While many people who take the antipsychotic medication clozapine describe it as life-changing, they also say starting it can be a bumpy road – one they wish they’d had more information and guidance on from the start.
In response, AEPCC partner Orygen has co-developed a new resource with young people who have taken clozapine, which clinicians can share with patients when it’s time to consider the medication. Clozapine is typically discussed with clients after two first-line antipsychotic medications haven’t worked as well as expected.
The resource outlines what to expect when starting clozapine and offers practical strategies for overcoming common challenges.
James Reeves, Peer Researcher at Orygen, who led the development of the resource explained, “because clozapine requires regular monitoring and can cause side effects, having access to clear, trustworthy information, informed by people with lived experience, is essential to help people make informed decisions about whether it’s right for them.”
Prof. Andy Thompson, Principal Investigator of AEPCC, said: “this new resource is a great example of what can be achieved when researchers, people with lived experience and clinicians work together – which aligns with AEPCC’s overarching goal.”
The project was sponsored by Prof. Stephen Wood.
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