Clozaril (Clozapine)

Description

Clozaril is to maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in the body. It is an antipsychotic medication. The main ingredient of this medication is clozapine.

 

Uses

 

This medication is used to treat certain mental disorders such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. It reduces the prevalence of hallucinations in people who are prone to them. It also decreases the incidence of suicide amongst people who are likely to be a danger to themselves.

 

This medication also decreases the feeling of anxiety. It allows individuals to have less negative feelings about themselves. Clozaril also helps people with mood disorders to resume regular activity in their daily lives.

 

Contact your physician to learn about all the benefits you can get from this medication.

 

Dosage

 

Always follow the prescription that your doctor has provided you with. Do not take Clozaril in smaller or larger doses than you have been instructed.

 

This medication should be taken orally.

 

There should be a full workup of blood tests performed on you before you take this medication. As you continue with this medication you will have to continue with frequent blood tests.

 

The dosage of Clozaril should be gradually increased over a period of two weeks.

 

The total recommended dosage is between 350 mg and 400 mg of Clozaril a day. This dosage will be divided between two or three doses throughout the day.

 

This medication may be taken with or without a meal.

 

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, refrain from taking the missed dose and take the scheduled dose instead. Do not combine the two doses together.

 

If you have not been taking Clozaril for over two days, inform your physician. Your dose may have to be recalculated.

 

In case of Clozaril overdose, contact your emergency services.

 

Side Effects

 

The most common side effects associated with this medication are:

 

 Problems with vision
 Disorientation
 Lightheadedness
 Erratic or unusual heartbeat
 Tremors in limbs
 Lethargy or prone to sleepiness
 Fatigue

 

The less common symptoms experienced with Clozaril are:

 

 Nervousness
 Unusual bowel movements
 Difficulty with urination
 Tremors
 Fever
 Depressive feelings
 Fatigue
 Hyperventilation
 Pain
 Fainting
 Uncoordinated movements
 Wounds in the oral cavity
 Discomfort in chest
 Decrease in attention span
 Change in sleeping patterns

 

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

 

Contraindications

 

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant and have been prescribed this medication. Clozaril may harm your fetus. Inform your physician if you intend on breastfeeding your child, as it may have a negative impact on your child’s health.

 

Metoclopromide may have a negative interaction with Clozaril.

 

There are certain medications that may inhibit the effects of Clozaril. Inform your physician if you have been prescribed with fluvoxamine, rifamycins, or medications to impede seizures. Also tell your doctor if you are using St. John’s wort.

 

Inform your physician if you have been prescribed with medications or herbal supplements that function as sleep aids. Do not use Clozaril with any medications or supplements that make you feel drowsy or sleepy.

 

Cigarettes lower the presence of Clozaril in your bloodstream. Inform your physician if you are either a smoker or only have recently stopped smoking.