Clozapine
Clozapine is an antipsychotic tablet for schizophrenia that has not responded to other treatment, available here in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths.
When clozapine is used
Clozapine treats schizophrenia, but it is rarely the first medicine tried. It comes in once at least one other antipsychotic has not worked well enough, a situation called treatment-resistant schizophrenia. In that group it can ease hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there), delusions (fixed beliefs that are not true) and disorganised thinking.
How it works and how it is taken
Clozapine acts on several receptors in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin receptors, and it binds only loosely to the dopamine D2 receptor that older antipsychotics block strongly. That is why it causes fewer of the stiff limbs and slow, shuffling movements linked to the older drugs, and it is also part of why it can work where they have failed. Tablets are swallowed with water, usually once or twice a day. Treatment begins at a low dose and is stepped up, and the three tablet strengths cover the daily amounts used. Clozapine tablets come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
What side effects clozapine can cause
Sleepiness is the effect most people meet first, and for many it arrives with a flood of saliva overnight. Constipation, dizziness on standing, blurred vision, a quicker pulse and weight gain follow for some. The drowsiness tends to settle in time; the weight creeps up over months. Of these, constipation needs watching: several days without a bowel movement, with a swollen and painful abdomen, calls for urgent treatment.
Signs that need urgent treatment
Clozapine can lower the number of white blood cells that fight infection, so regular blood tests are part of treatment with it. A fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers or a general feeling of being unwell can be the first sign, and any of them needs urgent attention. Inflammation of the heart muscle can appear in the early weeks; chest pain, breathlessness, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or fever with feeling ill are signs to act on at once. Fever with stiff muscles, sweating and confusion also needs urgent treatment.
Interactions and storage
Two groups of medicines matter most. Benzodiazepines such as diazepam add to the drowsiness, and some SSRI antidepressants raise the amount of clozapine in the blood. Alcohol piles on sedation and dizziness. Cigarette smoke lowers clozapine levels, so quitting or cutting down sharply can push them up. Store the blister strips dry and out of the sun.
Sources
- Zaponex 100 mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 7715 — electronic medicines compendium (emc)
- Overview - Schizophrenia - NHS — NHS
Where can I order Clozapine for delivery in Hong Kong?
Clozapine can be ordered for delivery in Hong Kong. The range is Clozapine tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, the single product on the page. A parcel that does not arrive within the delivery window, or arrives damaged, is sent again free, and if that is not possible the order is refunded.
What is the price of Clozapine?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Clozapine page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
What is another name for clozapine?
Clozaril is a brand name of clozapine, which is also sold as Sizopin. Here, clozapine can be bought online as clozapine tablets. These are generics, not the original brand.
Which medicines interact with Clozapine?
Clozapine is noted as interacting with benzodiazepines and SSRIs. Clozapine tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg are sold here.
When should clozapine tablets be taken?
Clozapine is usually taken once or twice a day, at the same times each day. Drowsiness is a common effect, so some people take the larger part of the dose in the evening. The tablets are swallowed whole with a drink of water.
Why does clozapine need regular blood tests?
Clozapine can reduce the white blood cells that fight infection, so a blood count is checked before treatment starts and at set intervals afterwards. Monitoring catches a fall early, because it can happen with no warning signs at first.
Does clozapine cause weight gain?
Weight gain is one of the most common effects of clozapine, and it tends to build over months rather than days. Appetite often increases as well, and extra saliva and daytime drowsiness are frequent complaints.
Can I drink alcohol with clozapine?
Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness that clozapine can cause, and it makes unsteadiness and falls more likely, especially while the dose is still being built up. Avoiding it is the straightforward option.
Can clozapine be stopped suddenly?
Stopping clozapine abruptly can bring on sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting and sleeplessness, and the symptoms it was treating can return quickly. When it is stopped, the dose is normally reduced step by step instead.