Does clozapine make you tired?

Clozapine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision, convulsions (seizures), or to have trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries.

What does clozapine do to the body?

Clozapine is a medication that works in the brain to treat schizophrenia. It is also known as a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical antipsychotic. Clozapine rebalances dopamine and serotonin to improve thinking, mood, and behavior.

When is the best time to take clozapine?

Try to get into the habit of taking your doses at the same times of day as this will help you avoid missing any. Clozapine is not affected by food in your stomach so you can take your doses either before or after meals. Many people find it helps to swallow the tablet with a drink of water.

How sedating is clozapine?

Sedation — Clozapine can cause significant sedation, particularly during the initiation of treatment. Tolerability of the sedating effect can be enhanced by gradually titrating to a therapeutic dose. Some clinicians add stimulants or stimulant-like drugs if patients continue to experience sedation.

Will clozapine help me sleep?

Clozapine significantly improved sleep continuity. In addition, non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and in particular stage 2 sleep increased significantly, while the amounts of stage 4 and slow-wave sleep decreased significantly.

Does clozapine cause nausea?

Commonly reported side effects of clozapine include: hypotension, fever, tachycardia, constipation, dizziness, headache, nausea, sedated state, vomiting, and weight gain. Other side effects include: syncope, and diaphoresis.

What drugs should not be taken with clozapine?

Interactions between Clozapine and other drugs

• SSRIs for example: fluvoxamine (very large effect) fluoxetine. paroxetine. sertraline (large doses)
• Ciprofloxacin.
• Cimetidine.
• some macrolide antibiotics including: erythromycin. clarithromycin. azithromycin.
• caffeine (large doses)

What is the most serious side effect of clozapine?

Clozapine can cause serious heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fast or pounding heartbeats or sudden dizziness.

What is the most common side effect of clozapine?

The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥5\%) across CLOZARIL clinical trials were: CNS reactions, including sedation, dizziness/vertigo, headache, and tremor; cardiovascular reactions, including tachycardia, hypotension, and syncope; autonomic nervous system reactions, including hypersalivation, sweating, dry …

Is there a better drug than clozapine?

Loxapine can be an excellent alternative to clozapine. It is comparable to clozapine in efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and a better side effect profile with more administration routes. It has superiority for immediate use as it provides a convenient administration route through the inhalation route.

What are the main side effects of Clozaril?

Common side effects may include:

• weight gain;
• dizziness, tremor;
• fast heart rate;
• headache, drowsiness;
• nausea, constipation;
• dry mouth, or increased salivation;
• vision problems; or.
• fever, increased sweating.

Is it safe to continue taking Clozaril?

Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Clozaril. The most feared side effect of Clozaril is agranulocytosis, a dangerous drop in the number of a certain kind of white blood cell. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, sore throat, and weakness.

How often do blood tests need to be done when taking Clozaril?

After you have been on treatment for a year, blood tests should only be needed once every four weeks for as long as you take Clozaril®. If you stop taking Clozaril either permanently or for a short while, you will still need to have blood tests for some time afterwards to check your white blood cell level is okay.

Does Clozaril cause agranulocytosis?

Even though it does not produce some of the disturbing side effects of other antipsychotic medications, Clozaril may cause agranulocytosis, a potentially lethal disorder of the white blood cells. Because of the risk of agranulocytosis, anyone who takes Clozaril is required to have a blood test once a week for the first 6 months.

How is Clozaril distributed?

Clozaril is distributed only through the Clozaril Patient Management System, which ensures regular white blood cell testing, monitoring, and pharmacy services prior to delivery of your next supply. Clozaril may be taken with or without food.