I have have severe problems with spasticity due to a stroke. I was not a good candidate for Baclofen. My Blood pressure has been very difficult to control. After many trials of different medications, I am now on Edarbi 80 mg in the AM and Amlodipine 2.5 mg in PM and Clonodine 0.1 mg when my systolic goes over 150 and or diastolic goes over 100. The clonodine has always been successful in bringing it down. For reasons not explained to me, my doctor does not want me to take it often. Only when I can t control my pressure. The Clonidine hasn t caused me any side affects. I read that Clonidine has been used to lessen spasticity. Could I use this medication safely and ask my MD to switch me to Clonidine?
Hi, Although Clonidine is a medication for hypertension, which can also help in spasticity, it has several side effects which can be experienced with doses for the above purpose. First-line medications for hypertension are those that you are taking right now - Darby and Amlodipine, which can be titrated for more optimal blood pressure control. Taking Clonidine at higher doses can cause hypotension which is not beneficial and may be harmful as you already had a stroke before. I recommend a consult with your doctor since there are other medications that relieve spasticity aside from clonidine, which has lesser side effects.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.