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Clozapine History

Clozapine is a type of medication that is often prescribed to patients suffering from schizophrenia. It is not suitable for all patients, however, and so patients must have their blood tested frequently to ensure that the medication is doing more good than harm. The medication is a relatively new treatment for the disease.

  1. Alternate Names

    • In the United States, the drug is sold under the name Clozapine. Elsewhere, the drug goes by various other names. In the United Kingdom, the drug is sold under the names Denzapine and Zaponex in the U.K. The drug is known as Clopine in Australia and New Zealand. In Poland, the drug is prescribed under the name Klozapol.

    Development

    • The drug was developed in 1961 by Sandoz, the genetic pharmaceutical wing of Novartis. The drug was released in Europe several years later, in 1972. But in 1975, concerns were raised about the safety of the drug, which had caused a drop in white blood cells that had killed several people. However, because it is so effective in treating schizophrenia, the drug is still in use, but is limited to patients who are resistant to other treatment.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects of using this medication include the previously mentioned lowering of white blood cells, which is known as agranulocytosis. Other side effects include cardiac toxicity, severe constipation, increase in psychotic symptoms and weight gain that can sometimes lead to diabetes.

    Who benefits from the drug?

    • The drug is used primarily to treat schizophrenia. However, it is sometimes prescribed to patients with some kinds dementia, insomnia, schizoid personality disorder and in some cases, schizophrenia patients who are suicidal.,

    Dosage

    • Because of the life-threatening side effects, patients are prescribed very low doses of the drug at first, which may then be increased over time. For a table of dosing, see Resources.

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