Clozapine
Description
Clozapine is an antipsychotic that is used in the treatment of Schizophrenia. Take this medicine at the same time regularly. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without informing your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Clozapine
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Shaking of the hands or feet
- Constipation
- Increased salivation
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Acid or sour stomach
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
Uses of Clozapine
What is it prescribed for?
- Schizophrenia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 to 12 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine should be used with caution in the pregnant women. Discuss with the doctor about benefits overweigh risks before using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Avoid taking this medicine if you have a known allergy to Clozapine or other antipsychotics.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine should be used with caution in the pregnant women. Discuss with the doctor about benefits overweigh risks before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Diabetes and Dyslipidemia
Clozapine may increase the blood glucose levels and lipids levels in the body. Assess these parameters before initiation of the treatment and regular monitoring of these parameters is necessary.
Blood cells count
Clozapine may reduce the blood cell count, especially WBC (neutrophils). Any symptoms of fever, weakness during the treatment should be reported to the doctor. Regular monitoring of blood cells count is necessary.
Discontinuation syndrome
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, and irritability. Gradual dose reduction should be made under the doctor's supervision.
Impaired liver function
Clozapine may cause severe liver injuries like the hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, and hepatitis. Any signs and symptoms of elevated bilirubin levels or liver enzyme levels, fatigue, changes in the color of skin and eyes should be reported to the doctor.
Fever
Clozapine is reported to cause fever within first 3 weeks of treatment due to the decrease in the WBC count. Frequent monitoring of body temperature and blood cell count is necessary. Inform the doctor if fever persists.
Pediatric use
The safety and efficacy of Clozapine have not established in the children.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Use of this medicine with alcohol will cause depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system.
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine
Ketoconazole
Tramadol
Antidiabetic drugs
Antihypertensives
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended in the patients with dementia-related psychosis as it increases the risk of heart diseases like heart failure and infectious diseases like pneumonia. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Clozapine with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by binding to the receptors and inhibits release of the chemical substances that cause psychotic symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Atypical antipsychotics
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 7 April 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - Clozapine tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 7 April 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 7 April 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 7 April 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Nov 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.