Catapres Side Effects Information

Catapres is the brand name for the prescription medication clonidine. Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of hypertension, Catapres poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects

• The most common side effects of Catapres include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation and sedation.

Time Frame

• The common side effects of Catapres normally develop when you begin treatment with the drug and gradually diminish over time as your body becomes acclimated to its effects, reports RxList.com.

Drug Interactions

• The combination of the attention deficit hyperactivity medication methylphenidate with Catapres has proven to be fatal in some patients, according to RxList.com. When taken with angina and other heart medications like digitalis and calcium channel blockers, Catapres has the potential to cause bradychardia or a slow heart rate.

Risks

• When use of Catapres is suddenly discontinued, it is possible to develop a sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure. Other risks associated with Catapres include delirium, hallucinations, liver inflammation and decreased blood platelet levels.

Considerations

• Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors restrict the use of Catapres in pregnant women to situations where there is no safe alternative to treatment. If you have a history of heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, depression, Raynaud's Syndrome, sclerdoma or lupus, it may not be safe for you to take Catapres due to its side effects, warns the Mayo Clinic.