Taking Clozapine and its Side Effects?

[lanpingpug]

I've tried 7 different anti-psychotic drugs and none of them have worked for me. After speaking to a CPN I have decided that Clozapine may be the drug for me, as it seems to work when all else has failed. However, I've heard it has some pretty heavy side effects and you have to have blood tests once a week for the first 18 weeks.

Can anyone tell me about their experience of this drug or tell me anything about it that might help my decision to take it?

[Adorable!]

Why do we let little things upset us so much when we can take such big things in our stride? Because, generally speaking, there is nothing we can do about the big things, so we may as well accept them. There may be nothing we can do about the little things either, but we can at least imagine how easy it may have been to change them. Then we can invoke the two most dangerous words in the English language: 'if' and 'only'. Like nitrogen and glycerol, they are harmless on their own, but when you mix them... devastation. You can have a great life as long as you avoid explosive emotions.


good luck
!!!! !!!! !!!!!

[audrey_o]

Yes... clozaril can have some serious and not so serious side effects.. If you have any doubts, you should speak to your CPN again to give you ALL the info so you have an informed choice on your treatment.

One of the main side effects that most doctors worry about is "Neutropenia" This is when your white blood cell count is lowered to a level where you would be unable to fight infection and can become VERY ill with something like a common cold.
Blood samples are taken weekly for the first 18wks of treatment with a baseline sample taken before treatment starts. blood samples are then taken fortnightly until 52 weeks then monthly thereafter.
If your neurtophils are within normal limits..you get a "Green light" and it is ok to continue treatment.
An "Amber light" means you can continue treatment but with caution i.e. extra blood tests to monitor and a "Red light" means stop taking the treatment immediately.

Some other common side effects are:
hyper hydrosis, excessive salivation, increased blood pressure, elevated pulse, diarrhoea, enuresis, vomiting and nausea, sexual disfunction and weight gain.

If you do decide to start Clozaril, ask if "Kwells" can be prescribed along with it.
It is basically Hyocine Hydrobromide which is an anti emetic used for travel sickness. It drys up your secretions... so stops the excess salivation ( Some people salivate so much they are constantly drooling... not pleasant)

You'll start on a small dose of between 12.5mgs (1/2 tablet) and 25mgs ( 1 tablet) and it will be increased as long as your blood samples are showing green.

A therapeutic maintainance dose is usually around the 200 - 250mgs twice daily mark.

I've found it to be a very good form of medication for treatment resistant schizophrenia... If you have ALL the information, there is no reason why you can't take this medication and alliviate the side effects.

Good luck

[Butternut27]

it has many side effects but if all else has failed?...look at the costs (side effects) vs the benfits ...you should be discussing these with the CPN or better still attend a group where other users of clozapine can give you feedback of their experiences...Good luck...