clozapine

Made in 1956, Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication, and is mainly used for schizophrenia that does not improve following the use of other antipsychotic medications. When it comes to its mechanism of action, this drug interacts with receptors in the brain that control the activity of chemical messengers. These receptors are overactive in people with schizophrenia, and so Clozapine decreases their activity. This medication may actually decrease the rate of suicidal behavior in those with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Plus, it is more effective than typical antipsychotics, particularly in those who are treatment-resistant. It is worth noting that your blood may need to be tested every week for the first 6 months of treatment. This is due to the fact that Clozapine has been associated with a potentially fatal decrease in a certain type of white blood cells. Other serious risks include seizures, inflammation of the heart, high blood sugar levels, constipation, and an increased risk of death in older people with psychosis as a result of dementia. In addition, Clozapine’s common side effects include drowsiness, increased saliva production, low blood pressure, blurred vision, and dizziness. However, little is known about Clozapine use during pregnancy and lactation, or its impact on the mother, fetus, and infant.