Clozapine
Introduction To Clozapine
Clozapine is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (a mental disorder that can result in hallucinations or delusions and also adversely affects a person’s ability to think and behave).
Clozapine may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include increased sweating, visual disturbance, and decreased blood pressure. Please consult your doctor if these side effects do not get better or worse.
Before taking this medicine it is important to inform your doctor if your suffering from high body temperature and muscle stiffness (neuroleptic malignant syndrome), have had abnormal tongue or face movements (dyskinesia), heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, dementia, fits (epilepsy), difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), or liver problems.
Uses of Clozapine
- Schizophrenia
Benefits of Clozapine
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability,
feelings and behavior become abnormal. Clozapine helps restore the chemical
imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves
thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life.
Side effects of Clozapine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Sizopin
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Constipation
- Fever
- Weight gain
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Increased liver enzymes
- Drowsiness
- Seizure
- Increased white blood cell count (eosinophils)
- Anticholinergic effects
- Tachycardia
- Excessive salivation
How to use Clozapine
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Clozapine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Clozapine works
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotics. It works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affects thoughts.
Quick tips
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Clozapine helps treat schizophrenia in people for whom other medicines are ineffective or not tolerated.
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Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time everyday.
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It can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.
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It may cause low blood pressure and dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
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It may increase your weight, blood sugar and cholesterol. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your blood levels regularly.
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Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor your blood cells during treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection such as fever, sore throat or rash.
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Do not stop taking Clozapine without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Clozapine if I’m pregnant?
Clozapine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Clozapine if I’m breastfeeding?
Clozapine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. If Clozapine is used, monitor the baby for excessive sedation. Periodically, keep a check on the baby's white blood cell count as well.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Clozapine safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Clozapine.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Clozapine?
Clozapine may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. You may feel tired, drowsy, dizzy or you may feel faint while taking ClozapineClozapine, especially during the early stages of treatment. This may affect your driving ability.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Clozapine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Clozapine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Clozapine may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Clozapine is may not be advised in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Clozapine if I have/had liver diseases?
Clozapine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Clozapine may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable. Inform your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting and/or weight loss while taking this medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take for Clozapine to work?
Like many medicines, Clozapine does not work straight away. You might start feeling more calm and relaxed after a few weeks of taking this medicine.
Q. Why has Clozapine been prescribed?
Clozapine is an antipsychotic drug used to treat manic episodes and Schizophrenia, a mood disorder. It shortens the time to recovery and prevents mania from returning. It is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with Schizophrenia.
Q. Does Clozapine help with anxiety?
Yes, Clozapine helps calm the mind and decreases the level of anxiety and aggressive behavior in patients with Schizophrenia.
Q. Is Clozapine addictive?
No, Clozapine is not addictive in nature. No habit-forming potential has been seen with its use. However, always follow your doctor's advice regarding the duration of its use.
Q. When should I see my doctor?
Seek immediate medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction, pain or burning when you urinate, or vaginal itching or discharge.
Q. Can Clozapine cause dizziness?
Yes. Clozapine can cause dizziness by reducing blood pressure. If this happens to you, you should sit or lie down until the symptoms pass. Always carry some sugary food or fruit juice with you in case you experience dizziness while traveling.
Q. Why do I have to have regular blood tests while I am taking Clozapine?
Clozapine is known to cause a rare but serious side effect called “agranulocytosis”. This side effect occurs in less than 1 out of every 100 people who take this medicine. This side effect can result in a decrease in the number of white blood cells (infection-fighting cells) in your body. Without enough white blood cells, your body may not be able to. In order to prevent this, your doctor may prescribe you a blood test to check your white blood cell count.
Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Clozapine?
It is recommended that people taking this medicine should not drink alcohol. This is because Clozapine is an antipsychotic and taking it with alcohol can cause severe drowsiness. This can lead to falls and accidents. Also, drinking alcohol may make mania, depression, and anxiety worse. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Q. I am experiencing a change in my taste after the start of the treatment with Clozapine. Any tips to reduce it?
A change in taste is a common side-effect of this medicine. Rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda before mealtimes to neutralize the bad taste in your mouth. You may also add some extra flavor or seasonings to your food.
Q. I am having trouble remembering to take my medications. Is there anything I can do to help me remember?
In order to avoid missing a dose, use a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member a friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.
Q. What happens if I stop taking Clozapine?
It is advisable not to stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor, since it may worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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