A patient complains to the nurse that the clonidine [Catapres] recently prescribed for hyperten-sion is causing drowsiness. Which response by the nurse to this concern is appropriate?
a. "Drowsiness is a common side effect in-itially, but it will lessen with time."
b. "You may also experience orthostatic hy-potension along with the drowsiness."
c. "You may be at risk for addiction if you have central nervous system side effects."
d. "You should discontinue the medication and contact your prescriber."
A
CNS depression, evidenced in this patient by drowsiness, is common in about 35% of the popu-lation. These responses become less intense with continued drug use. Orthostatic hypotension is less likely with clonidine, because its antihypertensive effects are not posture dependent. The experience of drowsiness does not indicate abuse potential. The patient should not discontinue the medication abruptly because of the potential for rebound hypertension; the patient should contact the prescriber before stopping the medication.
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