Treatments > Biological > Medication > Clozapine
Clozapine
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First introduced in Europe in 1971, but voluntarily withdrawn in 1975 after it was shown to cause agranulocytosis.
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1989: studies demonstrated more effective than any other antipsychotic so approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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Patients have FBC (full blood count) monitored weekly for first 18 weeks, then 2 weeks for rest of year, 4 weeks for ever after.
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Severe side effects:
- agranulocytosis
- seizures
- myocarditis
- PE and diabetes
- sialorrhea (hypersalivation)
- constipation and weight gain