An experience of using Clozapine in elderly patients with mental disorders

Background

There is little information on using clozapine in elderly patients with mental disorders from India.

Aim

To evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical profile of elderly (age ≥ 60 years) patients started on clozapine.

Methodology

The clozapine registry in the department was screened to identify elderly patients who were started on clozapine. Treatment records of these patients were reviewed to extract sociodemographic and clinical details.

Results

Out of the available information of 1058 patients in the registry, 42 (3.96 %) were elderly (≥ 60 years) patients. About two-thirds of the patients had treatment resistance, i.e., their psychotic illness had not responded to two adequate trials of antipsychotics, and the second most common indication for starting clozapine was tardive dystonia or tardive dyskinesia (23.8 %). The mean dose of clozapine was 135.89 (SD: 109.6; Range: 37.5–500; median: 87.5) mg/day. The mean duration of clozapine use at the time of data extraction for the study sample was 3.55 (SD: 2.15; Range 0.3–9; median: 3) years. At the last follow-up, about three-fourths of patients were experiencing at least one side effect, with constipation being the most common side effect, followed by sedation, weight gain, and hypersalivation. In only four patients, clozapine was stopped during the follow-up. In terms of effectiveness, majority of the patients were rated as much improved or very much improved on Clinical Global Impression-Improvement subscale.

Conclusion

Clozapine can be safely used in elderly patients with mental disorders. Hence, clozapine should not be withheld in elderly patients with mental disorders whenever indicated.