Atypical Antipsychotic Medications

 Who can be prescribed clozapine?
Clozapine (brand name, Clozaril) may be prescribed for people with schizophrenia whose symptoms are not sufficiently helped by other antipsychotic medications, or who cannot tolerate the side-effects of those medications. About 3% who take it will experience a fall in white blood cells, essential to fight infection.People taking clozapine have regular blood tests to check whether this is happening. If this effect is detected, then use of clozapine is immediately stopped.

How long before it starts to work?
About a third of those taking clozapine who have found other medications ineffective will see some benefits within six weeks. For others, it may take up to twelve months to see benefits. If it is not helping, then the doctor may consider adjusting the dose or replacing it with a different antipsychotic medication.

What are the possible side-effects?
Apart from the effect on blood cells in a small number of people (monitored by the blood tests), other unwanted effects which some people may experience include - sleepiness, an increase in saliva, weight gain, low blood pressure, constipation, fast or irregular heartbeat and epileptic fits.

What can be done about these side-effects?
Some of these side-effects may decrease over time, especially sleepiness and increased saliva. Constipation and weight gain can be helped by a careful diet in many cases. At high doses, clozapine may cause epileptic seizures. If this occurs, the doctor may prescribe an anti-epileptic medication or lower the dose.

How do I find out more?
It is important that you discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or case manager. The SANE Guide to Treatments also contains more detailed information on medications and other forms of treatment for people seriously affected by mental illness. For further information or for details of support organisations, email the SANE Helpline.

SANE Australia . . . Meeting the challenge of mental illness
New Antispsychotic Medications

©SANE Factsheet 10, Side 2
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.
[Version English, 2000]