Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia. Clozapine is also used to reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders. Clozapine is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Clozapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take clozapine if you are allergic to it, or if you have untreated or uncontrolled epilepsy, a bone marrow disorder, paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage, a history of infection caused by taking clozapine, or if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

Clozapine can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to develop a serious or life-threatening infection. This risk is higher in women and older adults, and in people who are malnourished or have serious medical problems.

While you are taking clozapine, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with clozapine. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, mouth or throat ulcers, cough, sore throat, rapid heart rate, or rapid and shallow breathing.

There are many other medicines that can interact with clozapine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Clozapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take clozapine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• untreated or uncontrolled epilepsy;

• a bone marrow disorder;

• paralytic ileus or intestinal blockage;

• a history of infection caused by taking clozapine; or

• if you are also using drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

To make sure you can safely take clozapine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure;

• history of heart attack or stroke;

• a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• lung disease;

• liver or kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• a history of bone marrow or blood cell disorders;

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• glaucoma; or

• if you smoke.

FDA pregnancy category B. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking clozapine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

Clozapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking clozapine.

Clozapine orally-disintegrating tablets contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of clozapine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).