Having Withdrawal Symptoms With Decrease Dosage Of Oxycontin. Prescribed With Clonidine. Suggest Alternative?

Posted on Mon, 22 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I am decreasing my dosage of oxycontin 120mg by 5mg. My doctor prescribed clonidine for withdrawal. After looking at the patient reviews I am very nervous about using thi medicine. Even though the dose lowered is only 5mg I AM having withdrawal symptoms. What else is out there that I might suggest to my doctor to prescribe?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (1 hour later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. Clonidine is a good drug to cover the withdrawal symptoms. If you are worried about the side effects like dropping the blood pressure, you can ask your doctor about other medications from the class clonidine belongs to. It could be guanfacine or other medications. The side effects are nothing or minimal and most of the time, even if they happen, they are controllable. Let me know if you have any other question. I wish you a good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (45 minutes later)

re: not feeling comfortable using clonidine for withdrawal symptoms from oxycontin 120mg because of the possibility of depression as a side effect. This is a life-long and serious condition for me and I do not want to do anything to exacerbate it! Please reply......

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (6 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. This side effect, if it happens, it occurs in the long term use of this medication. When somebody takes it for several weeks (which is true for your indication), the chance of depression is almost nothing.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (24 minutes later)

Thank you for answering! My problem is that we are reducing the oxycontin very slowly and the goal is to be off the narcotic. So it is likely going to take a very long time. How long might I feel withdrawal from this initial 5mg reduction? It is interesting to read patient reviews of the actual intensity of withdrawal (horrendous) vs MD counseling. You might be interested in reading these in your service to people like me.

XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (1 hour later)

hi there, every decrease in the dose can cause withdrawal symptoms which lasts often 2 to 3 weeks. In some people it may take less time.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar