What is a common adverse effect of clozapine that requires monitoring?

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic used primarily for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, is linked to a significant risk of agranulocytosis, a condition where there is a dangerously low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. This adverse effect can increase the risk of serious infections, making regular blood monitoring essential during treatment with clozapine.

Due to the potential severity of agranulocytosis, patients on clozapine are often required to have their absolute neutrophil count (ANC) checked frequently, especially during the initial months of therapy when the risk is greatest. Monitoring protocols, such as the Clozapine Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, have been established to enhance patient safety, ensuring that anyone prescribed clozapine has their blood counts monitored closely to detect any drop in neutrophil levels promptly.

Other adverse effects such as high blood pressure, persistent vomiting, and weight gain are associated with clozapine, but they do not necessitate the same level of intense monitoring due to the immediate life-threatening nature of agranulocytosis. Hence, the focus on monitoring for agranulocytosis is a critical component of