Clozapine Induced Weight Gain
Clozapine Induced Weight Gain
Clozapine is prescribed to patients with psychosis in whom other treatments have not worked.
 Research has shown, however, that clozapine may be associated with weight gain and abnormal
 blood sugar levels in some patients. There is strong evidence to suggest that genetic
 variation between individuals plays an important role in the development of these side
 effects in response to the medication. Our research aims to evaluate the effects of two genes
 and the blood level of clozapine on side-effects such as weight changes and blood sugar
 levels in patients receiving clozapine treatment. From out-patient clinics in Cwm Taf UHB,
 the investigators aim to recruit 160 patients who are taking clozapine; collect information/
 measurements from recruits relating to size/ weight/ BMI, risk of diabetes and blood samples
 to measure markers of blood sugar, fat/lipids, clozapine and its breakdown products, blood
 cells and variants of two specific genes. From this information the investigators will be
 particularly interested to understand if there is any association between the variation in
 these two genes with weight gain or changes in blood sugar, in patients taking clozapine.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age 18 years or over

 -  Taking/compliant with clozapine antipsychotic medications.

 -  Patients meeting the ICD-10 criteria for a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective
 or borderline personality disorders.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  History of current alcohol/illicit substance dependency.

 -  Unable/ unsuitable to complete the study protocol e.g. acutely ill, suicidal or
 aggressive patients.

 -  Unable to consent to the study.