Clozaril (Clozapine)

Clozaril is an atypical antipsycotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia in patients who do not respond to other medicines. It decrease the risk of suicidal behavior. It affects certain chemicals in the brain.
Take Clozaril as prescribed by your doctor. Take it with or without food. Take with food to reduce stomach irritation if stomach upset occurs. Continue to take the medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor’s advice.
You should not to take Clozaril if you have allergy to it, you have severe drowsiness, you have uncontrolled seizures (epilepsy) or loss of bowel muscle movement (paralytic ileus), you have bone marrow problems, other blood cell problems, or a history of blood problems caused by Clozaril, you are taking other medicines that may cause blood problems.
The most common side effects are dry mouth, headache, dizziness, heartburn, increased sweating or saliva production, lightheadedness when you stand up; nausea; strange dreams; trouble sleeping; weight gain.
Severe side effects include: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased hunger, thirst, or urination; infection; involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements); loss of appetite; numbness of an arm or leg; rapid breathing; restlessness; seizures; severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting; severe or persistent nausea or constipation; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; stiff muscles; sudden, unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; trouble swallowing; uncontrolled muscle movements; unusual mental or mood changes; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If you miss a dose of Clozaril, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss taking a dose of Clozaril for more than 2 days do not start taking it again. Contact your doctor right away for instructions.
Symptoms of overdose are drowsiness, slow or difficult breathing, dizziness, excessive salvation, fainting, coma, fast ot irregular heartbeats. If you suspect overdose seek medical attention immediately.
Store Clozaril at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Clozaril out of the reach of children and away from pets.