Clozapine: nursing care considerations

Since its release for clinical use in February of 1990, an ever-growing number of psychiatrists are beginning to use clozapine to treat clients whose psychoses have been refractory to conventional measures. While clozapine has been shown to have superior antipsychotic efficacy without the standard extrapyramidal side effects, it also has some potentially fatal side effects. The unpredictability in client response poses a number of issues for nursing, which has an essential role in assuring that treatment occurs accurately and safely. The authors share their experience in working with clients, families, and staff over the past two years who have been actively involved with clozapine.