How can the risk of agranulocytosis be minimized?
To maintain safety, the patient’s white blood cell count must be checked each week. Patients must have a weekly blood test, and the results sent to the patient’s pharmacy before the next week’s supply can be picked up. If detected early enough, the condition can be reversed by simply withdrawing the patient from clozapine. Hospitalization and treatment with medication to stimulate production of white blood cells has been done with great success. Are other risks associated with clozapine? Seizures may occur in roughly one to five percent of patients. The higher the dose, the greater the risk of seizures. Cardiovascular and respiratory side effects are also possible but extremely rare. Lowered blood pressure and increased heart rate can usually be managed by gradually increasing a patient’s clozapine dosage from an initially low level. Some patients may notice weight gain, drooling, and initial lethargy but can be managed by dose titration (adjustment) or other interventions. Return to l
