psyclo (CLOZAPINE)

What is Psyclo?
Psyclo is a medication used to treat serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It helps reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people with these conditions who have a high chance of experiencing them again. Psyclo can also be used to treat seizures, but the higher the dose, the greater the risk of seizures. It's important to note that Psyclo can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and problems with balance and coordination. These side effects can increase the risk of falls.

What is the usual dose of Psyclo?
The usual starting dose for adults is 12.5 mg once or twice daily. The dose can be increased gradually to a target of 300 mg to 450 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. The maximum dose is 900 mg per day. Psyclo is not approved for use in children, so there is no recommended dose for this age group.

How do I take Psyclo?
You can take Psyclo with or without food. It does not matter if you eat when you take this medicine.

For how long do I take Psyclo?
Psyclo is typically used as a long-term treatment for conditions like treatment-resistant schizophrenia or to reduce the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior. Its duration of use depends on the individual's response and clinical needs. Many patients require ongoing treatment for years to manage symptoms effectively. The decision to continue or stop treatment should always be guided by a healthcare provider.

What disease or symptom is Psyclo used for?
Psyclo is a medication used to treat schizophrenia in people who have not responded well to other antipsychotic medications. It helps to reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

How long does it take for Psyclo to start working?
Psyclo may take 1 to 2 weeks to start showing noticeable effects, such as improvement in symptoms like agitation, anxiety, or aggression. However, full therapeutic effects may take 6 to 12 weeks or longer. Since it’s used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and is usually prescribed when other antipsychotics are ineffective, it’s important to be patient and continue regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider during treatment.

Is Psyclo effective?
Yes, Psyclo is highly effective for individuals with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or other severe psychiatric conditions, especially when other antipsychotic medications have not been effective. It is known for significantly reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and agitation. Psyclo is also beneficial for improving mood and preventing relapse in schizophrenia, but it may be associated with side effects, so close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

How do I know if Psyclo is working?
You can tell if Psyclo is working if you notice improvement in symptoms such as reduced hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, as well as a decrease in agitation or anxiety. Additionally, there may be improvements in mood and overall functioning. However, since it can take several weeks to show full effects, it’s important to attend regular follow-up appointments for blood tests (to monitor side effects) and symptom assessments by your healthcare provider.

How does Psyclo work?
Psyclo is a unique antipsychotic medicine that is particularly effective in treating schizophrenia. It works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin receptors. Unlike other antipsychotics, Psyclo does not significantly raise prolactin levels. It also has effects on brain activity, as it increases certain types of brain waves. Psyclo is broken down in the body and mainly eliminated through the urine and feces.

Who should avoid taking Psyclo?
Psyclo should be avoided by individuals with severe allergic reactions, bone marrow problems, heart conditions, liver/kidney disease, seizure disorders, or intestinal obstruction. It is also generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor. Regular monitoring is important during treatment.

Can I take Psyclo with other prescription drugs?
Psyclo can interact with several prescription drugs, which may affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Some medications, like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, blood pressure medications, and medications that affect the liver, can alter Psyclo levels in your body. Always inform your doctor about all other prescription medications you are taking to ensure they are safe to use together and avoid harmful interactions. Regular monitoring is essential while on Psyclo.

Can Psyclo be taken safely while pregnant?
Psyclo is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it may pose risks to the fetus, including low birth weight, respiratory issues, or withdrawal symptoms after birth. If Psyclo is required for managing severe psychiatric conditions, your doctor will carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives or to manage risks if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while on Psyclo.

Can Psyclo be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Psyclo, a medication, passes into breast milk. It can cause serious harm to a nursing baby, so it's important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. If you're taking Psyclo, you should stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication. It's crucial for you to discuss this decision with your doctor, who can help you make the best choice for both you and your baby.

Is Psyclo safe for the elderly?
Older people need to start with a lower dose of Psyclo, a medicine for mental health issues, because their bodies might not process it as well as younger people's. This is because older adults often have weaker livers, kidneys, or hearts, and may be taking other medications. They're also more likely to experience side effects like low blood pressure when standing up, a fast heart rate, and problems with urination or bowel movements. There's also a higher chance of a specific movement disorder (tardive dyskinesia) in older adults, particularly women. Doctors often adjust the dose based on how well the liver and kidneys are working. We don't know for sure if the medicine works differently in people over 65 compared to younger people.

How should I store Psyclo?
Store Psyclo at room temperature (68°F to 77°F), in a tightly sealed container, and out of reach of children. Avoid storing in the bathroom due to moisture.

Does Psyclo make people tired or drowsy?
Yes, drowsiness or sedation is a common side effect, occurring in 39% of patients. If drowsiness significantly interferes with daily activities, consult your doctor about adjusting the dose or timing

Does Psyclo cause stomach upset?
Psyclo can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation (14%), nausea (5%), and abdominal discomfort (4%). If severe or persistent, consult a healthcare provider and consider laxatives for constipation

Does Psyclo affect sleep?
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia (2%) and disturbed sleep or nightmares (4%), have been reported. If sleep issues worsen, seek medical advice for dose adjustments or additional treatments

Does Psyclo make it hard to think or concentrate?
Cognitive effects, including confusion (3%) and sedation (39%), may occur. These side effects can impair focus and daily functioning. Report significant cognitive difficulties to your doctor

Does Psyclo affect mood?
Agitation (4%) and restlessness (4%) have been observed. If mood swings or anxiety develop, discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider

Does Psyclo interfere with sexual function?
Rarely, Psyclo may cause prolonged or unusual issues during or after sexual activity. If this happens, get medical help right away.

