Clozapine
Clozapine is a medication used in the treatment of certain mental or mood disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Pharmacologically, Clozapine belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.
Its mechanism of action is related to its ability to help restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, which can improve the symptoms associated with the mental disorder.
Benefits of Clozapine
Clozapine is an effective drug in the treatment of various types of mental disorders, including schizophrenia and psychosis that occurs as a complication of Parkinson’s disease.
This drug works primarily in patients who do not respond or are intolerant to treatment with conventional antipsychotics.
In addition, the use of Clozapine not only focuses on symptom management but also has the added benefit of preventing suicidal behavior in individuals who tend to self-harm.
Clozapine Side Effects
Common side effects of Clozapine include:
- Excessive saliva production.
- Feeling sleepy.
- Dizzy sensation.
- Mild to severe headache.
- Shaking or tremor.
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision.
- Digestive problems such as constipation and weight gain.
Many of these side effects, especially drowsiness, tend to lessen as the body adapts to the medication.
If you experience uncomfortable side effects or if they persist, consult a doctor or psychiatrist immediately.
Clozapine Dosage
Clozapine dosage rules can only be obtained through a doctor’s or psychiatrist’s prescription and are adjusted to the specific purpose of its use.
For the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, the initial dose is 12.5 mg, given 1-2 times on the first day, then the dose is increased to 25 mg, also given 1-2 times on the second day.
Next, the dose is increased by adding 25-50 mg per day for 14-21 days until reaching a maximum dose of 300 mg per day, which is given in divided doses.
If necessary, further dose increases of 50-100 mg can be given 1-2 times a week. The usual dose range is between 200-450 mg per day, with a maximum dose reaching 900 mg per day.
The dose reduction process is carried out gradually after achieving the desired therapeutic response, towards the appropriate maintenance dose.
Meanwhile, for elderly patients, the initial dose is 12.5 mg on the first day, with the possibility of increasing the dose to 25 mg per day, according to the individual’s response to the drug.
To prevent addiction or unwanted harmful side effects, the dose of antipsychotic medication to be consumed must be prescribed by a psychiatrist.
It is important not to change the dosage without the approval of a psychiatrist or medical professional.
How to Use Clozapine
Take this medication before or after meals, as directed by your doctor or psychiatrist.
If taking tablets that dissolve in the mouth, carefully remove each tablet from the blister pack immediately before taking your dose.
Allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow; no water is required to swallow the dissolved tablet.
Throw away any dissolving tablets that have been opened or previously exposed to air, and do not store them for future use.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly for 10 seconds before use.
Use the measuring device provided or a special dosing spoon to measure the dose carefully.
Do not use a regular spoon as this may result in an incorrect dose.
Cautions in Using Clozapine
Before using Clozapine, tell your doctor or psychiatrist about any allergies you have to the drug or to any other ingredients.
Before starting this medication, tell your doctor or psychiatrist about your medical history.
Especially if you have a history of blood disorders such as leukemia or low white blood cell count, and bowel problems such as paralytic ileus or irritable bowel syndrome.
Also tell your psychiatrist if you have breathing problems, diabetes, a family history of diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney problems, or liver problems.
In addition, tell your doctor about other medical history such as obesity or a family history of obesity, seizures, difficulty urinating such as may occur due to an enlarged prostate, or breathing disorders during sleep such as sleep apnea.
Clozapine Interactions
This medication may interact with some other products, such as Metoclopramide.
Additionally, there are other medications that can affect the metabolism of Clozapine in your body, which may affect its effectiveness.
Examples of these drugs include fluvoxamine, saquinavir, St. John’s wort, and drugs used to treat seizures such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
It is important to tell your doctor or psychiatrist if you are taking other products that can cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain relievers or antitussives such as codeine and hydrocodone.
Additionally, be careful about consuming alcohol, sleeping pills or anxiety medications such as alprazolam, lorazepam, and zolpidem, muscle relaxants such as carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine, or antihistamines such as cetirizine and diphenhydramine.
Clozapine Contraindications
Clozapine should not be used in patients who have had a serious allergic reaction to Clozapine or any other ingredient in this medicine.
It is also not recommended in patients with certain blood disorders, uncontrolled epilepsy, intestinal paralysis, or a history of Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis or a drastic decrease in white blood cell levels.