Do you have to taper off one psychotic to begin the other one? from risperidone to clozapine. tell me more about side effects too, e.g. drooling.

No: While it depends to some degree upon the condition that the antipsychotic is treating, you do not generally have to taper one before beginning another. In the case of going from Risperidone to clozaril, (clozapine) as Clozaril (clozapine) has to be titrated, usually you would remain on Risperdal until on enough Clozaril (clozapine) to likely control symptoms. Then you would begin lowering the Risperidone gradually.

Antipsychotic: Agree with Dr. Reynolds. Cross titrations are often done when changing antipsychotic medications. Due to possible withdrawal issues (such as rebound psychosis) it is often recommended that other antipsychotic be raised to a therapeutic dose before a down-titration of Clozapine.