Thank you for publishing “Clozapine for schizophrenia: Life-threatening or life-saving treatment?” (Current Psychiatry, December 2009). In recent years, prescription rates for clozapine and long-acting injectables have been low, which is a disservice to our patients. We have seen the amazing impact clozapine can have on our patients’ lives compared with other antipsychotics, and it is a shame to not prescribe it because of red tape. I am amazed that patients will stay on a medication that has so many untoward side effects, as we saw in the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) study. I think this is a testament to how effective the medication is.
Corey Yilmaz, MD
Southwest Behavioral Health Services
Tolleson, AZ