Clozapine use in two women with schizophrenia during pregnancy

J Psychopharmacol. 2008 Jan;22(1):111-3. doi: 10.1177/0269881107079171.

Abstract

Stabilized patients who receive clozapine may wish to have children; but studies on pregnant women receiving clozapine treatment are limited. In this study, we report on clozapine use during pregnancy in two women. The first woman (Case 1) had two deliveries while she was receiving clozapine treatment for schizophrenia. Both her deliveries were term, uncomplicated vaginal deliveries, and the clozapine dose was reduced throughout pregnancy. The second woman (Case 2) developed schizophrenia after her first child was born. She became pregnant after clozapine initiation. She delivered twins by term, uncomplicated vaginal delivery. In our cases, no specific risks for the mothers and their children can be attributed to the use of clozapine. Physicians must be aware of the changes in fertility induced by prolactin-sparing drugs. Mothers who receive clozapine treatment should not be advised to breastfeed their children.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Clozapine / administration & dosage*
  • Clozapine / adverse effects
  • Clozapine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fetus / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine