Clozapine-induced sialorrhea: pathophysiology and management strategies

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic agent with proven efficacy in refractory schizophrenia, but its widespread use is limited by adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, seizures, sedation, weight gain, and sialorrhea. Clozapine-induced sialorrhea (CIS) is bothersome and has socially stigmatizing adverse effects, which result in poor treatment compliance. The pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood and the treatment options available are based mostly on case reports and open-label studies.

To review the available studies on CIS.

All relevant studies available through PUBMED search supplemented with manual search were undertaken.

The clinical features, complications, assessment, pathophysiology, and management of CIS are discussed.

Although the studies evaluating the therapeutic options has limitations and no drug has been found to be superior, judicious use of pharmacological agents along with behavioral methods will reduce this troublesome side effect and enhance compliance.