Clonidine Patches for Opiate Withdrawal / Low Blood Pressure Issue

[Vasara]

Hi,

I was just prescribed Clonidine patches to get off of PST, and heard it works wonderfully to lessen the terrible symptoms of opiate withdrawal. But I am apprehensive about it dropping my blood pressure too low, because I already have low blood pressure naturally to begin with. Does anyone know of ways to combat this drug from dropping my pressure so low that I have to take the patch off and quit?....because I really want to stay on it so I can be done with this opiate nightmare for good.

Thanks for any and all help/suggestions.


~Vasara

 

[Jabberwocky]

All I can say is that the patch may not be the best idea for those with low blood pressure. See if you can get some gabapentin, that is very useful for withdrawal, especially off PST. If you do use clonidine make sure you keep a very close eye on your blood pressure and check it before taking any or applying the patch.

 

[withlove]

i would not use it if you are not in the hospital or some other medical facility. i have hypotension too and cant take clonidine either.
fwiw when coming off a bupe taper my BP was already scary low the times i kicked CT my BP stayed pretty normal.

 

[spacejunk]

That sucks, because clonidine is a godsend for opiate withdrawal.

I've had very good results from rapid bupe tapers though...is this in any way an option for you?
I have withdrawn from opiate habits (including pst) with as little as 12mg of bupe - tapered fast - and avoided virtually all withdrawal symptoms (no exaggeration).