Clozaril Safety Questions, Clozaril Answers
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Clozaril Safety Reports
Total Clozaril reports: 553.Clozaril FDA safety alerts: 2002 2004 2006 .
Reported deaths: 74 Reported hospitalizations: 220.
Take Clozaril Side Effects Survey or Share Your Clozaril Story.
Reported Clozaril Side Effects: dizziness, constipation, haemoglobin decreased, white blood cell count decreased, malaise, pyrexia, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, salivary hypersecretion, convulsion, weight increased, lower respiratory tract infection.
Clozaril Usage.
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Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284648-0Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Nov 28, 2005. Male patient, 27 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: eosinophil count increased. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284650-9
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Dec 01, 2005. Female patient, 53 years of age, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dyskinesia. CLOZARIL dosage: 100MG AM+200MG PM, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with ZOLOFT, DEPAKOTE, SEROQUEL, VYTORIN, DILANTIN, COUMADIN, TROPROL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284670-4
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Mar 31, 2006. Male patient, 42 years of age, was diagnosed with psychotic disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: anaemia, anorexia, arthralgia, arthritis, blood cholesterol increased, contusion, convulsion, dermatitis, dystonia. CLOZARIL dosage: 300 MG QAM, 200 MG QPHS. During the same period patient was treated with LITHIUM CARBONATE, RISPERDAL, BETAMETHASONE VALERATE W, HYDROXYZINE, FERROMAX, PLENDIL, CLARITIN, VITAMINS AND IRON. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284684-4
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Nov 08, 2005. Male patient, 30 years of age, weighting 209.9 lb, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: neutropenia, white blood cell count decreased. CLOZARIL dosage: 250 MG, QHS, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with CYMBALTA, DEPAKOTE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284689-3
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on May 01, 2006. Female patient, 55 years of age, weighting 235.9 lb, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: cardiac disorder, cardiac failure congestive, cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion, pericarditis. CLOZARIL dosage: 100MG BID, 300MG, QHS, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with ACETAZOLAMIDE, SERTRALINE, CLONAZEPAM, VALSARTAN, GLIMEPIRIDE, GLUCOPHAGE, TIOTROPIUM. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284699-6
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Dec 29, 2005. Male patient, 32 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agranulocytosis, leukopenia, psychotic disorder. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284726-6
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Feb 07, 2006. Male patient, 27 years of age, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: convulsion. CLOZARIL dosage: 900 MG, QD, ORAL; 450 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284731-X
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on Feb 27, 2006. Female patient, weighting 269.8 lb, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: enuresis, fatigue, palpitations, pollakiuria, stomach discomfort, weight increased. CLOZARIL dosage: 250 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with CLOZAPINE. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284736-9
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Feb 09, 2006. Male patient, 24 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hepatic enzyme increased, schizophrenia. CLOZARIL dosage: 900 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284740-0
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Mar 24, 2006. Male patient, 50 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delusion. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284750-3
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Apr 18, 2006. Male patient, 21 years of age, weighting 282.0 lb, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: disease recurrence, mental impairment, neutrophil count increased, schizophrenia, white blood cell count increased. CLOZARIL dosage: 150 MG BID, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with GEODON, ATIVAN, PREVACID. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284753-9
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on June 06, 2006. Female patient, 40 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: tachycardia. CLOZARIL dosage: 500 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284755-2
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on June 07, 2006. Male patient, 26 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dizziness, fall, loss of consciousness, supraventricular tachycardia. CLOZARIL dosage: 450 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with LITHIUM CARBONATE, COGENTIN. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284756-4
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Mar 13, 2006. Male patient, 57 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agranulocytosis, leukopenia. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284770-9
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on June 26, 2006. Male patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: malaise, pneumonia, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection. CLOZARIL dosage: 200 MG, BID, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284773-4
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on June 14, 2006. Male patient, 19 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agranulocytosis, neutrophil count decreased. CLOZARIL dosage: 100 MG, BID. During the same period patient was treated with DEPAKOTE. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284774-6
