Monitoring sertraline and clozapine levels

INTRODUCTION: One of the most frequent side effects seen when prescribing sertraline and clozapine together is the appearance of a seizure crisis. This event is usually related to an increase of plasmatic concentration due to interactions of these drugs with blood components. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of clozapine when combined with other drugs, especially its effects increasing plasmatic concentration. METHODS: A patient was treated sith 300 mg/day of clozapine followed by a treatment with sertraline 50 mg/day, which increases plasmatic concentration. The combination of these treatments produced seizures. Other works published about interactions are reviewed. RESULTS: It is important to monitor clozapine dosages to avoid increasing plasmatic concentration, especially if other drugs that have this effect are also administered. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to monitor clozapine dosages to avoid increasing plasmatic concentration, especially if other drugs that have this effect are also administered. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.