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Clozapine Coupon - Clozapine 100mg tablet

clozapine

Generic Clozaril
Used for Schizophrenia

Clozapine (Clozaril) is used to treat schizophrenia. It's an atypical antipsychotic, but it's not a first-choice medication for schizophrenia because it can cause many bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause your white blood cell (WBC) count to drop dangerously low and raise your risk for serious infections. As a result, clozapine (Clozaril) is prescribed under a special program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). In order to pick up your medication at the pharmacy, your provider will ask you to get blood work regularly (weekly to monthly) to make sure your WBC count is at a healthy level.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on May 4, 2023
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What is Clozapine (Clozaril)?

What is Clozapine (Clozaril) used for?

  • Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments
  • Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

How Clozapine (Clozaril) works

Clozapine (Clozaril) is a second generation "atypical" antipsychotic. It's not exactly known how it works, but it mainly targets and changes dopamine and serotonin activity in your brain, which affect your thoughts, behavior, and mood.

Drug facts

Common BrandsClozaril, Versacloz
Drug ClassAtypical antipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Clozapine (Clozaril)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Increased salivation (Up to 48%)
  • Drowsiness (up to 46%)
  • Dizziness (up to 27%)
  • Fast heart rate (up to 25%)
  • Constipation (up to 25%)
  • Trouble sleeping (up to 20%)
  • Nausea/vomiting (17%)
  • High or low blood pressure (up to 13%)
  • Fever (up to 13%)
  • Headache (10%)
  • Heartburn (up to 14%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight gain
  • Shakiness
  • Fainting
  • Restlessness, agitation
  • Rigid movements
  • Disturbed sleep or nightmares
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash

Clozapine (Clozaril) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Seizures
  • Tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled muscle movements, such as facial grimacing, lip-smacking, blinking
  • Serious heart problems: abnormal heartbeat, trouble breathing, fainting, fever, or flu-like symptoms
  • Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs): sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, bloody cough, heart racing
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Allergic reaction: sensitivity to light, skin color changes, severe skin rash
  • Serious liver problems: yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), severe stomach or abdominal pain, dark urine
  • Serious infection (from low blood cell count): fever, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills

Source: DailyMed

The following Clozapine (Clozaril) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

confusion

constipation

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

nausea

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sweating

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Anxiety

black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

convulsions

cough or hoarseness

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

discouragement

dry mouth

feeling sad or empty

fever with or without chills

frequent strong or increased urge to urinate

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

hyperventilation

irritability

lack of appetite

loss of bladder control

loss of interest or pleasure

lower back or side pain

muscle spasm or jerking of the arms or legs

painful or difficult urination

pounding in the ears

restlessness or need to keep moving

severe or continuing headache

shakiness and unsteady walk

slurred speech

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sudden jerky movements of the body

sudden loss of consciousness

swollen glands

throat discomfort

tightness in the chest

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Rare

Absence of or decrease in movement

change in appetite

dark urine

decreased sexual ability

difficult or fast breathing or sudden shortness of breath

increased sweating

increased thirst

increased urination

lip smacking or puckering

muscle stiffness (severe)

puffing of the cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue

swelling or pain in the leg

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually pale skin

weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Bloating

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

clay-colored stools

confusion as to time, place, or person

diarrhea

epileptic seizure that will not stop

feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior

feeling that others can hear your thoughts

feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there

holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact

inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

indigestion

itching or skin rash

joint pain

light-colored stools

muscle twitching

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

rhythmic movement of the muscles

severe mood or mental changes

sticking out of the tongue

swelling around the eyes

swelling of the body or feet and ankles

trouble with speaking

unpleasant breath odor

unusual behavior

unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness

unusual facial expressions

unusual weight gain

upper right abdominal or stomach pain

vomiting of blood

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

relaxed and calm sensation of spinning

sleepiness

Less common

Blurred or loss of vision

change or problem with discharge of semen

disturbed color perception

double vision

halos around lights

inability to sit still

increase in body movements

muscle ache or pain

muscle weakness

night blindness

nightmares

overbright appearance of lights

pain in the back, neck, or legs

pain in the chest below the breastbone

severe muscle stiffness

sore tongue

stuffy nose

tunnel vision

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

hives, sores, welting, or blisters

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

painful or prolonged erection of the penis

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

reddening of the skin, especially around the ears

severe stomach pain

severe sunburn

swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose

swelling of the salivary glands

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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Pros and cons of Clozapine (Clozaril)

