Which adverse effect is associated with clozapine?

Which adverse effect is associated with clozapine?

• A. Bone marrow suppression
• B. Weight gain
• C. QT prolongation
• D. Hypotension

Answer: (A)

Clozapine carries a unique and potentially life-threatening risk: bone marrow suppression, specifically agranulocytosis, a severe drop in neutrophils. This is why clinicians monitor blood counts closely and routinely—baseline CBC with differential, then weekly for the first six months, every two weeks for the next six months, and monthly thereafter—to detect neutropenia early and prevent dangerous infections. While weight gain and metabolic issues can occur with clozapine, and hypotension is possible, they do not carry the same level of safety concern as agranulocytosis. QT prolongation is not the hallmark adverse effect of clozapine and is more characteristic of other antipsychotics.

Clozapine carries a unique and potentially life-threatening risk: bone marrow suppression, specifically agranulocytosis, a severe drop in neutrophils. This is why clinicians monitor blood counts closely and routinely—baseline CBC with differential, then weekly for the first six months, every two weeks for the next six months, and monthly thereafter—to detect neutropenia early and prevent dangerous infections. While weight gain and metabolic issues can occur with clozapine, and hypotension is possible, they do not carry the same level of safety concern as agranulocytosis. QT prolongation is not the hallmark adverse effect of clozapine and is more characteristic of other antipsychotics.