RevisePsych

Clozapine

• First introduced in Europe in 1971, but voluntarily withdrawn in 1975 after it was shown to cause agranulocytosis.

• 1989: studies demonstrated more effective than any other antipsychotic so approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

• Patients have FBC (full blood count) monitored weekly for first 18 weeks, then 2 weeks for rest of year, 4 weeks for ever after.

 

• Severe side effects:

- agranulocytosis

- seizures

- myocarditis

- PE and diabetes

- sialorrhea (hypersalivation)

- constipation and weight gain