Clozapine Withdrawal

Although people are not likely to abuse or become addicted to clozapine, withdrawal symptoms are possible as the brain adjusts to a reduction in the medication. Withdrawal symptoms can include insomnia, hallucinations, or delusions. To prevent clozapine withdrawal symptoms from occurring, your healthcare provider may gradually wean you off the medication. You should not stop taking it without your healthcare provider's supervision.

 

Clozapine Withdrawal: An Introduction

Clozapine (Clozaril®, FazaClo®) is a prescription medication approved to treat schizophrenia. As with most medications for mental illnesses, stopping clozapine is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Although the medication is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, the brain may need time to adjust to stopping it.
 

Symptoms of Clozapine Withdrawal

Clozapine withdrawal symptoms can include but are not limited to:
 
These withdrawal symptoms may not improve with time, as they may be symptoms of the underlying disorder the medication is being used to treat.
 

Limiting Clozapine Withdrawal

Your healthcare provider may decide to wean you off clozapine slowly to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms, although this may not be necessary in all situations. Even if you are switching to another schizophrenia medication, your healthcare provider may still recommend stopping clozapine slowly. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any bothersome symptoms after ending treatment.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;