Clozapine associated delirium

Abstract

Abstract. Delirium is an encephalopathy characterized by disorientation, confusion, and short-term memory impairment. It can be caused by a variety of pharmaceuticals that includes clozapine. The etiology in clozapine cases includes anticholinergic effects and a neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like picture. The risk for a clozapine induced delirium is greater at high dosages, during dose increases, and with polypharmacy. Resolution follows clozapine dose reductions and/or medicine discontinuations. Key words: Clozapine; clozapine-induced delirium; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; anticholinergic side effects; schizoaffective disorder