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Mar 15, 2006. Female patient, 93 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with MORPHINE, TYLENOL. Patient died on 03/13/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284776-X
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on June 14, 2006. Male patient was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: mobility decreased, pain in extremity, paralysis, rhabdomyolysis. CLOZARIL dosage: 200 MG, QHS, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with LAMICTAL, ZOLOFT, LORAZEPAM, OXYCONTIN, SYNTHROID, BOTOX. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284777-1
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on June 15, 2006. Male patient, 58 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient died on 05/28/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284781-3
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Mar 21, 2006. Male patient, 46 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient died.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284782-5
Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on June 30, 2006. Female patient was diagnosed with paranoia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: constipation, convulsion, weight increased. CLOZARIL dosage: 700 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284784-9
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Pharmacist from UNITED STATES on Mar 21, 2006. Female patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome. CLOZARIL dosage: 400-425 MG, QD, ORAL; 600 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with TRILAFON, HALDOL, SEROQUEL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284785-0
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Sept 29, 2006. Female patient, 44 years of age, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: diabetes mellitus non-insulin-dependent, hyperglycaemia. CLOZARIL dosage: 300 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284787-4
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Consumer or non-health professional from UNITED STATES on July 13, 2006. Male patient was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delusion. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284799-0
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on July 19, 2006. Female patient, 37 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delusion, feelings of worthlessness, granulocyte count increased, injury, lymphocyte count increased, mean cell haemoglobin increased, overdose, red blood cell count increased. CLOZARIL dosage: 1000 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with RISPERDAL, DEPAKOTE. Patient died on 07/14/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284800-4
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on May 15, 2006. Male patient, 68 years of age, was diagnosed with psychotic disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: parkinson's disease. CLOZARIL dosage: 25 MG, Q NOON, 50 MG QPM, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with SINEMET, ATIVAN, RESTORIL, VICODIN, MORPHINE, METFORMIN, DOXAZOSIN, SINEMET CR. Patient died on 01/23/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284801-6
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Apr 03, 2006. Female patient, 39 years of age, was diagnosed with psychotic disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: malaise, psychotic disorder. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284802-8
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Dec 12, 2005. Male patient, 44 years of age, weighting 200.0 lb, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: leukocytosis, thrombocythaemia. CLOZARIL dosage: 300MG QAM, 400MG QHS, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with DEPAKOTE. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284804-1
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on May 09, 2006. Female patient, 48 years of age, was diagnosed with hallucination and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: delusion, hallucination, poor personal hygiene, psychotic disorder. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with GEODON, ZYPREXA. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284816-8
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Jan 31, 2006. Male patient, 42 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient died on 11/01/2005.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284817-X
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on May 03, 2006. Male patient, 53 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abdominal discomfort, chest discomfort, gait disturbance, malaise. CLOZARIL dosage: 100 MG, TID, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with PROMETHAZINE, AMLODIPINE, CAPTOPRIL, PREDNISONE, SINGULAIR, CHLORPROMAZINE, BENZTROPINE MESYLATE, TRAZODONE. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died on 04/12/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284819-3
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Apr 24, 2006. Male patient, child 10 years of age, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: bipolar disorder, disease progression, sinusitis. CLOZARIL dosage: 400 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284820-X
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Dec 20, 2005. Female patient, 84 years of age, was diagnosed with parkinson's disease and was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: 25 MG, QHS, ORAL. Patient died.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284822-3
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on May 16, 2006. Male patient, 45 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: platelet count increased. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with ABILIFY. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284832-6
