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What is clozapine?

2026-01-01 11:11:31 healthy

What is clozapine?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug mainly used to treat refractory schizophrenia and reduce the risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Due to its unique pharmacological mechanism and potential serious side effects, clozapine requires strict monitoring in clinical use. The following is a detailed introduction to clozapine, including its mechanism of action, indications, side effects and precautions for use.

1. Basic information about clozapine

What is clozapine?

Drug nameClozapine
drug classatypical antipsychotics
IndicationsTreatment-resistant schizophrenia, reducing suicide risk
Dosage formTablets, oral suspension
Common brandsClozaril, Fazaclo, etc.

2. Mechanism of action of clozapine

Clozapine works by modulating dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Unlike other antipsychotics, clozapine affects dopamine D4Receptors and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor has high affinity, which may be one of the reasons for its remarkable effect in treating refractory schizophrenia.

targetDopamine D4Receptor, 5-HT2Areceptor, alpha1adrenergic receptors etc.
Pharmacological effectsRegulate neurotransmitter balance and improve mental symptoms

3. Indications of clozapine

Clozapine is mainly used in the following situations:

  • treatment-resistant schizophrenia: Patients who are refractory to other antipsychotics.
  • Reduce suicide risk: Studies show that clozapine significantly reduces suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia.

4. Side effects of clozapine

Although clozapine is effective, it has many side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. The following are common side effects:

Common side effectsDrowsiness, weight gain, salivation, constipation, dizziness
serious side effectsAgranulocytosis (requires regular blood tests), myocarditis, epileptic seizures

5. Precautions when using clozapine

Due to the potential risks of clozapine, the following principles should be followed when using it:

  • regular blood monitoring: Check neutrophil count weekly or monthly to prevent agranulocytosis.
  • Adjust dose slowly: Avoid serious side effects caused by rapid dosage increase.
  • Avoid combined medications:Certain drugs (such as carbamazepine) may increase clozapine toxicity.

6. Comparison between clozapine and other antipsychotic drugs

medicineIndicationsMain side effects
clozapinetreatment-resistant schizophreniaAgranulocytosis, weight gain
RisperidoneSchizophrenia, bipolar disorderExtrapyramidal reaction, hyperprolactinemia
OlanzapineSchizophrenia, manic episodeWeight gain, metabolic abnormalities

7. Summary

Clozapine is a potent atypical antipsychotic that is particularly useful in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, serious side effects, such as agranulocytosis, require patients to undergo strict medical monitoring while taking the drug. Doctors usually decide whether to use clozapine after weighing the benefits against the risks and closely follow the patient's response.

If you or a family member is taking clozapine, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and have regular check-ups to ensure you are taking the medication safely.

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