Clozapine-induced neutropenia reversed by lithium

Abstract

Clozapine is effective in treating refractory cases of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, however, it can induce the serious side-effect of neutropenia. There is an evolving evidence base in which lithium is used to increase the neutrophil and white cell count in patients who develop neutropenia from clozapine treatment, thus allowing clozapine treatment to continue. Dr Yadav et al. describe such a case.