Pros

  • Works well to treat schizophrenia when other medications haven't worked well
  • Taken by mouth
  • Comes as both a regular tablet (that you swallow by mouth) and as a dissolvable tablet that you place on the tongue
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • Need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled (weekly to monthly)
  • Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
  • Can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Not a good option for people with a history of seizures
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Pharmacist tips for Clozapine (Clozaril)

pharmacist
  • You can take clozapine (Clozaril) with or without food because food doesn't affect how well this medication works.
  • Take clozapine (Clozaril) exactly as prescribed and don't stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping it all of a sudden can cause your symptoms to return, or you could have withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • To avoid feeling dizzy while taking this medication, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Avoid driving and other tasks that require you to be alert until you know how clozapine (Clozaril) affects you.
  • Clozapine (Clozaril) is part of a special monitoring program called the clozapine (Clozaril) REMS Program because of its risk for low white blood cells and infection. You'll need to get blood tests before you start this medication and before every refill. You must pick up the medication within 7 days of your blood tests.
  • If you miss taking clozapine (Clozaril) for more than 2 days, don't just restart it; call your provider for guidance on what to do. Your provider will likely ask you to start clozapine (Clozaril) at a lower dose and raise your dose slowly over time until you get to the dose you were taking before.
  • You might experience constipation while taking clozapine (Clozaril). You should drink plenty of water and eat foods with enough fiber. If you continue to pass less than 3 stools a week, you will need to contact your healthcare provider.
  • There are many medication interactions with clozapine (Clozaril). Certain medications can make clozapine (Clozaril) not work as well (e.g., phenytoin), while others can cause clozapine (Clozaril) levels to go too high which can cause serious side effects (e.g., bupropion). Let your healthcare provider and pharmacist know all the medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements you're taking.
  • Clozapine (Clozaril) might affect your weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar control. You will need to get these checked regularly while you taking this medication.
  • Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding while taking this medication.
  • If you're taking the orally disintegrating tablet, place the tablet on your tongue right after removing it from the blister pack. You don't need to swallow water afterwards, your regular saliva is enough.
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Risks and warnings for Clozapine (Clozaril)

Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Risk of serious infection (from low white blood cells)

Black Box Warning Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause low neutrophil (white blood cell, or WBC) count, which can lead to serious infections. Due to this risk, clozapine (Clozaril) is only available under a restricted program called the clozapine (Clozaril) REMS Program, which ensures that healthcare providers and pharmacies have the appropriate training to prescribe and dispense this medication. Your provider will measure your neutrophil level before you start clozapine (Clozaril) to make sure it's not too low. In addition, you'll need to get regular blood tests (weekly to monthly) while you're receiving treatment. You'll only be able to pick up your clozapine (Clozaril) prescription at the pharmacy if your neutrophil levels are within a safe range. Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as fever, weakness, sore throat, or cough while taking this medication.

Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting

  • Risk factors: History of heart-related conditions, such as heart attack | Dehydration | Taking blood pressure medications | Heart failure

Black Box Warning Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause low blood pressure and a slower heartbeat, which can lead to fainting or falling. This is most likely to happen if you're starting this medication for the first time or any time your provider is raising your dose too quickly. Your risk of these side effects is higher if you're also taking blood pressure medications or if you're dehydrated. To lower your risk of low blood pressure or falls, your provider will raise your dose of clozapine (Clozaril) slowly over time. Make sure to also drink enough of liquids to stay hydrated throughout the day. Contact to your healthcare provider if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Seizures

  • Risk factors: Seizure disorder | Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly | Taking medications that raise the risk for seizures | Head injury

Black Box Warning People taking clozapine (Clozaril) have reported having seizures. The risk for seizures is higher for people who are taking higher doses of clozapine (Clozaril) or who are taking other medications that can raise the risk for seizures. Let your caregiver or family members know of this risk and teach them how they can help if you have a seizure. Be careful driving, swimming, or participating in other potentially dangerous activities in which sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures.

Heart problems

  • Risk factors: History of heart problems

Black Box Warning People taking clozapine (Clozaril) have reported issues with their heart muscles, which can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. If you experience these problems, your provider will switch you to a different medication, unless they think the benefit of clozapine (Clozaril) is greater than the risk of harm. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have chest pain or pressure, a heartbeat that doesn't feel normal, trouble breathing, fainting, or fever.

Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

  • Risk factors: Ages 65 years and older

Black Box Warning People ages 65 years and older with dementia sometimes have delusions and hallucinations (believing, seeing, or hearing things that aren't real). This is called dementia-related psychosis. Older people with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death if they take medications like clozapine (Clozaril). Because of this risk, clozapine (Clozaril) shouldn't be used in people 65 years and older with dementia-related psychosis. Let your provider know if you or someone you know has dementia before starting clozapine (Clozaril).

High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

Clozapine (Clozaril) can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as raise your appetite, all of which can lead to weight gain. Your provider will likely order blood tests regularly throughout treatment with clozapine (Clozaril) to make sure your blood sugar and cholesterol aren't too high. Make sure to have a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and sugar and maintain a regular exercise routine while taking clozapine (Clozaril).

Severe constipation

Some people taking clozapine (Clozaril) experienced severe constipation and other gut-related problems. This is because this medication can cause your gut muscles to move more slowly, which can cause stool to get backed up in the intestines or other complications. You should drink plenty of fluids and eat a fiber-full diet while taking clozapine (Clozaril) to lower your risk of gut-related problems. If your passing less than 3 stools a week or if you have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, ask your provider if you need more medical attention.

