Definition
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia, especially when other treatments have failed. It works by affecting several neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. Think of it as a specialized tool for a specific mental health challenge. Unlike older antipsychotics, clozapine has a lower risk of causing certain side effects, but it requires careful monitoring due to the risk of agranulocytosis (a dangerous drop in white blood cell count). It's a powerful medication that must be used under close medical supervision.