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Dec 20, 2005. Male patient, 43 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: extrapyramidal disorder, psychomotor hyperactivity, tremor, white blood cell count decreased. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284834-X
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Apr 29, 2006. Male patient, 27 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hallucination, auditory, suicidal ideation. CLOZARIL dosage: 500 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284835-1
Pharmacist from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on June 20, 2006. Female patient, 68 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: 225 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient died.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284843-0
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Jan 10, 2006. Female patient, 50 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: leukocytosis, neutrophil count abnormal. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CLOZAPINE. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284846-6
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on July 26, 2006. Female patient, 19 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia, insomnia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: grand mal convulsion. CLOZARIL dosage: 400 MG, QD, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with ZOLOFT, TRAZODONE, SEROQUEL, COGENTIN, METFORMIN, LIPITOR, PRILOSEC, COLACE. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284849-1
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Sept 22, 2006. Male patient, 37 years of age, weighting 220.0 lb, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: hypertriglyceridaemia. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with CLONAZEPAM, ARICEPT. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284856-9
Health Professional from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Feb 14, 2006. Male patient, 43 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: catatonia, pneumonia, white blood cell count increased. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284858-2
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on July 28, 2006. Male patient, 55 years of age, was treated with CLOZARIL. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient died on 07/27/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284859-4
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Feb 03, 2006. Female patient, 56 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood glucose increased, blood triglycerides increased, constipation, diabetes mellitus, glycosylated haemoglobin increased, weight increased. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284867-3
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Health Professional from UNITED STATES on Sept 12, 2006. Male patient, 53 years of age, weighting 177.9 lb, was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: akathisia, anger, blood cholesterol increased, blood triglycerides increased, confusional state, fatigue, feeling abnormal, headache. CLOZARIL dosage: unknown. During the same period patient was treated with TOPAMAX, RISPERDAL, ZOLOFT, DEPAKOTE, WELLBUTRIN, FIBERCON, COLACE. Patient died on 08/04/2006.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284868-5
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Feb 09, 2006. Male patient, 57 years of age, weighting 175.9 lb, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: asthenia, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, blood creatinine increased, blood glucose increased, blood potassium increased, blood urea increased, convulsion, hyperhidrosis, mental status changes. CLOZARIL dosage: 300MG QAM, 400MG QPM, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with LEVAQUIN, FLAGYL, ROCEPHIN, PROTONIX, PROZAC. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284870-3
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Aug 10, 2006. Male patient, 52 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: blood creatine phosphokinase increased, confusional state, musculoskeletal stiffness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, pain. CLOZARIL dosage: 100 MG, BID, ORAL. During the same period patient was treated with ZOLOFT, ASPIRIN, DITROPAN, MIRALAX. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284874-0
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Aug 17, 2006. Male patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: dizziness, mental status changes. CLOZARIL dosage: 300 MG, QD. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284877-6
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Aug 17, 2006. Female patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: abnormal behaviour, paranoia, psychotic disorder. CLOZARIL dosage: 500 MG, QD, ORAL. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284878-8
Physician from UNITED STATES reported CLOZARIL problem on Aug 21, 2006. Female patient, 45 years of age, was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: agranulocytosis, hallucination, auditory, neutrophil count decreased, pyrexia, schizophrenia, disorganised type, sedation, white blood cell count decreased. CLOZARIL dosage: 300 MG, QD, UNK. During the same period patient was treated with LITHIUM CARBONATE, ATIVAN, ANAFRANIL, SEROQUEL. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
Clozaril Side Effects Report #5284881-8
CLOZARIL problem was reported by a Physician from UNITED STATES on Aug 24, 2006. Female patient, 19 years of age, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and was treated with CLOZARIL. After drug was administered, patient experienced the following problems/side effects: white blood cell count decreased. CLOZARIL dosage: 300 MG, Q 12H,. Patient was hospitalized. Patient recovered.
