Clozaril

Drugs such as Clozaril can sometimes cause a set of symptoms called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. Your doctor will have you stop taking Clozaril while this condition is being treated.

There is also a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition of involuntary, slow, rhythmical movements. It happens more often in older adults, especially older women.

Clozaril has been known to occasionally raise blood sugar levels, causing unusual hunger, thirst, and weakness, along with excessive urination. If you develop these symptoms, alert your doctor. You may have to switch to a different medication.

In very rare instances, Clozaril may also cause a blood clot in the lungs. If you develop severe breathing problems or chest pain, call your doctor immediately.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Clozaril

If Clozaril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Clozaril with the following:

• Alcohol
• Antidepressants such as fluoxetine hydrochloride, paroxetine hydrochloride, and sertraline
• Antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine and thioridazine hydrochloride
• Blood pressure medications such as methyldopa and terazosin hydrochloride
• Caffeine
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Cimetidine
• Digitoxin
• Digoxin
• Drugs that depress the central nervous system such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
• Drugs that contain atropine
• Epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin sodium
• Epinephrine
• Erythromycin
• Fluvoxamine
• Heart rhythm stabilizers such as flecainide acetate, propafenone, and quinidine
• Nicotine
• Rifampin
• Tranquilizers such as alprazolam and diazepam
• Warfarin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Clozaril during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Clozaril treatment should be continued during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary. You should not breastfeed if you are taking Clozaril, since the drug may appear in breast milk.