Clozapine is a schizophrenia drug that can cause constipation. Doctors usually prescribe it when other schizophrenia medications don’t work for you.

Keep reading to learn more about constipation caused by clozapine, including what you can do to manage it.

Clozapine’s effects on digestion are not wholly understood. With that said, there are several likely explanations as to why it causes constipation.

首先，氯氮平调节关键神经递质的影响，包括dopamine and serotonin。尽管两者在心理健康中都起着重要的作用，但它们也会影响包括消化在内的关键生物学功能。

尤其是5-羟色胺会触发肌肉收缩，这些肌肉收缩有助于使垃圾通过肠道（称为蠕动）的肠道至关重要。氯氮平可能破坏这一过程。

In addition, clozapine affects the functioning of theparasympathetic nervous system, which is also involved in peristalsis.

Symptoms of constipation

You might be便秘if you have fewer bowel movements after starting clozapine. Other symptoms of constipation include having to strain and push to have a bowel movement, or passing stool that’s dry or hard.

Constipation can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. You might feel uncomfortably full even after you have a bowel movement.

Sometimes, severe constipation leads to肠梗阻，在这种情况下，部分或总阻塞阻止了废物通过肠道的运动。

抗精神病药物是一个类of drugs used to treat key symptoms of精神分裂症，包括妄想，幻觉和妄想症。医疗保健专业人员将氯氮平分类为第二代或非典型抗精神病药。可用的品牌名称包括Cloazril，Fazaclo ODT和Versacloz以及仿制药。

It’s FDA -approved for treating schizophrenia, but only when other first-line schizophrenia drugs don’t help relieve symptoms. In other words, doctors prescribe clozapine for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

One of the reasons why healthcare professionals don’t prescribe clozapine right away is that it carries some risks. According to research ，氯氮平的一些可能的副作用包括：

Constipation is a common side effect of clozapine. It affects approximately 15% to 60% of people who take this drug. It’s more likely to affect people who:

  • 刚开始服用氯氮平
  • take a high dose
  • don’t drink enough water
  • take other drugs or supplements that can cause constipation

Constipation can lead to serious complications. It’s typically your doctor’s responsibility to help you weigh the risks and benefits of taking clozapine, including whether you may be more likely to experience constipation. Be sure to speak up if you worry about how clozapine might affect your digestion.

便秘会严重影响您的生活质量。如果您在服用氯氮平时经历了轻度至中度的便秘，请尝试缓解症状：

  • Make lifestyle changes.There are many things you can try to relieve constipation without using medication.小变化- 就像在早餐后散步或在水果和蔬菜上零食一样，可以走很长一段路。
  • 尝试纤维补充。除了吃富含纤维的食物或在谷物中添加麸皮外，您还可以通过使用over-the-counter (OTC) supplement。
  • Use laxatives with caution.Laxatives are a type of medication that can help you have a bowel movement. While they’re effective once in a while, they aren’t meant to be used on a long-term basis to help you pass stool due to the risk ofside effects。与您的医生或药剂师谈谈便秘治疗方案。
  • Don’t hold in bowel movements.It’s important to listen to your body when you need to go to the bathroom, even if you’re not at home or busy with something else.
  • 与您的医生交谈。Your doctor can be your advocate. It’s important not to wait until constipation is a major problem to have a conversation about it.

Note that mild to moderate constipation means that you still have bowel movements, but you’re not quite as regular as before. Always get medical attention for severe constipation.

严重的便秘会带来严重的后果。最好尽早获得治疗，而不是等到便秘会引起并发症。尽管您可能会感到尴尬地讨论您的排便，但您的医生可以为您提供帮助。

Consider making an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:

  • hard, dry, or lumpy stool
  • 3至4天没有排便
  • stool that slips out between bowel movements
  • 便秘的症状会影响您的幸福感和日常生活

In severe cases, constipation requires urgent medical attention. Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

  • abdominal bloating (distention) with intense stomach pain
  • rectal bleeding
  • inability to pass gas (flatus)
  • 呕吐

If you have a prescription for clozapine, you can take steps to prevent constipation. Try the following:

  • 增加纤维摄入量。Fiber是一种自然发生在水果，蔬菜和棕色或全谷物的食物中的碳水化合物。它有助于保持常规的排便。
  • Avoid foods that can back you up.Certain foods可以使便秘变得更糟，例如牛奶和乳制品，红肉以及白面包，米饭或意大利面。
  • Stay hydrated.服用足够的液体有助于保持凳子柔软，使其更容易通过。尝试sip饮water整天保持规律。
  • Exercise regularly.Moderate锻炼can be beneficial for your digestive health. Try incorporating activities you enjoy — like walking, dancing, or swimming — into your daily routine.
  • 管理压力。压力有时会恶化便秘。您可以平衡生活中压力的来源与轻松的活动，例如yoga,breathing exercises, or冥想。
  • Maintain a routine.Sitting on the toilet around the same time every day — for instance, after eating breakfast — may lower your risk of constipation.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication that healthcare professionals prescribe when other schizophrenia treatments don’t work. Constipation is a common side effect.

If you take clozapine, be sure to discuss how to manage constipation with your doctor. Your doctor can provide information about diet and lifestyle changes, along with OTC and prescription medication, to help improve symptoms associated with constipation.