2 weeks hospitalization for Clozapine

[synapse321]

Hi

I am looking into the possibility of starting on clozapine

and am from the East Midlands Region.

Can anyone confirm that you have to go into hospital to be monitored

for the initial 2 weeks as an in patient?

Thanks

[Cedrus]

Hi, I've been started on clozapine in the community with the crisis team. They came to visit me twice a day to give me the meds and each time either stayed or came back half an hour later to take my blood pressure. If this is your first time starting it its probably best to start it in the hospital (i started it inpatient in 2010) because its a pretty heavy duty drug but its really good. Its best to start it in the hospital if your body isn't used to it, especially considering how sedated you can be at the start of treatment.

I hope it goes well.

[synapse321]

Thanks form your response.

[not_so_insig]

I was considered for clozapine earlier on this year. Because of the blood tests and my needle phobia I didnt go for it.

My psych said that (had we gone into it), I may have had to go into hospital or the home treatment team (what they call the crisis team) would have done, depending on bed status and what I felt I would prefer.

So no, it may not mean that you have to go into hospital. I would talk to your psych and discuss with him/her if hospital treatment is strictly necessary, and if there is an alternative. Unless hospital is what you would prefer that is.

[Ellyx]

Im not sure becuase when i had it i was already in hospital, but i think it depends on you if they do it via crisis team or hospital and what you would prefer.

[jen-x]

Hey, I'm starting it this week with the crisis team so it can be done out of hospital..

let us know how you get on
jenxx