Turkish Journal of Psychiatry

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Common Side Effects and Metabolic Syndrome due to Clozapine: Relationship with the Clinical Variables and Disability Gamze GÜRCAN, Şevin HUN ŞENOL, A. Elif ANIL YAĞCIOĞLU, Sevilay KARAHAN, Aygün ERTUĞRUL 2021 32(2): 87-99
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Objective: Common side effects of clozapine may affect the treatment
process negatively. In this study, we aimed to assess the common side
effects and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia
patients treated with clozapine, and to study their relationship with
clinical variables and disability.
Method: One hundred and twenty two patients who met DSM-IV
criteria for schizophrenia, and were on clozapine treatment were included
in the study. Clinical status was evaluated through a clinical interview
and review of the medical records, and physical measures and laboratory
tests were recorded. Patients were assessed with the Structured Clinical
Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, UKU (Udvalg for Kliniske
Undersogelser) Side Effect Rating Scale, World Health Organization
(WHO)-Disability Assessment Schedule II, Positive and Negative
Syndrome Scale, Global Assessment Scale, Clinical Global Impression
Scale.
Results: Common side effects of clozapine were hypersalivation, fatigue,
sedation and constipation. The relationship between constipation
and clozapine dose, and dizziness and norclozapine plasma levels
were significant. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 50%,
and patients with metabolic syndrome had higher means of age and
lifetime cigarette consumption. Disability was positively correlated
with the severity of psychopathology and the number of side effects,
and negatively correlated with the age at onset of illness. Severity of the
psychopathology and the number of side effects predicted the severity
of the disability.
Conclusion: Clozapine was associated with various side effects and half
of the patients had metabolic syndrome. Assessment of common side
effects due to clozapine is important for reducing disability