What serious side effect is associated with Clozaril (Clozapine)?

Clozaril, also known as clozapine, is an atypical antipsychotic that is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, particularly in patients who do not respond to other treatments. One of the most serious side effects associated with clozapine is agranulocytosis. This condition involves a dangerously low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that is crucial for fighting infections.

Patients on clozapine require regular monitoring of their white blood cell counts to detect any drop in neutrophil levels early. If agranulocytosis occurs, patients are at a much higher risk of developing infections, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. The risk of agranulocytosis is significant enough that clozapine is usually reserved for treatment-resistant cases and is prescribed with caution under strict monitoring protocols.

The other potential side effects, while important, do not pose the same level of immediate threat to patient safety as agranulocytosis does in the context of clozapine use.