Nowadays, an unhealthy environment leads to unhealthy physical and mental conditions. Due to this people are born with some disabilities and some disorders. One of the most common disorders in today’s generation is ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). There are various medications available in the market for the treatment of this disorder, Clonidine and Adderall are the two most asked medicines amongst them. Here in this blog, we learn and understand Clonidine vs Adderall differences and How it is used, their doses, Precautions, Side effects, and many more things.
What is Clonidine and Adderall?
About Clonidine and Its Uses
Clonidine belongs to the Antiadrenergic agents and Centrally acting drug class. This medicine comes in two brand names Catapres and Kapvay. It is used to treat Hypertension (High Blood pressure). Kapvay brand is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD). This medication is used to treat children only. This medicine may used for other purposes like Insomnia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), Anxiety, and many more. You must contact your doctor for better understanding.
About Adderall and Its Uses
Adderall is used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Narcolepsy. It belongs to the CNS (Central nervous system) stimulants drugs class. It comes in three brand names Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis. Its generic name is Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine. By changing some natural substances in the brain, this medicine helps in increasing the ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It is also used to treat a certain sleeping disorder called Narcolepsy.
Forms and Doses Comparison Between Clonidine and Adderall
Forms and Dosages of Clonidine
- Transdermal Patch(extended-release)
Dosage: 0.1mg/day, 0.2mg/day, 0.3mg/day. (Change the patch every seven days)
Indications: Hypertension, Smoking cessation, Menopausal flushing, and Opioid withdrawal.
- Tablet (immediate-release)
Dosage: 0.1mg, 0.2mg 0.3mg.
Indications: Hypertension, Acute Hypertension, Opioid withdrawal.
- Tablet (Extended-release)
Dosage: 0.1mg
Indications: Alcohol withdrawal, Smoking cessation, Restless-leg syndrome, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Injectable Solution
Dosage: 100mcg/ml, 500mcg/ml
Indications: Epidural infusion.
Forms and Dose of Adderall
There are the following strengths available in this medicine :
5mg; 10mg; 15mg; 20mg; 25mg; 30mg; 7.5mg; 12.5mg; 50mg; 37.5mg.
Note: The gap between the doses must be taken at 4 to 6-hour intervals.
Precaution Before Taking Clonidine and Adderall
When you are taking such medication it is better to take precautions and discuss every possible side effect and harm caused by these types of medication and also mention your previous medical history for better treatment.
Before taking Clonidine you must tell the doctor about any allergies to the Clonidine or its chemical substance, or any other medication you are using right now especially
- Kidney disease
- Heart rhythm problems
After taking this pill you may feel dizzy or drow.
Before taking Adderall tell your doctor about all medical history especially
- Blood circulation problems (Raynaud’s disease)
- Certain mental/mood conditions( Bipolar disorder, Depression, Psychotic disorder)
- Heart problems(Cardiomyopathy, Heart failure)
- Certain eye problems(Glaucoma)
- Seizures
Side Effects By Clonidine and Adderall
There are various side effects caused by these medications, here we will learn about the common and most found side effects of these medicines. If you find any side effects out of this list please contact your doctor for a better treatment.
Common Side Effects Of Clonidine And Adderall
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Feeling irritable
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Lower appetite
- Weight loss
- Changes in mood
Side Effects Of Clonidine
- Mental depression
- Swelling of the feet and lower legs
- Anxiety
- Blistering, Burning, Crusting, Dryness, or Flaking of the skin
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Confusion about time place or person
- Decreased urine output
- Dilated neck veins
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Fever
- Paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
- Pounding, slow heartbeat
- Problems in urination or an increase in the amount of urine
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular breathing
- Itching, Scaling, Severe redness, Soreness, or Swelling of the skin
- Large, Hive-like swelling on the face, Eyelids, Lips, Tongue, Throat, Hands, Legs, Sex organs
Side Effects Of Adderall
- Bladder Pain
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Difficult, burning, or painful urination
- Lower back or side pain
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- A general feeling of discomfort or illness
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches and pains
- Nausea
- Blistering, Peeling, or Loosening of the skin
- Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
- Confusion
How Adderall and Clonidine Interact
Adderall interacts with a total of 189 known drugs of which there are 37 major drug interactions, 147 moderate drug interactions, and 9 minor.
Taking Adderall with alcohol is dangerous because it interacts with the alcohol and affects your heart health and it causes an increase in heart rate, a change in blood pressure, and chest pain.
Clonidine interacts with a total of 372 known drugs of which 39 are major drugs, 326 are moderate drugs and 7 are minor interactions.
Clonidine also interacts with alcohol and affects blood pressure levels and you also feel headaches, dizziness, fainting, and changes in the pulse or heart rate.
To prevent the interaction between the drugs and the food you intake it is better to inform your doctor regarding all the previous treatments and medication history so that the doctor provide the right doses of these medications and prevent the interaction between them.
Best Way To Store Clonidine & Adderall
For Clonidine
At room temperature between 68℉ and 77℉ (20℃ and 25℃). keep the medicine away from light, children, and pets avoid placing it in wet areas such as the bathroom.
For Adderall
At room temperature between 59℉ to 86℉ (15℃ and 20℃). keep the medicine away from light, children, and pets avoid placing it in a wet area such as a bathroom.
Summary
In conclusion, we can say that both medications are effective in terms of treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Clonidine/ Kapvay is usually used to treat ADHD in children aged 6 and older, and Adderall is used in both adults and children. In this blog, we try to provide all possible key points, regarding these medicines. For better knowledge and treatment, it is better to be concerned with the doctor and follow the guidance given by them.
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