iPsychology

Clozapine ( Clozaril )

Clozapine ( Clozaril ) is an antipsychotic drug mostly used in Europe. Used in the treatment of schizophrenia,helping treat false perceptions (e.g. hallucinations or delusions.)

Warnings

Do not use to treat violence that is not caused from psychosis, insomnia, anxiety or agitation.

Check with your physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants like antihistamines, hay fever medicines, sedatives, narcotics, anesthetics, barbiturates or muscle relaxants. Also check with your physician if you are taking any drug that suppress bone marrow function. Clozapine ( Clozaril ) may increase the effects antihypertensive or atropine-type drugs.

The habit-forming potential is none. Long term effects are not known.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered. )

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of sixteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it's side effects.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any other phenothiazine in the pass or if you have myeloproliferative ( bone marrow and white blood cell disorder .)

Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any other phenothiazine in the past. If you have epilepsy. If you have any blood disorder ( e.g. anemia.) If you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug. If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests. If you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other.)

Clozapine ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Drowsiness / sedation, dizziness / light headed, low blood pressure, increased salivation, racing heartbeat / palpitations or constipation.

Rare: Headache, agitation / restlessness, sleep disturbances / nightmares, seizures, sweating, dry mouth, visual changes, sore throat, fever, weight gain, nausea / vomiting, reduced urinary output or abdominal discomfort.

See physician always: Agitation / restlessness, sleep disturbances / nightmares, seizures, sweating, increased salivation, visual changes, racing heartbeat / palpitations, constipation, sore throat, fever, weight gain, nausea / vomiting or reduced urinary output.

See physician if severe: Drowsiness / sedation, dizziness / light headed, low blood pressure, headache, sweating, dry mouth or abdominal discomfort.

See physician NOW: Fever, sore throat or reduced urinary output.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Seizures.