What is Clozapine
ClozapineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryClozapine is a type of antipsychotic medication that works by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. It is an atypical drug, meaning it works differently from other antipsychotic medications. Although it is effective in treating psychotic disorders, the main side effect is a serious decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infection.
Clozarilis the brand name
Clozapine Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Clozaril
Clozapine
1989
97
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Clozapine, also called Clozaril, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses which include Suicide and Schizophrenia .Suicide
Helps manage Suicidal Behaviour
Schizophrenia
Helps manage Schizophrenia
High Risk
Helps manage High Risk
inadequate response to conventional therapy
Helps manage inadequate response to conventional therapy
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
Helps manage Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Schizoaffective Disorder
Helps manage Schizoaffective Disorders
Severe Mental Illness
Helps manage Severe Mental Illness
Effectiveness
How Clozapine Affects PatientsClozapine is a medication used to treat schizophrenia. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain and has effects on serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and histamine. Common side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. Clozapine can also cause serious side effects such as agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count) and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart). Patients taking clozapine should be monitored closely for these conditions, and if they occur, clozapine should not be re-taken.
How Clozapine works in the bodyClozapine combats the symptoms of psychosis by blocking certain chemical receptors in the brain. In the mesolimbic pathway, the drug blocks D2 receptors to reduce positive symptoms, and in the frontal cortex, it blocks 5-HT2A receptors to reduce negative symptoms.
When to interrupt dosage
The proposed measure of Clozapine is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, including High Risk, Severe Mental Illness and Schizoaffective Disorder. The dosage also varies as per the mode of administration listed in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
High Risk
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Severe Mental Illness
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Schizoaffective Disorder
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Parkinsonian Syndromes
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
inadequate response to conventional therapy
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Schizophrenia
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Suicide
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Advance Directives
, 12.5 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
Oral, , Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Suspension, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, Suspension - Oral
Warnings
Clozapine ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Clozapine may interact with Anus Diseases
Common Clozapine Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Clozapine.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Clozapine.
Acepromazine
Major
Clozapine may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Acepromazine.
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Clozapine is combined with Aclidinium.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Clozapine.
Clozapine Toxicity & Overdose RiskClozapine carries a serious warning for a condition called agranulocytosis, which can lead to decreased white blood cell counts.
Clozapine Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Clozapine?
230 ongoing investigations are assessing the utility of Clozapine in treating High Risk Patients, Parkinsonian Syndromes and Suicidal Ideation.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Severe Mental Illness
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Schizophrenia
183 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1
High Risk
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Parkinsonian Syndromes
0 Actively Recruiting
Suicide
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Advance Directives
0 Actively Recruiting
inadequate response to conventional therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Schizoaffective Disorder
60 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Clozapine Reviews: What are patients saying about Clozapine?
4.7Patient Review
1/17/2022 I was on clozapine for more than two years and it made a big difference for me. I recommend getting started with this treatment at a hospital so they can do all the necessary tests and monitor you closely. The side effects can be serious, so it's important to start with a low dose and increase gradually if needed.
4.7Patient Review
3/14/2014 I've tried a lot of different medications for my schizophrenia, and this one is by far the best. It's stopped hallucinations, delusions, everything. The only downside is that it makes me very sleepy; I go from about 8 hours of sleep per night to 12. But even that is worth it given how well this medicine works.
4.7Patient Review
12/29/2011 Worked for me quickly and effectively. I had to be hospitalized when they first started the treatment due to hallucinations, but these stopped after a short while and I haven't experienced any negative side effects in the six years since.
4.7Patient Review
5/9/2014 This medication has been pivotal in saving my life. It requires dedication and compliance, but it's worth it. I've been taking it for 18 years now.
3.3Patient Review
4/3/2014 I'm on this medication for bipolar disorder and it's been working pretty well so far. The only downside is that I have to get blood tests every week to make sure my white blood cell levels are still good. CVS pharmacy won't release the medication to me unless they also get a copy of my weekly blood test results.
2Patient Review
11/9/2014 While clozapine may be effective for some, I would urge caution. It is a very powerful drug with many potential side effects. There is also the risk of major relapse if you try to stop taking it, so make sure you are fully informed before making a decision.
1.7Patient Review
3/23/2022 I had a very severe allergic reaction to this treatment that led to anaphylactic shock and death. I was resuscitated and had to be monitored constantly for six weeks afterwards because I couldn't move or eat on my own.
1Patient Review
4/2/2022 I don't recommend this medication because it made me depressed and caused me to have no interest in the things I used to enjoy. It also made me tired and more likely to drink alcohol, which is dangerous given the interactions between the two substances.
Patient Q&A Section about clozapine
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is the drug clozapine used for?
"This medication is prescribed to patients with severe schizophrenia who have not responded well to other medications. It is also used to lower the risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder."
Answered by AI
Why is clozapine high risk?
"Clozapine causes several severe side effects, including a decrease in white blood cells, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), constipation (which can be severe), inflammation of the heart muscle, and negative effects on metabolism. These side effects can occur at any time during treatment and are not necessarily linked to the dose of the drug."
Answered by AI
What class of drug is clozapine?
"This drug is classified as atypical because it affects both serotonin and dopamine receptors."
Answered by AI
What is the major side effect of clozapine?
"Taking clozapine may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like you're going to faint when you stand up, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose is increased. If you've had a heart attack, heart failure, or a slow, irregular heartbeat in the past, or if you're taking medication for high blood pressure, tell your doctor."
Answered by AI