Serious allergic reactions or inflammation problems

Clozapine (Clozaril) can cause eosinophil levels (a type of white blood cell) to rise. This can lead to a reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (DRESS), which can in turn, lead to problems in other organs in your body, such as the heart, pancreas, and kidneys. Let your provider know right away if you have a fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.

Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

Risk factors: Low potassium or magnesium blood levels | Older age | Female sex | Using other medications that cause QT prolongation | Born with QT prolongation | Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) | History of heart problems or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Slow heart rate

Although rare, clozapine (Clozaril) can affect your heart rhythm by lengthening the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation and it can be life-threatening. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you have any of the risk factors listed above. To lower your risk of QT prolongation, your provider will periodically monitor you and draw labs to make sure your numbers are normal. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking and don't start any new medications while taking clozapine (Clozaril) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first. People who were born with QT prolongation or have a history of arrhythmias should avoid taking clozapine (Clozaril). If you feel your chest pounding, have trouble breathing, chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking clozapine (Clozaril), call 911 right away.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

This is a rare, but life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications. Symptoms include high fever, fast heart rate, full body stiffness, and confusion. Get medical attention right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Your healthcare provider will likely find you another medication that will work better for you.

Driving impairment

  • Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medicines that make you less alert

Clozapine (Clozaril) impairs your ability to focus, think, and react. Be careful and avoid driving a car or other activities that require mental concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

Liver problems

  • Risk factors: History of liver disease like hepatitis

Rare, but life-threatening, liver problems can happen in people who take clozapine (Clozaril). Your healthcare provider might check your liver health with blood tests and checkups while you're taking this medication. If you do experience any severe abdominal pain, dark urine, weakness, yellowing of skin or eyes you should let your healthcare provider know right away.

Difficulty controlling body movements

  • Risk factors: Taking other antipsychotic medications | High dose | Taking clozapine (Clozaril) for a long period of time

Antipsychotic medications like clozapine (Clozaril) can cause uncontrolled body movements, such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. Your risk of this happening is higher the longer you take medications like clozapine (Clozaril) and if you're taking a higher dose. These movement problems can become permanent. To lower your risk of movement problems, your provider will prescribe the lowest dose of clozapine (Clozaril) you need to treat your symptoms. If you experience any uncontrolled movements and aren't able to stop them, talk to your provider right away.

Not for people with phenylketonuria (dissolvable tablets only)

If you have a condition called phenylketonuria, let your provider know. The dissolvable clozapine tablets contain phenylalanine, which can build up in your body and cause health problems.

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Clozapine (Clozaril) dosage

The average cost for 90 tablets of 100mg of Clozapine (Clozaril) is $64.59 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 64.63% off the average retail price of $182.62.
orally disintegrating tabOrally disintegrating tab
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
25mg30 orally disintegrating tabs$28.73$0.96
100mg60 orally disintegrating tabs$133.57$2.23
150mg30 orally disintegrating tabs$157.94$5.26
200mg30 orally disintegrating tabs$197.31$6.58
12.5mg90 orally disintegrating tabs$56.37$0.63
tabletTablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
50mg30 tablets$24.11$0.80
25mg30 tablets$15.96$0.53
200mg30 tablets$45.36$1.51
100mg90 tablets$64.59$0.72

Typical dosage for Clozapine (Clozaril)

The typical starting dose is 12.5 mg by mouth once or twice daily. Your provider might raise your dose slowly over time, depending on your symptoms and blood work. The typical recommended dosing range is 300 mg to 450 mg total daily, split into smaller doses and taken throughout the day. The maximum total daily dose is 900 mg.

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Interactions between Clozapine (Clozaril) and other drugs

Clozapine (Clozaril) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clozapine (Clozaril). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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How much does Clozapine (Clozaril) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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What are alternatives to Clozapine (Clozaril)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clozapine (Clozaril). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Used for:
  • Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments
  • Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
$15.96Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$12.66Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:

When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

  • Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older
  • Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments
$11.76Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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News about Clozapine (Clozaril)

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Clozapine (Clozaril) images

Green Round C11 And M - Clozapine 100mg Tablet
This medicine is Green, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C11" And "M".Green Round C11 And M - Clozapine 100mg Tablet
Yellow Round 2529 And Wpi 100 - Clozapine 100mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Wpi 100" And "2529".Yellow Round 2529 And Wpi 100 - Clozapine 100mg Tablet
Yellow Round C C And 57 - Clozapine 100mg Tablet
This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "C C" And "57".Yellow Round C C And 57 - Clozapine 100mg Tablet

References

Best studies we found

Accord Healthcare Inc. (2023). Clozapine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

Clozapine REMS. (n.d.). What is the clozapine REMS?

Correll, C. U., et al. (2022). A guideline and checklist for initiating and managing clozapine treatment in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Central Nervous System Drugs.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.