Clozapine - fatal constipation

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is effective for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It causes agranulocytosis in up to 1% of patients¹ and regular monitoring of neutrophil counts is mandatory throughout treatment. In New Zealand one death from agranulocytosis has been reported to the IMMP. In contrast, four deaths from complications of severe constipation have been reported. This article reminds health professionals that the gastrointestinal (GI) effects of clozapine are potentially serious. Awareness of this issue may prevent life-threatening complications.

Schizophrenia

The devastation, the public's inability to empathise, the sadness, the possibilities

Visit this blog from Shiny Happy Person - a psychiatrist with bipolar.


Visit this website - a mothers response to her son Christian

Schizophrenia there its done
Doesn't quite roll off the tongue
8 years it stayed within my mouth
I couldn't quite manage to spit it out
A sad achievement but there its done
A label for my precious son

Rethink is the largest severe mental illness charity in the UK. As of 2nd July 2002 'Rethink' is the new operating name for the 'National Schizophrenia Fellowship'.