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continued:
Central-acting agents
Uses for central-acting agents
Doctors prescribe central-acting agents to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Hot flashes
- Alcohol or drug withdrawal
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Tourette syndrome
Side effects and cautions
These medications can have strong side effects, so they aren't commonly used. Side effects include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Impotence
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Weight gain
- Impaired thinking
- Psychological problems, such as depression
Abruptly stopping use of some central-acting agents can cause a sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure. Don't stop taking these medications, especially if you are taking a beta blocker, without talking to your doctor.
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- Clonidine: Martindale — The Complete Drug Reference. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2008.
- Sheps SG, ed. Mayo Clinic 5 Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2008:195.
- Initial antihypertensive therapy: Drugdex Consults. Micromedex Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedex.com/. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
- Blood pressure-lowering drugs. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=159. Accessed Nov. 12, 2008.
