Running with my E-brake on

I did some research regarding one of the blood pressure medications I have been prescribed. It is called clonidine and I am taking the smallest dose prescribed, 0.1 mg.




According to wikipedia's clonidine entry -

Clonidine treats high blood pressure by stimulating α₂ receptors in the brain, which decreases cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance, lowering blood pressure.

Clonidine is also a mild sedative, and can be used as premedication before surgery or procedures.

From Drug.com, here are some of the possible side effects from clonidine.

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• a very slow heart rate (fewer than 60 beats per minute);

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• confusion, hallucinations;

• fever, pale skin;

• urinating less than usual or not at all; or

• feeling like you might pass out.

• feeling dizzy, drowsy, tired, or nervous;

• dry mouth;

• dry or burning eyes, blurred vision;

• headache, muscle or joint pain;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• urinating more at night;

• mild skin rash or itching; or

• decreased sex drive, impotence.

When you are running you want to maximize your cardiac output. The whole point of going on training runs is to maximize your cardiac output. Since this medicine reduces your cardiac output, I am in effect running with a personal emergency brake applied.

Problem is you can not simply stop taking clonidine. According to drugs.com

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause nervousness, agitation, headache, tremors, severe high blood pressure, or life-threatening symptoms. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking clonidine.

My only recourse appears to be to take the medicine as far in advance of a run as possible. i don't recall taking this medication just before a run, but I should avoid this scenario immediately before a race.