Two new NIMH-funded studies published in the April American Journal of Psychiatry found Clozaril as the most effective antipsychotic drug despite its risky side effects. It’s underprescribed because the potential side effects – including inflammation of the heart and loss of white blood cells – require close monitoring.
In the first study researchers looked at what happens when the first drug a patient tries fails to relieve symptoms. Patients were randomly prescribed a second drug and Clozaril more effective than more commonly used drugs such as Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa.
In the second study researchers looked at how long patients keep taking their medication. They found that half the patients on Clorazil stayed with it for 11 months or more.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 3 Apr 2006
Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.
Cox, H. (2006). Study: Clozaril Most Effecting in Treating Schizophrenia. Psych Central. Retrieved on May 11, 2013, from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2006/04/03/study-clozaril-most-effecting-in-treating-schizophrenia/
