Originally a blood pressure med, clonidine can reduce hot flashes for some women.
“It wasn’t perfect, but my flashes dropped off a bit—and it helped with anxiety, too.”
$5–$30/month with insurance; ~$40–$60 without
Prescription required. Most commonly used off-label.
1–2 weeks for symptom relief
More about
Clonidine
This is a niche option that may help some women—especially those managing both hot flashes and high blood pressure. But it can also cause dizziness or dry mouth, so it’s not for everyone.
Clonidine lowers norepinephrine activity in the brain, which may reduce hot flashes and blood pressure.
Though less commonly prescribed, clonidine can reduce the intensity and frequency of vasomotor symptoms in women who can’t or don’t want hormone therapy. Its effect is modest but may be helpful in combo with other strategies.
Avoid if you have low blood pressure, slow heart rate, or are prone to fainting
Dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, constipation
Once or twice daily. Must be tapered off gradually if discontinued.
Catapres, generic clonidine
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