Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026

The Tail Suspension Test
Published on: January 28, 2012
Use of lithium in clozapine-induced neutropenia: a case report
Chathurie Suraweera1, Raveen Hanwella, Varuni de Silva
1University Psychological Medicine Unit, National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka. dr.chathurie@gmail.com.
Background:
The literature describing the long-term use of lithium carbonate to reinstate reduced levels of white blood cell counts in patients treated with clozapine is scarce. We describe a case of successful recommencement of clozapine on a patient who developed risk level of neutropenia which was corrected by lithium carbonate. He was followed up for a period of one year.
Case Presentation:
We report a 40-year-old Sri Lankan male who developed neutropenia and low white blood cell counts following commencement of clozapine. We were successful in restarting clozapine after the addition of lithium carbonate to increase the cell counts. Clozapine was increased to 700 mg a day with 500 mg of lithium carbonate. The patient remains stable after one year with no further episodes of neutropenia.
Conclusion:
Lithium carbonate can successfully be used to treat clozapine-induced neutropenia.
Related Concept Videos
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Antipsychotic Drugs: Typical and Atypical Agents
Nonlinear Pharmacokinetics: Dependence of Elimination Half-Life and Dose Clearance
A study on guinea pigs examined the...
