The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new use for the schizophrenia drug, Clozaril: to reduce the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Clozaril was approved in 1989 for treatment of schizophrenia in patients who do not respond to other available therapies.

Schizophrenia, a disorder of the brain, affects about 1 out of 100 persons - with onset usually in young adults. About 20 to 40 percent of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder attempt suicide. Suicidal behavior refers to actions by a patient that put the patient at risk for death.

Patients for whom Clozaril treatment may be useful are those who are judged to be at chronic risk for reexperiencing suicidal behavior, based on history of attempted suicide, hospitalization, or suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) with or without hallucinations.

Because patients who take Clozaril are at risk for a life-threatening blood disorder, called agranulocytosis, they must have frequent blood tests. These tests are necessary to detect the blood disorder at an early stage so that the patient can stop taking the drug immediately if necessary. Another common serious side effect is seizures.