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Clozapine-induced late leukopenia

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Abstract

A patient with a 28-year history of schizophrenia was treated with a wide range of antipsychotic medications since diagnosis. She had experienced no clinically significant symptomatic relief until she commenced treatment on clozapine. Her psychotic symptoms, self care, and general sense of well-being improved significantly. After 6 years of successful treatment, she developed leukopenia and clozapine was discontinued. The following issues will be discussed in the article: rechallenge with clozapine following leukopenia during previous therapy and the choice of and haematological monitoring needs with other antipsychotic medications after clozapine-induced blood dyscrasia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, St Brigid’s Hospital, Ardee, Co., Louth, Republic of Ireland

    Z. Latif

  2. Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA

    M. A. Malik

  3. Department of Psychiatry, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7, Republic of Ireland

    F. Jabbar

  4. Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital, Cavan, Republic of Ireland

    Y. Ahmed

  5. Department of Community Rehabilitation Psychiatry Services, St Davnet’s Hospital, Monaghan, Republic of Ireland

    C. McDonough

Authors
  1. Z. Latif
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  2. M. A. Malik
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  3. F. Jabbar
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  4. Y. Ahmed
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  5. C. McDonough
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Z. Latif.

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Latif, Z., Malik, M.A., Jabbar, F. et al. Clozapine-induced late leukopenia. Ir J Med Sci 181, 139–141 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0587-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0587-y

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