Clozapine and the Gastrointestinal Tract-Presentation and Q&A

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Dr. Susanna Everie Palmer discusses the gastrointestinal side effects of the antipsychotic medication clozapine. She explains that clozapine can cause the gastrointestinal system to slow down, leading to constipation and other complications. She emphasizes that these complications can be serious and even life-threatening. However, patients often do not report constipation, so it is important for clinicians to be proactive in monitoring and treating the issue. Dr. Everie Palmer recommends prescribing prophylactic laxatives when starting clozapine treatment to prevent constipation and its complications. She also discusses the lack of research on which laxatives work best for treating clozapine-induced constipation. Overall, she highlights the importance of monitoring and managing gastrointestinal side effects in patients taking clozapine. This webinar is part of the SMI Advisor initiative, which aims to support clinicians in implementing evidence-based care for individuals with serious mental illness.

Keywords

webinar

Dr. Susanna Everie Palmer

gastrointestinal side effects

antipsychotic medication

clozapine

constipation

complications

life-threatening

proactive monitoring

treating constipation