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For some it has been a wonder drug however lots of side effects, weight gain, drooling not to mention the more serious WBC changes. It certainly had its day in the sun and worked when other anti-psychotics did not. Now we have a wider array of 2nd generation anti-psychotics to choose from. Clozaril is never my first pick now when initiating...
I've seen it used with patients who had no success with anything else. Also, patients who have been on it awhile are seldom switched if it's working and the side effects aren't hitting them hard.
From what I've read, it's last choice...while it works well for the schizophrenia symptoms, the side effects are very difficult and they aren't ones that happen seldom.
The reason Clozaril can cause agranulocytosis isn't clear. Some believe one of its metabolites is toxic to neutrophils.
http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/283/3/1375
We have about 15 people still on Clozaril at our clinic, and we started a guy on it about 7 months ago...mind you we've tried EVERYTHING on him and nothing was working...Clozaril seems to be working fairly well so far.
We did have to take one fellow off after his WBCs and neuts tanked...he's doing very well on a Zyprexa/Haldol combo though.
Jules A, MSN
8,864 Posts
Hi,
Would you take some time and share your experiences, insights and opinions on Clozaril? Thank you in advance, Jules