What is a common side effect of the antipsychotic medication clozapine?

• A. Nausea
• B. Agranulocytosis
• C. Weight gain
• D. Insomnia

Answer: (B)

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is well-known for its effectiveness in treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia. One of the most serious and important side effects associated with clozapine is agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a dangerously low level of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections.

Due to this risk, patients on clozapine require regular monitoring of their complete blood counts to ensure that their white blood cell levels remain within a safe range. Agranulocytosis can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, which is why healthcare providers must be vigilant in monitoring patients who are prescribed this medication. The awareness and management of agranulocytosis is a critical aspect of treatment with clozapine, making it a key consideration in the use of this antipsychotic.

While nausea, weight gain, and insomnia can occur with various antipsychotic medications, they are not specific to clozapine and are generally considered to be less severe than agranulocytosis, reinforcing the importance of recognizing this particular side effect.