 mg tablets.
It is taken by mouth once or twice daily. The optimal dosage varies patient by patient. Your doctor will likely start you or your child on the lowest dose available, and then increase the dosage over 2 to 7 days until you determine the right dose.
Side Effects of Clonidine for ADHD
The most common side effects of clonidine are:
The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Footnotes
1 FDA. “Pediatric Postmarketing Pharmacovigilance and Drug Utilization Review.” Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, 20 Nov. 2017. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
2 Sallee, Floyd R. “The Role of Alpha 2 Agonists in the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Paradigm.” Medscape, 2008. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
3 Ming, Xue, et al. “Safety and efficacy of clonidine and clonidine extended-release in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 2: 105-112. 30 September 2011. doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S15672
4 Pliszka, Steven, et al. “Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7): 894-921. July 2007. doi: 10.1097/chi.0b013e318054e724
5 Jain, Rakesh, et al. “Clonidine extended-release tablets for pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(2): 171-9. February 2011. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2010.11.005
6 Kollins, Scott, et al. “Clonidine Extended-Release Tablets as Add-on Therapy to Psychostimulants in Children and Adolescents With ADHD.” Pediatrics, 127(6): 1406-1413. June 2011. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-1260
7 Hazell, Philip, L., et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Clonidine Added to Psychostimulant Medication for Hyperactive and Aggressive Children.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(8): 886-894. June 2011. doi: 10.1097/01.CHI.0000046908.27264.00
8 Barrett, Jessica, et al. “To sleep or not to sleep: a systematic review of the literature of pharmacological treatments of insomnia in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 23(10): 640-7. December 2013. doi: 10.1089/cap.2013.0059
9 Ruiling, Luan, et al. “Efficacy and Tolerability of Different Interventions in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13 November 2017. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229
10 Kolar, Dusan, et al. “Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 4(2): 389-403. 11 April 208. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S6985
11MedlinePlus. “Clonidine.” The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated May 15, 2017. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682243.html
by Janice Rodden, ADDitude, Medically Reviewed by William Dodson, M.D.
June 26, 2019
What Is Clonidine?
Clonidine is the generic name for a medication taken to reduce blood pressure, or hypertension. It is part of the alpha-adrenergic agonist class of medication. Clonidine for high blood pressure affects nerve impulses in the brain to relax the blood vessels, allowing blood to pass through more easily, and lowering blood pressure.
In 2009, the FDA approved the use of extended-release clonidine for treating ADHD in children1. It is thought to trigger the release of norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which can improve ADHD symptoms like inattention and restlessness2.
Clonidine for ADHD
Kapvay is the brand name for an extended-release formulation of clonidine, also called clonidine ER. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 for ADHD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 as monotherapy, or in addition to stimulant ADHD medications1.
Catapres is the brand name for a short-acting formulation of clonidine. Short-acting clonidine is not FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It is sometimes used off-label because there is some evidence that the short-acting formulation also relieves ADHD symptoms3.
Clonidine: A Non-Stimulant Medication for ADHD
Stimulant medications are the first-line treatment for ADHD4 because they are considered the most effective; they alleviate symptoms for 70-80% of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). There are two types of stimulants: methylphenidates like Concerta, Ritalin and Daytrana, and amphetamines like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Evekeo.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are the second-line treatment for people who:
- Don’t experience symptom relief with stimulants
- Experience severe side effects form stimulants
- Can’t take stimulants because of a health condition, like heart disease
The non-stimulant medications that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD include Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine).
Benefits of Clonidine for ADHD
Clonidine extended-release tablets significantly decrease ADHD symptoms including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention for children ages 6 to 175.
Clonidine can expand or extend the benefits of stimulant ADHD medications for children whose symptoms aren’t fully alleviated by stimulant medication6, especially for children with oppositional defiant disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or tics2.
Clonidine can reduce conduct, or aggressive behavior, problems for children with ADHD when used in addition to stimulant medication7.
Clonidine can alleviate insomnia when used in addition to stimulant ADHD medications8.
Clonidine reduces symptoms, with fewer side effects, than other ADHD medications for some patients9.
Clonidine has a low risk of abuse or dependence. It is not a controlled substance, and may be a good option for someone with ADHD and a history of substance abuse.
Disadvantages of Clonidine for ADHD
Non-stimulants, including clonidine, are considered less effective for ADHD symptoms than are stimulants medications like Ritalin and Adderall.
Clonidine can be very sedating, which can make it hard to function at work or drive a vehicle10.
Clonidine does not last as long as some other non-stimulants, like guanfacine10.
Forms and Dosage of Clonidine
Clonidine is available as a tablet (Catapres) and an extended-release tablet (Kapvay). Catapres is available in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg tablets. Kapvay is available in 0.1 and 0.2 mg tablets.
It is taken by mouth once or twice daily. The optimal dosage varies patient by patient. Your doctor will likely start you or your child on the lowest dose available, and then increase the dosage over 2 to 7 days until you determine the right dose.
Side Effects of Clonidine for ADHD
The most common side effects of clonidine are:
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Sexual side effects
The above is not a complete list of potential side effects. If you notice any health changes not listed above, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Footnotes
1 FDA. “Pediatric Postmarketing Pharmacovigilance and Drug Utilization Review.” Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, 20 Nov. 2017. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
2 Sallee, Floyd R. “The Role of Alpha 2 Agonists in the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatment Paradigm.” Medscape, 2008. Web. 23 Jun. 2019.
3 Ming, Xue, et al. “Safety and efficacy of clonidine and clonidine extended-release in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, 2: 105-112. 30 September 2011. doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S15672
4 Pliszka, Steven, et al. “Practice Parameter for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 46(7): 894-921. July 2007. doi: 10.1097/chi.0b013e318054e724
5 Jain, Rakesh, et al. “Clonidine extended-release tablets for pediatric patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 50(2): 171-9. February 2011. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2010.11.005
6 Kollins, Scott, et al. “Clonidine Extended-Release Tablets as Add-on Therapy to Psychostimulants in Children and Adolescents With ADHD.” Pediatrics, 127(6): 1406-1413. June 2011. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-1260
7 Hazell, Philip, L., et al. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Clonidine Added to Psychostimulant Medication for Hyperactive and Aggressive Children.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(8): 886-894. June 2011. doi: 10.1097/01.CHI.0000046908.27264.00
8 Barrett, Jessica, et al. “To sleep or not to sleep: a systematic review of the literature of pharmacological treatments of insomnia in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 23(10): 640-7. December 2013. doi: 10.1089/cap.2013.0059
9 Ruiling, Luan, et al. “Efficacy and Tolerability of Different Interventions in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.” Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13 November 2017. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00229
10 Kolar, Dusan, et al. “Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 4(2): 389-403. 11 April 208. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S6985
11MedlinePlus. “Clonidine.” The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Updated May 15, 2017. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682243.html
