How would Clonidine affect my progress?

I

InfectedWithDrugs

Bluelighter
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Jul 29, 2015
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I made a few posts about me being in benzo WD and unable to sleep. Well, I found out that a heavy dose of Clonidine - 0.6mg puts me out for hours, but it lowers heart rate and blood pressure so significantly. Anything below 0.6mg per night does not work. I can still lift weights and do cardio, but it's tiresome. Clonidine also increases growth hormone levels and reduces cortisol.

Since Clonidine lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and causes edema, I assume it will cause me to burn fewer calories. Should I create an extra caloric deficit? Will it worsen my cutting progress? I am losing 1lbs per week normally.

My other alternatives are Mirtazepine, Doxepin, or Nortriptyline (Seroquel does not work). All 3 cause weight gain and edema, but do not lower blood pressure and heart rate like Clonidine.

What would you advice?
 
I thought you said you couldn't use clonidine when I suggested it for sleep before?

Anyway, clonidine improves insulin sensitivity, so you're likely to lose fat. Only very rarely does it cause oedema. You have to understand that although it calms CNS, it's a PNS stimulant, hence the improvement in insulin sensitivity and tendency towards weight loss. Also after a week or two, energy levels should come back to something like normal.
 
I said I could not because I thought it would make BB impossible, but didn't turn out to be so. My lifts are maybe a bit worse while I am on Clonidine and cardio requires extra effort + motivation.

I also see weight GAIN as a known side effect, and the fact that Clonidine kills my appetite. I could literally lay on my bed 24/7 without any food consumption and feel good.

I think I just need a stronger caloric deficit while on it because heart rate and blood pressure affect our metabolism.
 
Hmm... Clonidine indirectly increases GABA in brain, which may prevent the healing process of GABA receptors...
 
Nothing's going to be side-effect free mate, but you really need quality sleep for you to recover. So whatever you do, make that a priority.
 
Yes, it really is. Looks like Clonidine works well with heavy doses of coffee. My heart rate is normal that way.
 
I wonder if Clonidine somehow offsets the testosterone-reducing effects of amphetamines by reducing cortisol? I just read studies that say caffeine/coffee does NOT reduce testosterone significantly, nowhere near the level of decrease you get with amphetamines.
 
The amine class (and possibly NE stimulants in general) are assumed to suppress myostatin levels to varying degrees, which is a much more potent muscle-building and fat-burning mechanism than even testosterone. In this regard don't forget that increased cortisol is also essential for sustained fat loss. Assuming protein intake is high and calories adequate, the overall impact of therapeutically-dosed amphetamines is likely to be either neutral or positive on body composition.
 
I take maximum of 10mg of dextroamphetamine, usually on HIIT days (2x per week). I know unlike Adderall, Dextroamphetamine does not affect norepinephrine as much, creating less anxiety, more euphoric feeling of well-being. How can cortisol be good? Its practically catabolic, causing muscle loss... Caffeine still looks like the better option.
 
That's really not a lot of amphetamines, practically nothing. I wouldn't worry about any effect from it. Also D-Amp affects NE release more, but with fewer peripheral effects.

As for cortisol, like most hormones, it's neither good nor bad. It's merely essential for proper homeostatic regulation of the body, including most importantly from your POV fat loss. Too little cortisol can lead to life-threatening conditions such as Addison's disease.

EDIT: I re-read this and realise it comes across as pushing amps which is not my intention at all. If you can replace it with caffeine, absolutely go ahead.
 
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I wouldn't call that conclusive mate. Studies in humans and other animals have shown both positive and negative changes in BG. Perhaps measure your own fasting BG and see how it fares?
 
I am pre-diabetic but my endo says I will be fine as long as I stick to the diet and exercise. He did not even write me a script for Metformin.
 
I went from 183lbs to 188lbs (measured the same way - in the morning after pooping and before eating or drinking) after 3-4 days of Clonidine 0.3-0.6mg per night use. My diet and workout routine dis not change. I bet it's the water weight / edema. No way I gained 6lvs of fat on caloric deficit!
 
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