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Review
. 2020 Mar;141(3):178-189.
doi: 10.1111/acps.13111. Epub 2019 Oct 31.

How and when to use clozapine

J M Rubio  1   2   3 , J M Kane  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

How and when to use clozapine

J M Rubio et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

Objective: Clozapine is the only approved strategy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, although it is highly underutilized. We aim to generate practical and actionable evidence-based recommendations for the use of this drug considering prescription barriers.

Method: Narrative review.

Results: A consistent body of evidence supports the efficacy of clozapine reducing morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia. The main obstacles to its use are the lack of experience by prescribers and perceived treatment burden. Systematic screening of eligibility, utilization of available resources for consultation, developing a professional network with other stakeholders, as well as optimizing how clozapine is presented to patients is discussed. Furthermore, specific evidence-based recommendations for initiation, maintenance, and safety monitoring with clozapine are provided.

Conclusion: Clozapine prescription is one of the areas in psychiatry with the greatest mismatch between efficacy and utilization in clinical practice. Although multiple barriers to the use of clozapine exist, some of these may be overcome by updates of routine clinical practice.

Keywords: psychosis; severe mental illness; treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

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Comment in

  • Clozapine: a fine balance.
    Siskind D, Nielsen J. Siskind D, et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2020 Mar;141(3):175-177. doi: 10.1111/acps.13159. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2020. PMID: 32096227 No abstract available.

References

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