If a person has been on clozapine and seems to be slipping their dose should be checked by taking their blood level. This should be done every six months in any event to see if they are receiving the correct dosage. This is a different procedure than the weekly blood test.

If a person is taken off clozapine and then put back on, they should not resume using the drug at the previous dosage. They should be started at the initial dose all over and gradually increase it to the previous dosage. If this procedure is not followed, a person could develop neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) which, if left unchecked, could be fatal.

The preceding is from Ethylene Honig, Chair, Clozapine Family Information Network, part of AMI/NYS. Call (518) 462-2000.

She also tells us that a generic version of this med is being held up at the FDA. A generic version would be much cheaper than Sandoz version. She urges everyone to write to David Kessler, MD Commissioner FDA 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20852 and tell him how important a generic is.