Clozapine is a second-generation antipsychotic recommended after the failure of two or more antipsychotics for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine proved to also decrease recurrent suicidal behaviors in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Yet, physicians often use clozapine as a last resort despite its proven efficacy due to its side effect profile. A noted side effect of clozapine is agranulocytosis, which requires a weekly complete blood count with differentials. Clozapine's anticholinergic activity causes colonic hypomotility, leading to constipation, and only a few studies examined clozapine-induced constipation (CIC). Few of the reported complications of CIC include bowel obstruction or bowel perforation due to fecal impaction. Herein we document a case report of CIC and also conducted a review of published case reports examining the complexity and management of CIC. CIC is a critical condition if unresolved as it can lead to mortality. Future directions and guidelines should be developed for early diagnosis and treatment for CIC, which will provide reassurance and directions for both the physicians and patients.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.