Tolerability of long term clozapine treatment.
Tolerability of long term clozapine treatment (7-8 years) was investigated in 27 female patients (age 34-77 years). Diagnosis according to ICD 9 was schizophrenia in 21 patients, severe psychomotor agitation with mental deficiency in 4 patients and an "endogenous" depression in 2 patients. All patients had previously been treated with different neuroleptics but with inadequate response or distressing side effects. The duration of the disorder was 10-36 years, duration of hospitalisation 10-36 years. At the day of investigation the total dose of clozapine ranged from 52-826 g, the average total dose being 385 g. The daily dose of clozapine ranged from 75 to 600 mg, the average daily dose being 225 mg. Only 2 patients were treated exclusively with clozapine, the other 25 patients were also receiving other neuroleptics. Seventy eight per cent of the investigated patients complained about hypersalivation and 63% showed overweight. In 37% of the patients the EEG demonstrated abnormalities. Mild parkinsonism was reported in 15% and akathisia in 11% of the patients, all these patients being on combined treatment. Clozapine did not induce tardive dysakinesia (TD) in any of the patients within a treatment period of 7-8 years. It is concluded that a potential benefit of clozapine includes a low incidence of neurological side effects even after long term administration.
Schmauss
M
M
Psychiatric Department, Munich University, Federal Republic of Germany.
Wolff
R
R
Erfurth
A
A
Rüther
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003984:Dibenzazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D003984:Dibenzazepines; D003024:Clozapine