Catapres – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, August 23, 2018 by Zoey Sky

Catapres is a drug used to treat high blood pressure/hypertension. The drug helps slow down the heart rate and relax the blood vessels. Catapres can be taken alone or in combination with other drugs to lower blood pressure.

Catapres’s generic name is clonidine, and its other brand names include Kapvay (used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]). Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs called centrally acting alpha-agonist hypotensive agents.

Known health risks or side effects of Catapres

Catapres may cause common side effects such as:

Appetite loss
Decreased libido/sexual desire or problems having sex
Depression
Dry eyes and blurred vision
Fatigue
A headache
Insomnia
Itching
Joint pain
Muscle aches or cramps
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Vomiting
Weight gain

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Rash or hives
Swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips
Swelling of the hands, legs, or ankles

List of organs that might be affected by Catapres

An overdose of Catapres may cause complications like dangerously high blood pressure, which may include symptoms like anxiety, chest pain, a nosebleed, pounding in the neck or ears, a severe headache, or shortness of breath.

High blood pressure will be followed by low blood pressure, which can make you feel like you’re about to faint. Other overdose symptoms of the drug can include:

Convulsions/seizure
Extreme drowsiness or weakness
Fainting
Feeling cold
Weak or shallow breathing
Pinpoint pupils

If you think you’ve taken too much Catapres, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Catapres

The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to Catapres:

Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure. Researchers posit that this is because the bittersweet treat contains flavonols, along with the fact that cocoa can increase the amount of nitric oxide in the body that helps widen blood vessels. Consume only 30 calories daily, or a single piece of Hershey’s Kisses, to avoid weight gain.
Garlic – Garlic can help treat cardiovascular problems, and it reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic has allicin, a compound that eases blood vessels for smooth blood flow of blood. Garlic retains more allicin when it is eaten raw. You can also take garlic supplements.
Tomato – Tomato contains lycopene, an antioxidant, and beta-carotene and vitamin E. These compounds can help lower blood pressure by reducing the amount of oxidative stress in the body and arterial walls. Drink one glass of organic tomato juice daily or eat some fresh tomato slices.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Catapres

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Catapres:

Apple cider vinegar – Take some apple cider vinegar, which is full of potassium, if you have muscle cramps. Consume ACV in small quantities to help ease tension in cramped muscles.
Cumin seeds – Cumin has medicinal properties that help with digestion and it is used to induce sleep in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. If you have insomnia, you can also use cumin oil, which has a tranquilizing effect. Add a teaspoon of cumin powder to a mashed banana and consume it before going to bed. Alternatively, you can dry roast and grind cumin seeds to make the powder.
Nutmeg – Nutmeg is another natural sleep aid which has sedative properties. Mix one-eighth of a teaspoon or a dash of nutmeg powder to a cup of warm milk. Drink this before you go to bed.