What side effect of clonidine should a patient be cautious of?

Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist commonly used to treat hypertension and certain other conditions. One of the notable side effects of clonidine is drowsiness, which occurs due to its sedative properties. The drug can depress the central nervous system, resulting in feelings of tiredness or sleepiness.

Patients should be cautious of drowsiness because it can impair their ability to perform tasks that require full alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. It's important for patients taking clonidine to be aware of this potential side effect so they can manage their activities accordingly and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

Other side effects like insomnia, nausea, and dry mouth may also occur but are often less prominent compared to drowsiness. Understanding the drowsiness associated with clonidine emphasizes the need for monitoring and patient education regarding how this medication may affect daily functioning.