Treats schizophrenia and symptoms of mental disorders
Brand Names:
Clozaril
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clozapine or if you have a history of seizures, blood problems, or bone marrow disease
Uses:
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often. Take clozapine exactly as your doctor ordered.
May be taken with or without food.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first asking your doctor.
If a dose is missed:
Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.
You should not use two doses at the same time.
Storage:
Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking Coumadin®, digoxin (Lanoxin®), Tagamet®, medicine for high blood pressure or any drugs that could make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills, narcotic pain pills, some cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, or muscle relaxers.
Warnings:
Check with your doctor before taking clozapine if you have glaucoma, enlarged prostate gland, trouble urinating, low blood pressure, heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
It is very important that you have blood tests done exactly as ordered. Unless you take your scheduled blood test, you may not be given your next week's supply of clozapine.
Clozapine can cause drowsiness and seizures. Avoid activities that can cause injury, such as driving a car, operating machinery, swimming, or climbing.
If for any reason you stop taking clozapine for more than 2 days, do not start back on the same dose. Ask your doctor what dose you should take.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
