Managing Cardiac Adverse Effects of Clozapine

Clozapine carries a risk of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy, with myocarditis typically occurring within the first six to eight weeks of treatment, while cardiomyopathy may present around nine months later. Symptoms include fever, tachycardia, fatigue, and dyspnea. Patients may experience eosinophilia, increased CRP, CK, or troponin I levels. Immediate cessation of clozapine is recommended for cardiorespiratory complaints during titration, possibly requiring hospitalization. Regular monitoring of troponin I, CRP, and CK levels is advised.