Get clonidine for ADHD online

Clonidine is classified as an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist. This means it stimulates alpha-2 receptors in the brain. These receptors act like a “dimmer switch” for neurotransmitters, like norepinephrine, that carry chemical signals between nerve cells. When alpha-2 receptors are activated, neurotransmitter levels decrease, which makes people feel more calm.

For individuals with ADHD, clonidine can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity by turning on alpha-2 receptors and regulating the neurotransmitters that affect attention and behavior. It can also help reduce restlessness and agitation. Research has found alpha-2 antagonists, like clonidine, are effective for treating ADHD symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity in children, but not inattention.  

One study of clonidine treatment in children and adolescents reported that symptoms began improving during week 2 of treatment and reached full effect during weeks 4 and 5. 

Clonidine is available as a standard-release tablet, extended-release tablet, a transdermal patch, and an oral suspension. The standard-released tablet is only available as generic clonidine. The extended-release tablet is available as a generic and brand-name Nexiclon XR. The oral suspension is only available as brand-name Onyda XR. 

If you take clonidine standard-release tablets, the starting dose is usually 0.1 milligrams a day. Slowly increasing your dose, if needed, can help you and your provider find the minimum effective dosage for you and decrease your risk of side effects. 

Generic clonidine extended-release tablets are available in 0.1 milligram tablets. The starting dose is usually 0.1 milligrams at bedtime. Your provider may have you increase your daily dosage by 0.1 milligrams each week. The highest dose prescribed is usually 0.4 milligrams per day. 

Nexiclon XR doses start with a 0.17-milligram tablet once a day at bedtime. Your provider may have you increase your daily dose by 0.09 milligrams weekly. The highest dose usually prescribed is 0.52 milligrams a day.  If you take more than one tablet a day, take half in the morning and at bedtime. For example, if your dose is 0.2 milligrams a day, take one tablet in the morning and the other at night. If your dose is 0.3 milligrams a day, take a 0.1-milligram tablet in the morning and the higher dose of 0.2 milligrams (2, 0.1-milligram tablets) at bedtime. 

The transdermal patch delivers medication through your skin. Patches are available in 0.1-, 0.2-, and 0.3-milligram strengths that last for 7 days. You’ll likely start with the 0.1-milligram patch. If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may have you add another 0.1-milligram patch or change to a higher dosage.

Onyda XR is taken once a day at bedtime. Each 1 millimeter of liquid contains 0.1 milligrams of clonidine.

If you stop taking clonidine in any form other than the patch, reduce your dose gradually over 2 to 4 days.

There’s little research on clonidine’s effectiveness for ADHD in adults or how it compares to other ADHD medications.

Clonidine is a non-stimulant medication. It works differently than other ADHD medications, including stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate). 

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. It’s a central nervous system stimulant that increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals help with mood regulation, improved focus, and better impulse control.

Clonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, decreases sympathetic nervous system activity. Because of the proven effectiveness of drugs like Adderall, clonidine is usually a second-line treatment for ADHD in adults. However, clonidine has fewer risks of dependency or misuse than stimulant medications. 

Another non-stimulant medication your provider may consider is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), like Strattera (atomoxetine). SNRIs increase the level of norepinephrine and have a more gradual onset of symptom relief compared to stimulants.

A blood pressure medication, guanfacine (Intuniv), is also used off-label to treat ADHD in adults. Like clonidine, its effectiveness for ADHD in adults isn’t well studied. 

Adderall, atomoxetine, and guanfacine all have side effects. Adderall can cause stomachache, reduced appetite, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness as well as more serious side effects. It’s a controlled substance and can lead to abuse, misuse, and dependence. Atomoxetine and guanfacine may cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, insomnia, and other side effects.

Your prescriber may recommend using medications like guanfacine and clonidine along with stimulants such as Adderall. Using them together may help manage more ADHD symptoms. For example, because stimulants can sometimes lead to side effects, such as increased heart rate or insomnia, taking a drug like clonidine that calms the central nervous system may decrease the chances of these side effects. 

Read more about ADHD medications.