Baclofen 10mg BID #20 with gabapentin 100mg BID #20.Baclofen, gabapentin, clonidine, hydroxyzine and loperamide are commonly given for withdrawal symptoms.
I don't give clonidine bc it can drop BP, and in a pt population I already don't trust, I try to eliminate every possible thing I can that may have any possibility of side effects.
Inpatient is completely different of course. I'm speaking of outpt management.
I don't want someone popping 3, 4 or 7 clonidine and becoming hypotensive. Pts in the grip of a hard withdrawal can became erratic and impulsive. Isn't a stretch to consider they'd swallow a handful of clonidine.
That's an interesting drug BTW. It's been given for pain (epidural clonidine, and I've done stellates with local, Toradol, dex and clonidine), withdrawal, hypertension, ADHD, anxiety and even panic attacks.
Do you give this only during the first month of say a 10% taper? Are they only PRN? For example: If a Pt is on oxy 30mg q6h = MED 180...