Hi. I have gone through your question and I understand your concerns. Clonidine is a medication commonly used to treat hypertension. It may also be used to treat some types of pain. It can cause dizziness and headache. The dizziness can be worsened when sitting or standing. Xanax on the other hand, is used to treat certain types of anxiety disorders and to help patients sleep if they had difficulties sleeping. In certain cases, treating anxiety can help lower blood pressure. So Xanax is not a substitute for Clonidine. I would think that your husband is suffering from side effects of Clonidine. So as your treating Doctor, I would recommend the following: 1) Gradually reducing the dose of Clonidine and eventually replacing it with another anti-hypertensive with less side effects. Stopping it abruptly is not recommended. 2) Adequate feeding with enough fluids intake. 3) Good rest. 4) Acetaminiohen depending on the severity of the pain. 5) I will add (rather than switch to) Xanax if he presents symptoms of anxiety or if he has insomnia. Otherwise, it is not needed. 6) Regular blood pressure control I hope this answers your question. Discuss this with your Doctor and get back to us if you have further questions. Wish your husband good health.