Uses
Clozaril (clozapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that works by affecting the activity of the brain’s neurotransmitters. This medication is only available by prescription. Due to the adverse side effects that may be experienced when taking this drug, you should carefully follow all the directions laid out by your doctor.
What Mental Health Conditions Does Clorazil Treat?
Clozaril is used to treat symptoms associated with severe schizophrenia, including hallucinations, breaks with reality, suicidal behavior, and extreme emotions, thoughts, or feelings. While Clozaril will help control behaviors that accompany the condition, it is not a “cure” for schizophrenia.
This drug is often prescribed to adults who need to augment other antipsychotic medications, or when they have not responded to other schizophrenia treatments. In most cases, Clozaril is suggested only after two or more alternative antipsychotic drugs have been tried.
It may be helpful to consider pairing antipsychotic medication with some type of psychotherapy. Many available studies indicate that psychotropic medication treatment augmented with psychotherapy helps improve the quality of life to a greater degree for those in treatment than medication alone. Psychotherapy is a healthy way to address many emotions and behaviors associated with conditions Clozaril is used to treat.
Dosage
Pay close attention to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor and/or pharmacist. Your clinician’s directions will likely include the following recommendations:
- Clozaril comes in a quick-dissolve tablet form and is usually taken one to three times per day. Take a consistent dose each day; do not alter the amount of medication you take without first speaking to your doctor. Up to two weeks may pass before you feel the full effect of this drug. It is important to continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor, even after you begin to feel well.
- If a dose is missed, take the missed dose as soon as you are able to. However, do not take the missed dose if you are close to the time for your next scheduled dose. Having too much of the drug in your system may cause an overdose. If you do not take the drug for two days or longer, speak to your doctor before you retake it.
- If you overdose on Clozaril, call a poison helpline and seek emergency medical care right away. Signs and symptoms of overdose include sedation, fainting, problems with breathing, dizziness, delirium, erratic heartbeat, drooling, seizures, and coma. Overdoses above 2500 mg may be fatal; however some individuals have recovered from overdoses in excess of 4000 mg.
Side Effects
People who are being treated with Clozaril may experience various side effects. Individuals who encounter serious side effects should seek emergency medical attention immediately. Serious side effects may include:
- Confusion
- Behavioral changes
- Fever, sweating, or flu symptoms
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness
- Fever or sweating
- Shaking hands that cannot be controlled
- Vision changes
- Sore throat
- Bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty with urination or loss of bladder control
- Stomach upset, loss of appetite
- Yellowed eyes or skin
- Pain in the upper right portion of the stomach
Less serious side effects of this medication may include:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Increased saliva
Precautions
If you are allergic to clozapine, you should not take Clozaril. Common allergic reactions include the sudden appearance of hives and the swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Be sure to mention to your doctor if you have had any serious reactions to similar medications.
Clozaril is not recommended for use by older adults with dementia or dementia-related issues as it may increase the risk of death. If you have or have ever had heart disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, glaucoma or seizures, you should talk to your doctor before you take this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had urinary issues or problems with your prostate.
Let your doctor know if you have phenylketonuria. Orally disintegrating Clozaril tablets contain aspartame, which forms phenylalanine.
Clozaril may interact with other medications or supplements, including antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, sleeping pills, HIV medications, high blood pressure medications, and more. If you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication.
A single tablet of Clozaril may be extremely toxic to toddlers. Confusion, involuntary muscle movement, nerve damage, coma, and respiratory arrest may occur if toddlers ingest just 50-200 mg of clozapine.
