CARDIOMYOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH CLOZAPINE

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of symptomatic cardiomyopathy induced duri ng treatment with clozapine, an antipsychotic of the dibenzodiazepine class. CASE SUMMARY: A patient with a long psychiatric history signifi cant for schizophrenia and no prior cardiac history developed dyspnea, malaise, and edema with a low ventricular ejection fraction during cl ozapine therapy. DISCUSSION: The literature concerning cardiorespirato ry complications with clozapine therapy is reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Card iorespiratory complications associated with clozapine use are rare. Ca ution may be warranted in patients treated with other medications, suc h as benzodiazepines, and in patients with underlying cardiac disease.