BACKGROUND: Although the role of clozapine is well established for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it is rarely used in pediatric populations, mainly due to its potentially serious adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To summarize practical aspects of use of clozapine in treating children with schizophrenia and management of associated adverse effects. METHODS: Available studies in the literature using clozapine in the pediatric population are summarized and the NIMH experience in treating refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia cases with clozapine is discussed. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher incidence of adverse effects in children, clozapine appears to be a uniquely beneficial second-line agent for treating children with refractory schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND: Although the role of clozapine is well established for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it is rarely used in pediatric populations, mainly due to its potentially serious adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To summarize practical aspects of use of clozapine in treating children with schizophrenia and management of associated adverse effects. METHODS: Available studies in the literature using clozapine in the pediatric population are summarized and the NIMH experience in treating refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia cases with clozapine is discussed. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher incidence of adverse effects in children, clozapine appears to be a uniquely beneficial second-line agent for treating children with refractory schizophrenia.
Authors: David I Driver; Afsoon A Anvari; Christina M Peroutka; Rachna Kataria; Jerry Overman; David Lang; Maria Tietcheu; Reggie Parker; Keith Baptiste; Judith L Rapoport; Nitin Gogtay Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2014-04 Impact factor: 18.112
Authors: Kristin N Maher; Marcus Tan; Julia W Tossell; Brian Weisinger; Peter Gochman; Rachel Miller; Deanna Greenstein; Gerald P Overman; Judith L Rapoport; Nitin Gogtay Journal: J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol Date: 2013-03 Impact factor: 2.576