clozapine

Brand name(s):

Clozaril, FazaClo

What is the most important information I should know about clozapine?

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia.

You should not take clozapine if you have uncontrolled epilepsy, paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage, an infection caused by clozapine, or if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

While you are taking clozapine, your blood may need to be tested every week for the first 6 months of treatment. Do not miss any scheduled blood tests.

Do not stop taking clozapine or change your dose without first talking to your doctor.

Call your doctor if you have shortness of breath, swelling in your hands or feet, fever, weakness, sore throat, sudden numbness or weakness, sudden vision or speech problems, chest pain, cough, wheezing, pain or swelling in one or both legs, mouth sores, seizure, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

There are many other medicines that can interact with clozapine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

What is clozapine?

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia symptoms in people who have not responded to other medications. Clozapine is also used to help reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.

Clozapine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clozapine?

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not take this medication if you are allergic to clozapine, or if you have:

untreated or uncontrolled epilepsy;
paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage;
a history of infection while taking clozapine; or
if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

Before taking clozapine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack;
liver or kidney disease;
lung disease;
diabetes;
a history of bone marrow or blood cell disorders;
glaucoma; or
an enlarged prostate or urination problems.

Clozapine may raise your blood sugar, causing symptoms such as increased thirst, loss of appetite, increased urination, drowsiness, nausea, or fruity breath odor. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms.

FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use clozapine without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Clozapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not use this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Clozapine orally-disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of clozapine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

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