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Clozapine
  • Treatments
  • Schizophrenia

Clozapine

Generic name: clozapine [ KLOE-za-peen ]
Brand names: Clozaril, FazaClo, Versacloz, Clopine, CloZAPine Synthon, Denzapine, Zaponex
Drug class:Atypical antipsychotics

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Aug 11, 2020.

What is clozapine?

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat schizophrenia after other treatments have failed.

Clozapine is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders.

Clozapine is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program.

Warnings

Clozapine affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, sore throat, weakness, or lack of energy.

Clozapine can increase your risk of seizure, especially at high doses. Avoid any activity that could be dangerous if you have a seizure or lose consciousness.

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.

Clozapine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

Clozapine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

You should not take clozapine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had: