Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Recreate23 on April 16, 2025, 08:04:40 AM
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I am 66 and have been prescribed clonidine for palpitations during the night which I’ve suffered from for the past year. I wake up about 5 am with a dry mouth but can get back to sleep. I am worried that taking them might give me nausea and stomach problems as other medication I’ve tried including antidepressants and valerian might make the symptoms worse.
Has or does anyone take this medication and found it helpful?
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R U supposed 2 take it as necessary or B4 bed, I used Propranolol successfully for many years to ease early morning surges. Taking as I went to bed, 20mg.
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If it significantly lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, as it was originally designed to do, stomach distress will be the least of your concerns.
I could not in good faith recommend this drug to anyone for any clinical indication unless they were in hospital with a hypertensive crisis and being monitored very closely.
It has also extremely limited efficacy for vasomotor symptoms (which include palpitations) and is no longer recommended by most specialists who treat menopause because the risks are simply not justified.
If you do decide to take it, I would recommend checking your blood pressure beforehand to make sure it is not already on the low side. I would exercise additional caution if you are already on any drug to lower blood pressure.
I would start with the lowest dose and then cut that into quarters, and please make sure you don't take it when you are going to be alone for the first 12 hours or so.
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Thank you - could you tell me whether you are a doctor as you sound very informed about this drug?
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It was the gynaecologist who recommended it and my GP has prescribed 2 tablets at night for 2-3 weeks - but I’m really not sure if it will help as the palpitations only wake me around 5 am after I’ve had a vivid dream and then I’m able to get back to sleep - maybe I should try acupuncture for 4 weeks and see if that helps
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Thank you - could you tell me whether you are a doctor as you sound very informed about this drug?
Recreate23 -- this member has been asked whether she has any medical training several times due to the apparent broad range of in depth medical knowledge covering different aspects of women's health and, to date, has refused to answer. Read into that what you will..........
Please listen to your medical team.
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Forums like this are for sharing our own experiences and certainly not for seeking medical advice, you should always take the advice of your own medical practitioners.
It can be dangerous if members think they are getting medical advice here or if a member is giving the impression that they are qualified without saying as such, then that is just wrong.