Clozapine (
Clozaril®, FazaClo
®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
schizophrenia in people who have failed to respond to other schizophrenia medications. It is also approved to decrease the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
It is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Clozapine belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation)
antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely clear how the drug works in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, it is known that clozapine blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.
When and How to Take Clozapine
The following are some general considerations for when and how to take the medication:
- Clozapine comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times daily.
- You can take it with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with clozapine. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of clozapine include, but are not limited to:
(Click Clozapine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects of the drug in the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Clozapine
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much clozapine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Delirium
- Coma
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased salivation
- Pneumonia
- An irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Clozapine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
Keep clozapine and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your clozapine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Clozapine tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Clozapine 25 mg
- Clozapine 100 mg.
Generic clozapine is available in the above strengths, as well as clozapine 50 mg tablets.
Currently, both brand-name and generic clozapine are licensed for sale
(see Generic Clozaril).
