Clozapine (Clozaril) Forum - Clozapine

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi there Laraqua. Back in 1997 I experimented with coming off my Clozapine, mainly due to issues with weight gain. I experienced huge, fast wieght loss. I lost 3.5 stone in 10 days. I also experienced insomnia and heightning of senses, eg. sight, sound etc. and an increase in feelings and emotions, and an increase in energy. Hope that helps with your study. Wayne.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Dear Wayne, This is going to sound eerie. I'm in California and live here most of the time, but I was raised in NZ. You are the only post I found on Closapine. My sister is still in NZ with my parents. She's on Closapine. She's not eating and weighs 84 lbs. I am worried sick. Does it cause this? Where are you in NZ if you don't mind me asking? Elle

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi Elle I have found that Clozapine can actually stimulate the appetite rather than reduce it. A general side effect of Clozapine is actually weight gain rather than weight lose. Your sister may need to see her Psychiatrist or Dietician. I am situated at Glen Eden, Auckland, New Zealand. Please contact again if you have any other questions. Kind regards, Wayne Birch.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Dear Wayne. This is amazing. I have only just found this site as I was looking for information about clozapine. My son's doctor feels that he may do well on clozapine as the other meds are not working as well as we had hoped but my son is freaking out about the blood tests. None of this is the amazing part. Wayne, we live in Glen Eden, Auckland too! I would love to chat with you further. My son became ill when he was 13, he is only 19 now,not that much younger than you when you started clozapine. Your story may be one he needs to hear. Would you be willing?

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi there. Yes that really is a co-incidence. I would be willing to answer any questions that you may have. I understand reservations about having the blood tests. I initially had that myself. I have found that after a few tests that I got used to them. I remember that initially 1 per week is required until after several months it changes to 1 per month. What other drugs has your son been on. I was on several before trying closapine. I have found closapine to be a great treatment for my schizophrenia and is the only drug that really works. It is virtually free of side effects, except for sedation and weight gain. The main thing is once you start taking the medication, keep taking it. Don't stop taking it with consulting your Doctor. Your Son may be under Mental Health Services at Waitakere Hospital. They should answer any other questions that you may have. Also I would be willing to share my experiences with you. I look forward to your reply. My email address is: wrbirch@xtra.co.nz Kind regards, Wayne.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi Wayne. I tried to send you an email but it was rejected - something to do with your address. As the message was chinese to me I didn't understand a word so could you contact me at erinnez@xtra.co.nz and I'll try again. Thanks.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi Wayne, my little sis has just been diagnoised with schizophrenia, shes turning 19 next month.We know that its due to smoking dope. The doctors are starting her on Clozapine. Will she become better, will my sister have a life, as right now shes in a hospital and is medicated to control the voices in her head. Its comforting to know other people have gone through this. Whats the best way to deal with my sister- she does not like to many questions and becomes aggressive. I would love to hear from other people and their advice. Thanks

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

wayne, My brother has been diagnosied and is taking clozapine one of his side effects in not being able to hold an erection and to produce sperm in that normal? Concerned for he wants to stop taking medicine so he can perform.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Tink: Hi Wayne, my little sis has just been diagnoised with schizophrenia, shes turning 19 next month.We know that its due to smoking dope. The doctors are starting her on Clozapine. Will she become better, will my sister have a life, as right now shes in a hospital and is medicated to control the voices in her head. Its comforting to know other people have gone through this. Whats the best way to deal with my sister- she does not like to many questions and becomes aggressive. I would love to hear from other people and their advice. Thanks <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi Tink Schizophrenia can be a difficult illness. You just have to try and understand what your sister is going through mentally. Yes smoking dope can contribute to mental illness. Although I am not sure if it actually causes it. I too have experienced auditory halucinations (voices) and over the past 12 years have been in hospital 3 times. In a lot of cases treatment with Clozapine can result in recovery from schizophrenia. I have tried other medications in the past, none of the traditional anti-physchotic had any affect. It was only when I started on Clozapine when I found myself recovering. It is important to follow the Doctors instructions on dose etc. and have regular blood test for the white blood cell count. Some people can not take Clozapine for this reason. It can often be hard dealing with a person with the schizophrenic illness. You just have to have compassion for your sister, no matter how hard it can be. Kind regards, Wayne

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by mlg1031: wayne, My brother has been diagnosied and is taking clozapine one of his side effects in not being able to hold an erection and to produce sperm in that normal? Concerned for he wants to stop taking medicine so he can perform. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi there I believe some males who take Clozapine can experience difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection and have trouble ejectulating. It is important not to stop taking the Clozapine for this or any other reason unless the Doctor say so. Consult your brothers Psychiatrist, there may be a drug to help with this problem. Kind regards, Wayne

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

Hi Wayne. I need to find out about schizophrenia for both a story I'm writing and for a psychology essay. What are the effects of a withdrawal from clozapine? Like if someone suddenly goes off their meds after being very good for a few years and taking it whenever they must.

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject:

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Laraqua: Hi Wayne. I need to find out about schizophrenia for both a story I'm writing and for a psychology essay. What are the effects of a withdrawal from clozapine? Like if someone suddenly goes off their meds after being very good for a few years and taking it whenever they must. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Guest · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 1970 12:00 am Post subject: Clozapine

I am 33 years old and have been on Clozapine now for 12 years. I have tried almost all other medications for schizophrenia and find Clozapine the very best. Please contact me if you have any questions. I may be able to help you through my own experience with mental health issues. Kind regards, Wayne.