A 43-year-old member asked:
I was wondering what would happen if i went cold turkey off clozapine?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Imad Khreimanswered
Psychiatry 41 years experience
Shouldnt: you shouldn't, if you do, you end up with a rebound of symptoms that can sometimes be harder to treat. consult with your prescriber
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Anthony Vitaanswered
Specializes in Psychiatry
DO NOT DO THIS: I agree with the previous physician's comments.
Withdrawal from clozapine is horrible, with serious physical symptoms.
In addition, whatever psychiatric symptoms the clozapine is treating could come back.
if you want to get off of clozapine talk to your psychiatrist and taper off with his/her guidance.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Humberto Quintanaanswered
Psychiatry 46 years experience
Not recommended: Clozapine is usually used only in patients that have not responded to other anti-psychotic treatments due to its danger of causing agranulocytosis as well as the costs of having to have blood tests continually during treatment.
Abrupt withdrawal may lead to cholinergic rebound effects, severe movement disorders as well as severe psychotic decompensation. It has been recommended that patients, families, and caregivers are aware of the symptoms and risks of abrupt withdrawal of clozapine. When discontinuing clozapine, gradual dose reduction is recommended to reduce the intensity of withdrawal effects
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
What could happen if I went cold turkey off clozapine?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Imad Khreimanswered
Psychiatry 41 years experience
Serious rebound: you can have a serious rebound of symptoms which may take long time to get under control again, Clozapine is the gold standard for addressing symptoms that didn't respond to other meds , so NEVER attempt to do that , ask your treating physician and work with him/her.
good luck and feel better
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 7, 2016
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