Question

A schizophrenic patient was prescribed drug A after he did not respond to haloperidol and thioridazine. He now presents with excessive salivation, an increase in blood glucose, and hyperlipidemia. What is drug A?

• A. Ziprasidone
• B. Risperidone
• C. Clozapine
• D. Aripiprazole

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In this scenario, the patient is diagnosed with schizophrenia and is prescribed a treatment following a lack of response to two typical antipsychotic medications, haloperidol and thioridazine. The patient subsequently exhibits side effects such as excessive salivation, increased blood glucose, and hyperlipidemia. These specific side effects align with the known adverse effects of Clozapine, which include sialorrhea (excessive salivation), metabolic disturbances, and lipid abnormalities.

To determine which drug aligns with these observations, consider the following attributes of each option:

• Ziprasidone: Associated with QT prolongation, less likely to cause significant weight gain or metabolic changes.
• Risperidone: Can cause hyperprolactinemia and some metabolic side effects, but is not typically linked with excessive salivation.
• Clozapine: Known for causing sialorrhea, significant metabolic effects including increased blood glucose and hyperlipidemia.
• Aripiprazole: Generally associated with fewer metabolic side effects compared to Clozapine.

Given the side effects presented, Clozapine is the most likely drug prescribed, as its profile matches the symptoms observed in the patient.