Review Question - QID 103784

The patient described in this vignette suffers from schizophrenia. Of the answer choices, only clozapine is paired with one of its known associated side effects--agranulocytosis.

Clozapine is a second-line atypical antipsychotic agent most commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia refractory to treatment with first line agents. While a very effective drug in reducing positive symptoms and improving negative symptoms, it requires weekly CBCs for the first 6 months due to the risk of agranulocytosis.

Kripke writes that current studies have shown clozapine to be more effective than other antipsychotics, most notably risperidone, but is associated with more side effects including agranulocytosis, hypersalivation, sedation and others.

Lehman et al. write that current psychiatric practice guidelines propose that clozapine be used in patients with schizophrenia who have failed or could not tolerate treatment with two other antipsychotic medications, including an atypical antipsychotic.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Olanzapine can cause weight gain.
Answer 2: Ziprasidone can cause prolonged QT.
Answer 3: Risperidone can cause extrapyramidal symptoms.
Answer 5: Thioridazine can cause retinal pigmentation.