CLOZAPINE RE-CHALLENGE WITH LITHIUM SUPPLEMENTATION FOLLOWING CLOZAPINE-INDUCED NEUTROPENIA

This paper aims to report on a case in which re-challenging with clozapine in combination with lithium in a patient who developed neutropenia was carried out. methods: the patient was treated with clozapine for treatmentresistant schizophrenia. after five weeks he showed much improvement but developed neutropenia. withdrawal of clozapine brought on a relapse of psychotic symptoms. subsequently, clozapine was reintroduced along with lithium. the neutrophil count was monitored closely. results: the neutrophil and white blood cell count were noted to return to normal upon re-challenging, and the patient’s clinical condition also improved. conclusion: simultaneous administration of lithium and clozapine to patients experiencing neutropenia on clozapine is a possible strategy. however, very close monitoring of the white count is needed.