Abstract
Objective: To determine if clonidine abuse among non-pregnant opiate dependent individuals is common and the reason for such use. Method: Self report of personal use or knowledge of others' use of this drug. Results: Fourteen of fifteen treatment seeking individuals with opiate dependence knew of clonidine abuse. Ten had used it personally to decrease the amount of heroin necessary to achieve a desired effect and to prolong the length of the opiate's action. Conclusion: clonidine abuse among opiate addicts may be more common than previous studies have suggested. Opiate addicts should be screened for abuse of this substance, especially in view of its widespread use for the purpose of opiate withdrawal. Further, such patients should be warned of potential health hazards attendant upon clonidine use and abrupt cessation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Chassard D, Mathon L, Dailler F, Golfier F, Tournadre JP, Bouletreau P: Extradural clonidine combined with sufentanil and 0.0625% bupicacaine for analgesia in labour. British Journal of Anesthesia 77(4):458–462, 1996.
Buggy DJ, MacDowell C: Extradural analgesia with clonidine and fentanyl compared with 0.25% bupivacaine in the first stage of labor. British Journal of Anaesthesia 76(2):319–321, 1996.
Pan PM, Huang CT, Wei TT, Mok MS: Enhancement of analgesic effect of intrathecal neostigmine and clonidine on bupivicaine spinal anesthesia. Regional Anesthetic Pain Medicine 23(1):49–56, 1998.
Capogna G, Celleno D, Zangrillo A, Constantino P, Foresta S: Addition of clonidine to epidural morphine enhances postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery. Regional Anesthesia 20(1):57–61, 1995.
Gold MS, Redmond DE, Kleber HD: Noradrenergic hyperactivity in opiate withdrawal supported by clonidine reversal of opiate withdrawal. American Journal of Psychiatry 136(1):100–102, 1979.
Girard M, Escande M, Granier F, Gardes JP: Effects of clonidine on opiate withdrawal symptoms: Results-biochemical mechanisms. Encephale 9(1):37–48, 1982.
Cutthill JD, Beroniade V, Salvatori VA, Viguie F: Evaluation of clonidine suppression of opiate withdrawal reactions: A multidisciplinary approach. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 35(5):377–382, 1990.
Fishbain DA, Rosomoff HL, Cutler R: Opiate detoxification protocols: A clinical manual. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry 5(1):53–65, 1993.
Agelink M, Dammers S, Zeit T: Clonidine-A risk of abuse in psychiatric patients? Nervenarzt 67(3):253–255, 1996.
Dy EC, Yates WR: Atypical drug abuse: A case report involving clonidine. American Family Physician 54(3):1035, 1996.
Schaut J, Sidney H: Four cases of clonidine abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry 140(12):1625–1627, 1983.
Anderson F, Paluzzi P, Lee J. Huggines G, Svikis D: Illicit use of clonidine in opiate abusing pregnant women. Obstetrics and Gynecology 90:790–794, 1997.
Lauzon P: Two cases of clonidine abuse/dependence in methadone-maintained patients. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 9:125–127, 1992.
Beuger M, Tommasello A, Schwartz R, et al: Clonidine use and abuse among methadone program applicants and patients. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 15(6):589–593, 1998.
Brown MJ, Salmon D, Rendell M: Clonidine hallucinations. Annals of Internal Medicine 93:456–457, 1980.
Hoffman BB, Lefkowitz RJ: Catecholamines, sympathomimetic drugs, and adrenergic receptor antagonists, in Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. Edited by Hardman JG, Limbird LE, Molinoff PB, et al. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Janicak PG: Handbook of Psychopharmacotherapy. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 1999.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dennison, S.J. Clonidine Abuse Among Opiate Addicts. Psychiatr Q 72, 191–195 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010375727768
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010375727768