Clozapine / Clozaril info

[Barbara Patterson <patterso@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From:   "Byron, Sara" <byrons@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To:     "owner-parkinsn" <owner-parkinsn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Clozapine / Clozaril info
Date:   Thu, 11 Jul 1996 01:12:25 -0400

ATYPICAL TRANQUILIZERS

CLOZARIL (CLOZAPINE)

Clozaril appears to be unique in that it can help relieve the symptoms of
confusion and hallucinations without significantly worsening the symptoms of
Parkinson's in most patients. It has also been used to treat a number of
movement problems associated with Parkinson's such as severe dyskinesias.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CLOZARIL

+ Sedation (excessive sleepiness): a drop in blood pressure on standing,
causing faintness; and hypersalivation with increased drooling
+ Seizures: generally at higher doses than those used in Parkinson's
patients
+ Severe lowering of white blood cell count (agranulocytosis), which can
compromise a person's ability to fight infection and has led to a number of
deaths in patients treated with Clozaril. For this reason, weekly blood
counts must be taken on all patients receiving Clozaril and no patient may
receive more than a one week's supply of medication at a time.