Switching from Abilify to Clozapine and Risperdal

[Scheherazade]

Hi everyone. Would I need to go into hospital to switch from Abilify to Clozapine? I've been to told of an idea that seems quite promising which is adding Risperdal to low dose Clozapine to not experience as much sedation. Thanks very much!

[swanny]

yes you will need to go to hospital. clozapine CAN be a dangerous drug. your white blood count can drop. you have to have regular blood tests. as well as ecocardiograms. also have to have your blood pressure check regularly when first starting clozapine. clozapine is usually started as an inpatient. but from my experience with it you will drool a shit load when you sleep and surprisingly some people drool when they are awake. and according to a doctor in emergency it has the WORST weight gain out of the atypicals.

BUT on the good side it is known as a miracle drug for schizophrenia. the BEST there is. no chance of getting TD or EPS from it either.

[netsavy006]

From what I know you don't have to be in the hospital to be started on Clozaril because at one time my doctor was wanting to start it on me outpatient and was adjusting when I did get on it as outpatient. Though I can tell you this difference with Clozaril in a hospital setting vs. outpatient setting. In the hospital setting I think if I remember correctly Clozaril can be increased every 3 days. Outpatient you can only upper the dose once a week.

That's all I know in regards to your question.

[SashaSue]

I believe there is actually some risk of TD or other EPS on clozapine, though it's much lower than with other AP's.