Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Catapres as follows:
- Catapres takes some time to fairly control the elevated blood pressure and reduce the work load on the heart. Do not discontinue taking the medication without consulting your physician, as you failed to see the desired result immediately after taking the medication.
- If the blood pressure and/or heart rate gets too low, secondary to Catapres use, it can result in some dizziness and make one drowsy and confused. The bradycardia and hypotension caused by Catapres can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness and confusion with Catapres becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in the dose or plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by Catapres intake. Observing compliance with use of assistive devices can help prevent falls and accidents. Seek for increased caregiver availability and assistance, until you are used to the side effects caused by Catapres intake.