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Drug Information: Clozapine
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a691001.html
(kloe' za peen)IMPORTANT WARNING:
| Clozapine can cause a serious blood condition. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before you start your treatment, during your treatment, and for at least 4 weeks after your treatment. Your doctor will order the lab tests once a week at first and may order the tests less often as your treatment continues. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: extreme tiredness; weakness; fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of flu or infection; or sores in your mouth or throat. A program has been set up by the manufacturers of clozapine to be sure that people do not take clozapine without the necessary monitoring. You, your doctor, and your pharmacist must be registered with the program, and your pharmacist will not dispense your medication unless he or she has received the results of your blood tests. Ask your doctor for more information about this program and how you will receive your medication. Clozapine may cause seizures. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, swim, or climb while taking clozapine, because if you suddenly lose consciousness, you could harm yourself or others.Clozapine may cause myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle that may be dangerous). If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: extreme tiredness; difficulty breathing or fast breathing; fever; chest pain; or fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat.Clozapine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when you stand up, especially when you first start taking it or when your dose is increased. Tell your doctor if you are taking medications for anxiety such as diazepam (Valium), sleeping pills, or other medications for schizophrenia. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of clozapine and gradually increase your dose to give your body time to adjust to the medication and decrease the chance that you will experience this side effect. Talk to your doctor if you do not take clozapine for 2 days or longer. Your doctor will probably tell you to restart your treatment with a low dose of clozapine.Use in Older Adults:Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as clozapine have an increased chance of death during treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: slow or difficult speech, sudden dizziness or faintness, or weakness or numbness of an arm or leg.Clozapine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed clozapine if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is taking this medication. For more information visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/cder |
Why is this medication prescribed?
Clozapine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) in patients who have not been helped by other medications or who have tried to kill themselves and are likely to try to kill or harm themselves again. Clozapine is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.
How should this medicine be used?
Clozapine comes as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (tablet that dissolves quickly in the mouth) to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day. Take clozapine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clozapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not try to push the orally disintegrating tablet through the foil packaging. Instead, use dry hands to peel back the foil. Immediately take out the tablet and place it on your tongue. The tablet will quickly dissolve and can be swallowed with saliva. No water is needed to swallow disintegrating tablets.
Clozapine controls schizophrenia but does not cure it. It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of clozapine. Continue to take clozapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clozapine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication should not be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking clozapine,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clozapine or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: antihistamines; benztropine (Cogentin); cimetidine (Tagamet); ciprofloxacin (Cipro); dicyclomine (Bentyl); epinephrine; erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, others); medications for high blood pressure, mental illness, or nausea; medications for irregular heartbeat such as encainide, flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), and quinidine (Quinidex);medications for seizures such as carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); sedatives; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft);sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and trihexyphenidyl (Artane). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- in addition to the condition listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had problems with your urinary system or prostate (a male reproductive gland); paralytic ileus (condition in which food cannot move through the intestine); glaucoma; irregular heartbeat; high or low blood pressure; or heart, kidney, lung, or liver disease; or if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you have ever had to stop taking a medication for mental illness because of severe side effects.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking clozapine, call your doctor. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medication.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clozapine.
- you should know that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medication.
- you should know that you may experience hyperglycemia (increases in your blood sugar) while you are taking this medication, even if you do not already have diabetes. If you have schizophrenia, you are more likely to develop diabetes than people who do not have schizophrenia, and taking clozapine or similar medications may increase this risk. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking clozapine: extreme thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, or weakness. It is very important to call your doctor as soon as you have any of these symptoms, because high blood sugar can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis may become life-threatening if it is not treated at an early stage. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include: dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, breath that smells fruity, and decreased consciousness.
- if you have phenylketonuria (PKU, an inherited condition in which a special diet must be followed to prevent mental retardation), you should know that the orally disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about drinking caffeinated beverages while taking this medicine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you miss taking clozapine for more than 2 days, you should call your doctor before taking any more medication. Your doctor may want to restart your medication at a lower dose.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Clozapine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- increased salivation
- constipation
- dry mouth
- restlessness
- headache
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNINGS or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately:
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- seizures
- fainting
- difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control
- confusion
- changes in vision
- shakiness
- fever
- severe muscle stiffness
- sweating
- confusion
- changes in behavior
- sore throat
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- flu-like symptoms
- lack of energy
Clozapine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed and any orally disintegrating tablets that you removed from the blister pack but did not use immediately. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- dizziness
- fainting
- slow breathing
- change in heartbeat
- loss of consciousness
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clozapine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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