Clozaril (Clozapine)

General information

Clozaril belongs to a family of medications called antipsychotics. This medication is used to treat certain mental or mood disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Clozapine decreases hallucinations and helps prevent suicide in people who are likely to try to harm themselves. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life.

Directions

Take Clozaril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose varies widely based on need but is usually started at 12.5 mg taken once or twice daily and adjusted gradually upwards according to the doctor's instructions. The recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 12.5 mg (half of a 25-mg tablet) once or twice daily. If you tolerate the medication well, your doctor may increase your dose slowly up to 300 mg to 450 mg total per day. Some people will need to take larger doses, up to 600 mg to 900 mg per day. You can take Clozaril with or without food. It should be taken at the same time each day.

Precautions

Before taking Clozaril you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, diabetes, seizures, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), glaucoma, Heart disease, congestive heart failure, epilepsy, enlarged prostate, bone marrow problems, low blood cell counts, Alzheimer's disease, low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. It can increase some of the side effects. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Contraindications

Do not take Clozaril if you are allergic to clozapine or any ingredients of this medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have active liver disease, loss of appetite, or jaundice (yellowing of skin), blood disorders (platelet disorders, low white blood cells), obstruction of the bowels, heart disease (myocarditis), kidney disease, uncontrolled epilepsy.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have swelling in your hands or feet, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, problems with vision, speech, or balance, hives, weakness, sore throat, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, wheezing, numbness, drowsiness, sudden headache, confusion, vomiting, nausea, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), seizure, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, constipation, increased sweating, weight gain, sleep problems. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: benzodiazepines (flurazepam, triazolam, alprazolam, lorazepam), blood pressure medications (metoprolol, bumetanide, triamterene), antibiotics or antifungals (ketoconazole, telithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin), anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, pentobarbital, phenytoin), antidepressants (paroxetine, citalopram, fluvoxamine), arrhythmia medications (flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), cimetidine, nicotine, phenothiazine medications (trifluoperazine, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine), rifamycin antibiotics (rifapentine, rifampin, rifabutin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are confusion, fast heart rate, drowsiness, drooling, weak or shallow breathing, and seizure.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.