Medicine information
Uses & overview
Clozapine is a prescription antipsychotic medicine used primarily to treat treatment-resistant schizophrenia, particularly when other antipsychotic medications have not provided adequate symptom control. It may also be prescribed to reduce recurrent suicidal behavior in certain patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Treatment should always be supervised by a qualified psychiatrist. Clozapine works by affecting several neurotransmitter systems in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin pathways. It may help reduce hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and other symptoms associated with schizophrenia. The response varies between individuals, and improvement may take time.
How to use
Follow your prescribed dose: Take the exact dose recommended by your doctor. Never increase the dose or change the schedule independently. Start treatment gradually: Clozapine generally requires a low starting dose followed by gradual increases under medical supervision. This helps reduce risks such as dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure. Take it consistently: Follow your prescribed schedule each day. Clozapine may be prescribed once or several times daily, depending on your individual treatment plan. Follow administration instructions: Swallow tablets with water as directed. If you use an oral liquid or another formulation, follow the specific product instructions provided by your pharmacist. Attend blood tests: Clozapine can cause severe neutropenia, a potentially dangerous reduction in white blood cells. Regular absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring is essential according to your local prescribing requirements. Handle missed doses carefully: If you miss a dose, follow your doctor's instructions. If you have missed Clozapine for more than 48 hours, contact your prescriber before taking another dose. Restarting at the previous dose may cause dangerous low blood pressure and other complications. Monitor bowel movements: Clozapine can cause severe constipation and, rarely, life-threatening bowel complications. Report persistent constipation, abdominal pain, swelling, or vomiting promptly.
Storage
Store in cool and dry place
