Chronic Leukocytosis Associated with Clozapine Treatment

Abstract

Clozapine is an important second-generation antipsychotic that is reserved for patients with refractory schizophrenia. Unfortunately, clozapine is also associated with a number of adverse effects, with agranulocytosis being one of the chief concerns. Interestingly, patients who receive clozapine treatment may occasionally experience elevations in their total white blood cell count (WBC). In some of these patients, the leukocytosis may be persistent. We report the case of a patient with refractory schizophrenia who is treated with clozapine and who experienced chronic leukocytosis. A brief review of the literature addressing clozapine-associated leukocytosis follows the case report.