Side Effects of Clozapine

Clozapine is an anti-psychotic medication that works by blocking brain receptors. Clozapine manages psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. As a result of the side effects of this drug, medical professionals prescribe this medication when the patient has not responded to other standard medications.

Common Side Effects

• The most common side effect of Clozapine is dizziness, which occurs in 1 in 5 patients, according to Medicine.net. Other common effects include headache, low blood pressure and fever.

Anticholinergic Effects

• Clozapine can cause anticholingeric side effects, which interfere with muscle function. According to Medicine.net, these effects can lead to "blurred vision, difficulty urinating and constipation."

Agranulocytosis

• Clozapine can cause agranuloculocytosis, which is a reduction in the white blood cells that fight infection. This occurs in 1 in 100 patients who take clozapine, according to Medicine.net.

Seizure

• This drug can cause seizures, as well as sudden, jerky movements of the head and arms. Seizures are more likely to occur at higher doses, according to Drugs.com.

Rare Effects

• Rare side effects associated with Clozapine include agitation, confusion, skin rashes, fever and swelling in the mouth. If any of these symptoms occur, the patient should go immediately to a hospital emergency room.