Clozapine

Schizophrenia, Advance Directives, Parkinson Disease + 6 more
Treatment
10 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Clozapine

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
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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 10 uses which include Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant and Suicidal Behaviour .
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
Helps manage Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Suicidal Behaviour
Helps manage Suicidal Behaviour
Schizoaffective Disorders
Helps manage Schizoaffective Disorders
Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Helps manage Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia
Severe Mental Illness
Helps manage Severe Mental Illness
Disease
Helps manage inadequate response to conventional therapy
Schizoaffective Disorder
Helps manage Schizoaffective Disorders
Schizophrenia
Helps manage Schizophrenia
High Risk
Helps manage High Risk
Suicide
Helps manage Suicidal Behaviour

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
Severe Mental Illness
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Parkinson Disease
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Schizophrenia
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Advance Directives
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Schizoaffective Disorder
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
High Risk
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Suicide
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Disease
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 200.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 150.0 mg, 50.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Tablet, orally disintegrating, Tablet, orally disintegrating - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Clozapine.
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.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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
Schizophrenia
108 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 1
Schizophrenia, Treatment-Resistant
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Suicide
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Schizoaffective Disorder
47 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Advance Directives
0 Actively Recruiting
High Risk
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1
Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Parkinson Disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Severe Mental Illness
0 Actively Recruiting

Clozapine Reviews: What are patients saying about Clozapine?

4.7Patient Review
1/17/2022
Clozapine for Schizophrenia
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
Clozapine for Schizophrenia
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
Clozapine for Suicidal Behavior in Schizoaffective Disorder
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
Clozapine for Suicidal Behavior in Schizoaffective Disorder
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
Clozapine for Mania associated with Bipolar Disorder
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.
View All Reviews
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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

Clinical Trials for Clozapine

Have you considered Clozapine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Clozapine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Clozapine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Clozapine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Clozapine clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Clozapine, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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