Clozapine
What is clozapine for bipolar disorder?
The treatment of bipolar disorder is complex due to the presence of varying configurations of symptoms in patients. The primary treatments for bipolar disorder are pharmacological, and often involve second generation antipsychotics. Based on its high affinity for both serotonin and dopamine receptors, clozapine has been proposed as a treatment for the disorder.
What is the evidence for clozapine?
Moderate to low quality evidence suggests improved symptoms and reduced hospitalisation, suicidal ideation, and aggressive behaviour, and also improved social functioning with clozapine in people with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. There were no differences in efficacy for mania symptoms between clozapine and olanzapine or quetiapine.
November 2021
Image: ©Aaron Couture – stock.adobe.com
Last updated at: 5:31 pm, 30th November 2021
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Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
Fact Sheet Technical Commentary
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