Rebound hypertension after discontinuation of transdermal clonidine therapy

Three (and possibly all four) elderly hypertensive patients who were followed sequentially after discontinuation of transdermal clonidine monotherapy manifested a rapid rise in blood pressure to levels above control (pre- and post-therapy) readings. No signs of an "overshoot" in plasma norepinephrine levels or symptoms of beta-adrenergic overactivity were seen. Such rebound hypertension suggests hypersensitivity to alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation and could pose a heretofore unreported potential hazard to elderly or otherwise compromised patients who discontinue transdermal clonidine therapy.