How Clozapine Changed My Life Pt II
Above: Photo by Nguyen Hon Studio
In my previous post, “How Clozapine Changed My Life”, I talked about the benefits of this very powerful medication.
But I would also like to share the problems I have personally faced by being on this medication for about 4 years now:
1. My memory is not as good as before
I almost lost my wallet today. I dropped it at a QML Pathology carpark. And it was there for a good 10 mins until I realised I had lost it. I was very lucky I found it, especially being in Ipswich. And it’s not just this incident that I feel my memory is poor. I forget where I place things in my home. I forget bits and pieces of conversations I recently had with people. I have been told, “You memory is worse than mine and I’m 50 years old” - it’s that bad sometimes.
2. Weight gain
I take 400mg of clozapine every night. Since being on this medication, I have gained weight. I want to lose weight mainly for general health and mental health and it’s really hard especially when this medication makes me hungry all the time. I am currently 80kgs and according to BMI, I am “overweight”.
3. Monthly blood tests + GP Appointments
Because I’m on a highly regulated medication, I need to get a blood test every month at QML pathology. The clozapine levels can’t be too high, and not too low. It has to be “just right”. I feel very annoyed that after doing a blood test, within 2-3 days I have to see the GP and do a “stupid”/”time-wasting” MMSE - it’s an examination to mainly see if you have dementia. And me? Having dementia? What on earth? I am only 32 years old. And also, I have to take this examination every month or else my psychiatry/mental health team won’t dispense my medications. Personally, I feel my rights has been all stripped off me. I am still figuring this part out. I have been told although I go through the public system for my mental health, I still have rights and I should see a “Patient Rights” person or something. I don’t know what to do exactly but complain to be honest.