Clozapine
Clozapine (Clozaril®), released during the mid-1990s, was the first of the atypical antipsychotic drugs. Clozapine was the first drug approved by the FDA (December 19, 2002) for reducing the risk of suicidal behaviour.
Side Effects
Although clozapine is generally believed to not cause tardive dyskinesia, it does cause agranulocytosis in ~1% of users. In addition, common side effects include: constipation, drooling, muscle-stiffness, sedation, tremors, and weight-gain.
Agranulocytosis
Agranulocytosis can result in a dangerous loss of white blood-cellss. Those who use clozapine are advised to have a blood cell count every week, for the first 6 months of usage. After this they should continue to conduct said count every 2 weeks. If the number of white blood-cells drops notably, one should consult with a hematologist. If you are using clozapine and have a sore throat, or fever, then you should inform a doctor.
