A lot of people are suffering from various mental health conditions and high blood pressure in the USA. Individuals with ADHD are also found suffering from various problems like anxiety disorder, stress, etc. and they can be treated with the help of Adderall drugs. People who are experiencing hypertension (increase in blood pressure) and ADHD can be treated with the help of Clonidine. So, there should be some Clonidine vs Adderall differences for some cases.
In this blog, you are going to learn about two different drugs, clonidine and Adderall, which are used for the same medical conditions. And also about their uses, dose strength, dosages, side effects, and precautions.
Comparison: Clonidine vs Adderall
What is Clonidine?
Clonidine drug is used to reduce blood pressure by decreasing the level of different chemicals present in the blood. It allows the blood vessels to relax, and then the heart beats slowly and easily.
This medication is a prescription-only drug used to treat high blood pressure (Hypertension) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients.
Clonidine belongs to the class of drugs called antihypertensives and is FDA-approved for this medication for children. The Kapvay brand extended-release (ER) tablets are used to treat ADHD with other drugs.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is used to treat adults or children who are suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug consists of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, and these both are central nervous system stimulants and affect the chemicals in the brain and nerves, that lead to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall drug is also used to treat the problem of narcolepsy in children and adults.
Adderall belongs to the class of drugs called CNS stimulants, and it is also categorized as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This is a prescription-only drug and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Uses: Clonidine vs Adderall
Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleeping disorders in adults and children. Whereas, clonidine is used to treat high blood pressure and its extended-release tablet is used for the treatment of ADHD.
For the treatment of dysmenorrhea, (cramps during the menstrual period) clonidine is recommended. Adderall helps in improving focus and reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior in ADHD people.
Dose & Dosages:
Adderall:
Adderall is available in two forms IR tablet and ER capsule are listed below:
- Immediate-release (IR) Adderall tablets are available in different strengths such as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.
- Extended-release (ER) capsule or Adderall XR:- 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg.
Doses of Adderall & Adderal XR
Adderall for ADHD patients:
- Adults and children ages between 6 to 17 years are suggested by healthcare experts to start with a 5 mg tablet, once or twice a day.
- The initial dose is 2.5 mg, once or twice a day, for children of age 3 to 5 years,
Extended-released Adderall for ADHD children and adults:
- Children between 6 and 12 years of age: 5 or 10 mg per day
- Children aged 13 to 17: 10 mg daily
- Adults (18+): 20 mg per day
Adderall For Narcolepsy individuals:
- For adults and children of age 12 and above, the starting dose is 10 mg, once per day.
- For children aged 6 to 11, the initial dose is 5 mg daily.
Adderall XR for Narcolepsy people:
- Children aged between 6 and 11 are advised an initial dose of 5 mg once a day.
- Individuals above 12 years of age are administered 10 mg of Adderall XR regularly.
Clonidine:
It is also available in 4 forms IR tablets, ER tablets, Injectable solution, and ER patch.
Clonidine IR oral tablets:
Oral tablets are available in three strengths: 0.1 milligrams (mg), 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg. Adults with high blood pressure can start with 0.1 mg, 2 times a day (morning & evening).
Extended-release (ER) tablets:
These are available in the strengths of 0.17 mg and 0.26 mg. Older people can consume this tablet once a day and get benefits by taking the initial dosage at bedtime. The therapeutic doses have ranged from 0.17 mg to 0.52 mg once in a day.
Clonidine Injectable solution:
Injectable solution is available in the strengths of 100 mcg/mL and 500 mcg/mL. For pain management the initial dose of 30 mcg/hr and titration is necessary.
Clonidine transdermal patch, extended-release:0.1mg/day, 0.2mg/day, and 0.3mg/day. Its initial dose is 0.1 mg /24 hours and the maximum dose is 0.3 mg per day. You should change your patch in every seven days.
Side Effects of Clonidine and Adderall Drugs
Here are the common side effects of both drugs that are listed below:
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Problems in sleeping (insomnia)
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Pale skin
- Joint pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Sweating
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
Serious side effects of Adderall and Clonidine medications are mentioned below:
- Lack or loss of strength
- Chest pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Problem in swallowing
- Itching
- Skin rashes
- Palpitation
- Shaking or trembling
- Nervousness
- Slow heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Wheezing
- Weakness
- Restlessness
Precautions of Clonidine and Adderall:
- These medications are prescription-only drugs, so you should prescribed by your health care experts.
- Patients should be informed about their medical history before starting the treatment.
- Sometimes, these medications can interact with other drug, herbal or other vitamins supplements. Do not take any other medicines unless you discussed with your doctor.
- Use of these medications is strictly prohibited if the patient has used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days.
- While taking these drugs, you should avoid the consumption of alcohol because patients may feel dizzy and drowsy.
- You should consult your doctor immediately whenever the side effects of these drugs get worse.
- Individuals should inform the doctor before any surgery or dental surgery if they are taking any of these medications.
- Patients should not break or chew the tablet, the whole tablet should be swallowed.
- These medications may cause some withdrawal symptoms, so it is advised to not abruptly stop taking these drugs.
- Overdose of these medications can cause hallucinations, panic, and aggressiveness and could be fatal.
Conclusion:
As you understand, both medications Clonidine and Adderall are used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in an individual. But they differ from each other in some cases. Using both medications, a person may face both advantages and disadvantages. So, it will be helpful for an individual to keep in touch with health professionals. Hope you will find this blog informative and helpful!
