Clozapine-Associated Sialorrhea

Abstract

Abstract Background Clozapine has demonstrated efficacy in treating treatment-resistant schizophrenia; however, it has a wide range of side effects. Sialorrhea is a common side effect of clozapine that causes the patient to withdraw from social life. This review aims to evaluate and summarize the prevalence, mechanism, risk factors, and management of clozapine-associated sialorrhea. Procedures The literature was explored for the prevalence, the mechanisms, the risk factors, and the management of sialorrhea. The following search strings and terms were used: “clozapine,” “sialorrhea,” “hypersalivation,” “clozapine induced sialorrhea,” and “clozapine induced hypersalivation”. Study Results Hypersalivation is one of the most common side effects of clozapine. Over the course of clozapine therapy, hypersalivation has been reported to have an incidence of 30% to –80%. Although different treatment approaches are applied on a case-by-case basis in the clinic, depending on the practitioners' preferences, there is a lack of clear guidelines for managing this common side effect that jeopardizes patients' social life. Conclusions It is important for healthcare professionals and patients that some clear treatment options for clozapine-associated sialorrhea are brought to the forefront and widely used, especially based on the research conducted to date.