Treatment with Clozapine

You must have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done before starting your treatment, and every week while the dose is being increased (minimum 4 weeks). An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart.

You must have blood samples taken before starting treatment and for the first 18 weeks.

It is one of the most effective medicinal products against delusions and hallucinations in connection with schizophrenia.

Clozapine is used when other medicinal products do not provide an adequate effect or cause unacceptable side effects.

However, clozapine also requires extra control because it may cause severe side effects in a few people.

Side effects may include:

• Increased saliva production – especially at night. You can get medication that reduces your discomfort.
• Weight gain
• Constipation, which may be severe and require treatment Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• In rare cases, Clozapine may weaken your immune system (resulting in low white blood cell count), which may lead to serious infections.
• Inflammation of the heart may occur in very few patients. The symptoms may resemble an acute heart attack. Therefore, you will have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done regularly.

Remember to inform your therapist if you experience any of the above side effects. You must also mention if you experience any other side effects that may be caused by your treatment with Clozapine.

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it, unless it is soon time for the next dose. In such case, follow your usual dosage schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

NB: If more than 48 hours have passed, you will need a new dose escalation plan.  Therefore, consult your therapist before taking the medication.

Always consult your therapist if you want to stop taking the medication or reduce the dose!

It is important to inform your doctor about any medication you are taking. Also tell your therapist if you start – or stop – taking other medication while you are being treated with Clozapine.

Smoking affects the dosage of your medication. If you change your smoking habits, notify your psychiatric therapist. This applies both if you smoke more or less than usual.

Clozapine affects the concentration of caffeine in the blood – therefore tell your therapist if you significantly change your coffee consumption.

Please note that Clozapine may result in increased appetite, which can lead to weight gain.

Please note that alcohol enhances the sedative effect of Clozapine.

Both hashish and other substances of abuse may cause severe and enhanced side effects.

As long as you are being treated with Clozapine, you must attend a check-up at the clinic at least every six months. Your doctor will check that you do not have severe side effects from the medication.

As there have been rare cases of severe side effects from Clozapine, it is very important that you attend the scheduled check-ups.

• You must have blood samples taken every month
• You must have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done minimum every six months.
• You will also be weighed, as some people experience weight gain when treated with Clozapine.

You can consult your doctor if you want to know more about treatment with Clozapine.

• Antipsyhotics
• www.min.medicin.dk