How does clozapine cause myocarditis?
The exact mechanism of clozapine-induced myocarditis is not well elucidated. It has been postulated to be an immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated hypersensitivity reaction, as up to two-thirds of patients with clozapine-induced myocarditis present with hypereosinophilia.
How common is myocarditis with clozapine?
Estimates of the incidence of clozapine-associated myocarditis range from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 500 patients;5 and for cardiomyopathy with clozapine, about 1 per 2000 patient-years.
How does clozapine affect the heart?
2. Clozapine causes tachycardia, and 25% of patients with schizophrenia can experience 10-15 beats per minute increase in heart rate, which is usually benign. In normal volunteers, clozapine can also cause bradycardia, of which clinicians should be aware. Clozapine also causes dose-related QT-prolongation.
What are the signs of clozapine toxicity?
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
- dizziness.
- fainting.
- slow breathing.
- change in heartbeat.
- loss of consciousness.
Is myocarditis the same as cardiomyopathy?
Myocarditis occurs when the heart muscle becomes inflamed. When your heart muscle is inflamed, it can affect your heart’s electrical system. This can cause arrhythmia, or a rapid or abnormal heartbeat. Myocarditis can cause the heart muscle to weaken and can lead to cardiomyopathy.
What is myocarditis caused from?
Potential causes of myocarditis include: Viruses. Many viruses are commonly associated with myocarditis, including the viruses that cause the common cold (adenovirus); COVID-19; hepatitis B and C; parvovirus, which causes a mild rash, usually in children (fifth disease); and herpes simplex virus.
Can clozapine cause heart failure?
Cardiac failure may develop secondary to myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. In a 10-year naturalistic study, clozapine-treated patients appear to be at risk for death from cardiovascular disease secondary to clozapine-associated medical disorders such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia.
What is the most serious potential side effect of clozapine?
There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia.
Can you make a full recovery from myocarditis?
In many people, myocarditis improves on its own or with treatment, leading to a complete recovery. Myocarditis treatment focuses on the cause and the symptoms, such as heart failure.