Does Psyclo affect appetite?
Appetite changes are not highlighted, but weight gain (31%) has been reported, which could indicate altered appetite. Notify your doctor if significant appetite changes are noticed

Does Psyclo cause weight gain?
Psyclo can cause weight gain. A significant number of people taking it gain a lot of weight (at least 7% of their starting weight). Studies show weight gain starts fairly quickly and continues. Doctors should regularly check your weight if you're on this medicine.

Does Psyclo cause headaches?
Headaches occur in 7% of patients. Persistent or severe headaches should be discussed with a healthcare provider

Does Psyclo limit driving?
Psyclo can make it harder to think clearly, make good decisions, and control your movements. This means you shouldn't drive or use dangerous equipment until you know how it affects you. If you have trouble driving, tell your doctor right away.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Psyclo?
Drinking alcohol while taking Psyclo can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. It may also impair judgment and coordination. Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Psyclo to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Is it safe to drink coffee or tea while taking Psyclo?
Caffeine can interact with Psyclo by affecting its metabolism, potentially leading to increased levels of the drug in the body. This can enhance the risk of side effects. It is advisable to monitor caffeine intake and discuss with a healthcare provider to ensure safe use of Psyclo.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Psyclo?
Psyclo may cause side effects like dizziness, sedation, or orthostatic hypotension, which can affect your ability to exercise safely. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider for advice on safe physical activity while taking Psyclo.

What are the most common side effects of Psyclo?
A side effect is an unwanted symptom caused by medical treatment. For this medicine, common side effects might include nausea, which is feeling sick to your stomach, dizziness, which is feeling lightheaded, headache, which is pain in your head, fatigue, which is feeling very tired, and dry mouth, which is when your mouth feels unusually dry. These side effects can vary in how often they occur. It's important to remember that when you start a new medicine, you might notice new symptoms. These could be unrelated to the medicine, temporary, or due to another health issue. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping any medicine, as they can help you manage side effects safely.

Does Psyclo have adverse effects?
Adverse effects, which are unwanted or harmful reactions to a medicine, can occur when taking any medication. For this medicine, common adverse effects might include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. These effects can vary in how often they occur, but they are generally not severe. However, there are serious adverse effects that, although rare, need immediate medical attention. These might include severe allergic reactions, which can cause difficulty breathing or swelling, or signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes. It's important to report any new or worsening symptoms to a healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medicine without first consulting with a healthcare professional, as they can provide guidance on how to manage side effects safely.

Is Psyclo addictive?
To determine if a medicine is addictive, we first need to know if it has habit-forming potential. If it does, this means the body can become dependent on it, which means needing more of the medicine to feel the same effects. This can happen because the brain gets used to the medicine and changes how it works. Signs of dependence include needing to take the medicine more often, feeling anxious or irritable without it, or using it even when it causes problems. To avoid addiction, follow the doctor's instructions carefully, don't take more than prescribed, and talk to a healthcare provider if you feel you need more of the medicine. If the medicine has no known potential for dependence or addiction, it's important to state this clearly, so users can feel reassured about its safety.

Does Psyclo have any safety warnings?
To determine if a medicine has safety warnings, you should first check the prescription information provided with the medicine. This information often includes a section on warnings and precautions. For example, if a medicine has a warning about causing drowsiness, the rationale is that it affects the central nervous system, which is the part of the body that controls most functions of the mind and body. The possible consequence is that it may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Symptoms to monitor include feeling unusually sleepy or having difficulty concentrating. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to avoid activities that require full alertness and consult your healthcare provider.

Is it safe to stop Psyclo?
To determine if it's safe to stop a medicine, first identify its purpose. If it's for managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, stopping it might lead to worsening symptoms or complications. For medicines providing symptomatic relief, stopping might cause symptoms to return. If it's for a temporary condition like an infection, stopping early might not fully resolve the issue. Some medicines can cause withdrawal symptoms or rebound effects, where symptoms return worse than before. Abruptly stopping certain medicines can be life-threatening, especially those affecting the heart or brain. Always consult a doctor before stopping any medicine to ensure it's safe and to discuss a proper plan for discontinuation if needed.

How do I dispose of Psyclo?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so they don't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag and throw it away.

What are Psyclo possible harms and risks?
**Psyclo can cause side effects like:** * Feeling tired or dizzy * Headaches and shaking * Faster heartbeat, low blood pressure, or fainting * Increased saliva, sweating, or dry mouth * Difficulty seeing clearly * Constipation, nausea, or fever
Available in 3 variations

Psyclo 50mg Tablet 10s
Psyclo 50mg Tablet 10s
Clozapine (50mg)
strip of 10 tablets

Psyclo 100mg Tablet 10s
Psyclo 100mg Tablet 10s
Clozapine (100mg)
strip of 10 tablets

Psyclo 25mg Tablet 10s
Psyclo 25mg Tablet 10s
Clozapine (25mg)
strip of 10 tablets