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Clozapol is a prescription drug in the form of tablets. The main ingredient of the drug is clozapine. A drug with a sedative and antipsychotic effect. The main indication for the use of the drug is schizophrenic psychoses. Since it is a highly effective drug, it must be used under the close supervision of a specialist physician.
What exactly is Klozapol? It is a neuroleptic from the group of diazepine derivatives. The active substance, i.e. clozapine, is a neuroleptic from the group of atypical antipsychotics. It has an antipsychotic and calming effect, reduces symptoms of schizophrenia attacks. In addition, it does not increase prolactin, acts on D4 receptors, blocks the production of histamine, has an anti-serotonergic effect. How does Klozapol work? Does it cause side effects and are there any clear contraindications to taking the drug?
Clozapol – application
Clozapol immediately after administration causes sedation, reduces the symptoms of aggression and agitation. Approximately 3 weeks after the start of drug therapy, Clozaril starts to have an antipsychotic effect. However, it is important to know that the drug is no longer calming when administered over a long period of time. In what situations should Klozapol be used? Primarily, it is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia. When a patient cannot use other neuroleptics for various reasons, the psychiatrist decides to use Clozapol.
Clozapol is administered orally. When it comes to the dose and frequency of taking, of course, all the arrangements are made by the doctor. Clozaril should be taken at regular times, and in a situation where the patient forgets to take the drug, they must not take a double dose. During the therapy, the patient cannot consume alcohol and other stimulants. Check-ups are very important and must be performed regularly at least once a week for 18 weeks, after this period the morphology can be checked once a month. The attending physician should also order liver function tests.
Clozapol – contraindications
It happens that even if there are clear indications for the use of the drug, the patient cannot take it. The main contraindications to the use of the drug are, of course, hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the preparation. Other contraindications include:
- drug-resistant epilepsy
- no possibility to systematically check the morphology
- bone marrow disorders
- coma
- drug poisoning
- acute liver failure
- psychosis on a different background
- paralytic ileus
Clozapol must not be combined with other agents that increase the risk of agranulocytosis. With some diseases there is a higher risk of side effects, but nonetheless the agent must be taken by the patient. In such situations, however, increased control of the blood picture and liver function is necessary. A specialist doctor should first of all check the number of white blood cells and neutrophils. If the amount is disturbed at any stage of the therapy, the specialist will order the drug to be discontinued. If you develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms, see your doctor as it is very possible that these are symptoms of neutropenia starting. Treatment must be discontinued in the event of thrombocytopenia, fever, myocarditis or liver disorders.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.