MedDataToolClozapine is a medication used to treat severe cases of schizophrenia, especially in patients who haven't responded well to other treatments. It works by affecting certain brain chemicals to help improve mood and reduce symptoms of psychosis. You can take it as a dissolving tablet, starting with a dose of 12.5 mg once or twice daily, and it can be increased to a maximum of 450 mg twice daily if needed. It's important to know that clozapine can cause a serious drop in white blood cells, so your doctor will monitor your blood counts regularly. Additionally, if you're taking strong medications that affect liver enzymes, like fluvoxamine, your doctor may need to adjust your clozapine dose.
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Uses
- Treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Reducing risk of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia.
- Reducing risk of suicidal behavior in schizoaffective disorder.
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Dosage
Start with 12.5 mg once or twice daily.
Increase to 150–225 mg twice daily over two weeks.
Maximum dose is 450 mg twice daily.
Can be taken with or without food.
Tablets can disintegrate in mouth or be chewed.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
sedationdizzinessheadachetremortachycardiaconstipationnausea
Serious
severe neutropeniaseizuresmyocarditiscardiomyopathyincreased mortality in elderly
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Can cause severe neutropenia, increasing infection risk.
- Risk of orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope.
- Seizures may occur, especially at higher doses.
- Risk of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy; discontinue if suspected.
- Not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
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Drug interactions
- Fluvoxaminereduce clozapine dose to one-thirdCaution
- CYP3A4 inducersmay decrease clozapine effectivenessCaution
- Anticholinergic drugsincrease risk of toxicityCaution
- CYP2D6 inhibitorsmay increase clozapine levels.Caution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).