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.
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.
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.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
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
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
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
black, tarry stools
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
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
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
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
clay-colored stools
confusion as to time, place, or person
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
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
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.
Research shows that some people noticed an improvement in their symptoms after taking clozapine (Clozaril) for 6 weeks. Keep in mind that if you're taking clozapine (Clozaril) for the first time, your provider will start you on a lower dose in order to minimize your risk of side effects, such as dizziness and slow heart rate. Your provider might raise your dose of clozapine (Clozaril) slowly over time before they can find the dose that works best for you. If you're not sure whether or not this medication is helping, talk with your provider.
It takes about 2 to 3 days for the majority of clozapine (Clozaril) to leave your body. Keep in mind that this time frame is estimated based on the half-life of clozapine (Clozaril). If you've missed taking clozapine (Clozaril) by 2 days or more, let your provider know. Your provider will likely want to restart clozapine (Clozaril) for you at a lower dose before raising it to the dose you were taking before. This is to lower your risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure and fainting.
Don't suddenly stop taking clozapine (Clozaril) without first speaking to your healthcare provider. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you might experience serious withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting. Doing so can also worsen your medical condition and lead to symptoms, such as agitation, delusions, and psychosis.
Yes, drowsiness is one of the more common side effects of clozapine (Clozaril). To minimize your risk of this side effect, your provider will prescribe the lowest dose of clozapine (Clozaril) needed to treat your symptoms. When you first start this medication, be careful driving or performing tasks that require focus until you know how this medication affects you.
Yes, clozapine (Clozaril) can cause weight gain. But it doesn't cause as much weight gain as some other antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa). In clinical studies, about a third of the people who took clozapine (Clozaril) for about 2 years gained at least 7% of their original body weight. If you're concerned about weight gain, work with your healthcare team on ways to manage your weight and maintain a healthy diet and exercise while taking this medication. Or you can ask your provider about other medications for schizophrenia that are less likely to cause weight gain.
If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider. Clozapine (Clozaril) hasn't been well-studied in human pregnancies. But in general, babies born to mothers who took antipsychotics during the third trimester of pregnancy are at higher risk for withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sleepiness, and trouble eating. If you are currently pregnant and choose to continue taking clozapine (Clozaril), you're encouraged to enroll in the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications to monitor the safety of certain medications during pregnancy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.