Citation

Wadekar M, Syed S. Psychosomatics 2010; 51(4): 355-355.e2.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.psy.51.4.355

PMID

20587767

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Case reports in which abrupt clozapine discontinuation led to a return of psychosis, autonomic instability, or catatonia have been previously presented in the literature.
OBJECTIVE: The authors report on symptom presentation and resolution in a case of abrupt withdrawal of clozapine medication.
METHOD: The authors describe the condition and history of the patient, a 49-year-old woman with schizophrenia, the medical support she received, and the re-initiation of her clozapine medication.
RESULTS: Symptoms of catatonia and autonomic instability resolved by Day 4 of treatment.
CONCLUSION: Patients and their caregivers need to be educated about the effects of abrupt cessation of clozapine administration.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Suicide, Attempted; Schizophrenia; Follow-Up Studies; Clozapine; Schizophrenic Psychology; Antipsychotic Agents; Catatonia; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome