An open study of clozapine in the treatment of resistant schizophrenia.

This open study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of clozapine in resistant schizophrenics, its side effects and safety profile and the mean dose required. Sample consisted of 28 patients who had been previously treated with neuroleptics and ECTs. A special proforma was prepared for recording the psychopathology and side effect profile. The complete blood count, differential count and BPRS scores were recorded weekly for a period of 3 months. Within 1 month of treatment on a dose range of 100-200 mg/day a 25%-50% decline in the BPRS score was noticed, the mean dose required was 241 mg/day. Sedation and sialorrhoea constituted the commonest side effects in 90% patients. No case of agranulocytosis was reported. The implications of the study are discussed.