Clozapine

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication typically used to treat schizophrenia. The medication works by blocking or lessening the effects of certain chemicals in the brain that can become elevated in people with schizophrenia. Clozapine is usually reserved for people who have failed to respond to other schizophrenia medications. It comes in tablet form, and is generally taken one to three times per day.

 

What Is Clozapine?

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.
 

Who Makes Clozapine?

Clozapine is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 
(Click What Is Clozapine Used For? to learn more, including possible off-label uses for the drug.)
 

How Does Clozapine Work?

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.
 
Clozapine is not a cure for schizophrenia, however. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 

When and How to Take Clozapine

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take the drug:
 
  • Clozapine comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times daily.
     
  • You can take clozapine with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Clozapine 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. Clozapine will not work if you stop taking it.
 
(Clozapine Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;