[Relationships between effects and plasma levels of clozapine (author's transl)]

Relations between clozapine plasma levels and effects were investigated in 32 hospitalized patients. Clozapine dosage and plasma levels correlate linearly. The clinical improvement due to clozapine treatment was significant. A relationship between the rate of improvement and the plasma levels could be seen on the third day of treatment only. Of the side effects, body temperature elevation and orthostatic disregulation temporarily correlated with the plasma levels. Development of tolerance was seen with regard to the sedative effect and orthostatic disregulation. Linear correlations between pulse frequency as well as dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity in serum and clinical improvement were observed during the second half of the 30-day treatment period.