title: Clozapine-induced hypersalivation: an estimate of prevalence, severity and impact on quality of life.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of clozapine-induced hypersalivation, and assess the impact hypersalivation has on global functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants attending a dedicated clozapine clinic were invited to undertake a structured interview regarding their experiences of clozapine-induced hypersalivation. Two psychometric instruments to measure hypersalivation, the Nocturnal Hypersalivation Rating Scale and the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clozapine-induced hypersalivation was experienced by 92% of participants, with nocturnal hypersalivation more prevalent compared to daytime hypersalivation (85% versus 48%). Daytime drooling was severe in 18% of cases and was present on a frequent or constant basis for 20% of individuals. Hypersalivation had at least a moderate impact on the quality of life of 15% of study participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clozapine-induced hypersalivation is the most prevalent adverse effect experienced by patients treated with clozapine and negatively impacts on quality of life, particularly if daytime drooling is present. The development of further strategies to ameliorate this adverse effect is required given the demonstrated lack of success to date in managing this condition.
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Clinical Sciences Institute, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Senan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Aoife
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Niamh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: O'Callaghan
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Fintan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Colm
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mc Donald
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McInerney
authors.affiliation: National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hallahan
keywords: clozapine; drooling; frequency; hypersalivation; incidence; life schizophrenia; prevalence; quality; severity; sialorrhea; sialorrhoea