Q. Can I have some information about Clozapine?
Hi doctor,
My partner is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. He has been taking Olanzapine and Depakote for the past eight years, which has stabled him a lot. But, he suffers from panic attacks when he stays with a group of people. His key worker and psychiatrist are recommending to start using Clozapine. I am really concerned as I have been told that Clozapine should be prescribed only when no other drug has worked. My doubt is why cannot he have anxiety tablets? Can I have some information about this drug as we are planning for a family life? I am quite worried about the side effects. I am looking for some advice.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Firstly, Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug. It means that it is one of the relatively newer drugs discovered to be helpful in paranoid schizophrenia. Clozapine also has lesser side effects and is considered more effective than the typical or older antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia. Since your partner is still having anxiety in the presence of others, Clozapine will be helpful. However, Clozapine still has a few side effects to be watched out for. Some of them are a reduction in the number of white blood cells, cardiac toxicity, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, drooling of saliva when sleeping, and weight gain. These side effects last only as long as one is taking Clozapine. Since you are planning for a child, it is important to know that many male patients taking Clozapine have experienced cessation of ejaculation during orgasm. But, it has not been documented in drug guides. Having written all that, your partner may have more or less of the side effects mentioned above. Thus, I would say that he may start taking Clozapine and see how he reacts to it for some time. Please consult with his doctor to know if any other alternatives will be very helpful.
Thank you.
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