Question 1

What is Clozapine (Clozaril) used for?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 2

What is the most important information I should know about Clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

Clozapine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to clozapine or have low white blood cell counts. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of clozapine on the baby. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newbornDo not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

if you smoke, heart problems, high blood pressure,
a heart attack or stroke (including "mini-stroke"), long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
a seizure, head injury, or brain tumor;
high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, or risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
glaucoma;
a stomach ulcer, constipation or diarrhea, malnourishment or dehydration; or
liver or kidney disease.

Question 3

Can I take Clozapine (Clozaril) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of clozapine on the baby. Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newbornDo not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Question 4

How to take Clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

Use Clozapine (Clozaril) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. You may take clozapine with or without food. Remove an from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. orally disintegrating tablet Clozapine affects your immune system and can have long lasting effects on your body. You may need frequent medical tests while using this medicine and for a short time after your last dose. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You should not stop using clozapine suddenly. and your dose may be changed based on the results. Your blood will need to be tested often If you start taking clozapine again after 2 or more days off the medicine, you may need to use a lower dose than when you stopped. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Shake the (liquid) for 10 seconds before you measure a dose. Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). oral suspension Store the medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Store the disintegrating tablets in the foil pouch. Throw the oral suspension away after 100 days of first opening the bottle, even if there is still medicine left inside. Do not refrigerate or freeze the oral suspension. Protect from light.

Question 5

What happens if I overdose on Clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed Clozapine (Clozaril) call your doctor or the Poison Control center '800-222-1222','(800) 222-1222','Poison Control' If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Diclofenac (Voltaren), call 911

Question 6

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Question 7

What are the side effects of Clozapine (Clozaril)?

Accepted Answer

Get emergency medical help if you have (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: Call your doctor at once if you have: Untreated constipation may lead to serious bowel complications, hospitalization, or death. Tell your doctor right away if you are not having bowel movements at least 3 times per week.

mouth sores, skin sores, fever, flu-like symptoms, extreme weakness;
new or worsening cough, trouble breathing; or
pain or burning when you urinate, or vaginal itching or discharge.

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
falls, a seizure (blackout or convulsions);
severe constipation, dry or hard bowel movements, or painful gas;
nausea, vomiting, stomach ulcer, stomach pain or bloating;
heart problems--chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, slow heartbeats, shortness of breath, swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out; or
signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood.

weight gain;
fast heart rate, dizziness, tremor;
nausea, constipation;
dry mouth, or increased salivation;
headache, drowsiness, vision problems; or
fever, increased sweating.

Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up. High doses or long-term use of clozapine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use clozapine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult. Clozapine can increase your , especially at high doses. Avoid any activity that could be dangerous if you have a seizure or lose consciousness. risk of seizure Common side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.