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Clozapine (KLOE-za-peen) is used to treat schizophrenia in patients who have not been helped by or are unable to take other medicines. Clozapine should NOT be used to treat behavioral problems in older adult patients who have dementia. Clozapine is available only from pharmacies that agree to participate with your doctor in a plan to monitor your blood tests. You will need to have blood tests done every week for at least 6 months. After that, your doctor will decide if it is safe for you to have blood tests every other week. You will receive enough Clozapine to last until your next blood test, but only if the results of your blood tests show that it is safe for you to take this medicine. If any of your blood tests are not normal, you may need to have blood tests more often than every week until they return to normal. Clozapine is available in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Clozapine is used to treat schizophrenia in patients where other medicine has not worked. Clozapine is in a class of medications called antipsychotics. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Clozapine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Clozapine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The amount of Clozapine you take may need to be adjusted, especially during the first few weeks. You will have weekly blood tests while taking Clozapine and for 4 weeks after stopping it. Initially, you will receive only a 1-week supply of Clozapine at a time. Continue to take Clozapine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Clozapine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt. Brand names: - Clozapine - Clozaril |