Comprehensive dissection of prevalence rates, sex differences, and blood level-dependencies of clozapine-associated adverse drug reactions

Marte Z van der Horst*, Yoeki Meijer, Nini de Boer, Sinan Guloksuz, Alkomiet Hasan, Dan Siskind, Elias Wagner, CLOZIN consortium

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Clozapine is often underused due to concerns about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) but studies into their prevalences are inconclusive. We therefore comprehensively examined prevalences of clozapine-associated ADRs in individuals with schizophrenia and demographic and clinical factors associated with their occurrence. Data from a multi-center study (n = 698 participants) were collected. The mean number of ADRs during clozapine treatment was 4.8, with 2.4 % of participants reporting no ADRs. The most common ADRs were hypersalivation (74.6 %), weight gain (69.3 %), and increased sleep necessity (65.9 %), all of which were more common in younger participants. Participants with lower BMI prior to treatment were more likely to experience significant weight gain (>10 %). Constipation occurred more frequently with higher clozapine blood levels and doses. There were no differences in ADR prevalence rates between participants receiving clozapine monotherapy and polytherapy. These findings emphasize the high prevalence of clozapine-associated ADRs and highlight several demographic and clinical factors contributing to their occurrence. By understanding these factors, clinicians can better anticipate and manage clozapine-associated ADRs, leading to improved treatment outcomes and patient well-being.
Original languageEnglish
Article number115539
Number of pages8
JournalPsychiatry Research
Volume330
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Antipsychotics
  • Schizophrenia
  • Side-effects
  • Treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comprehensive dissection of prevalence rates, sex differences, and blood level-dependencies of clozapine-associated adverse drug reactions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this