Clozapine-induced gastrointestinal hypomotility: More than just constipation

Abstract

CASE A 60 y.o. male with longstanding paranoid schizophrenia was admitted from a local group home with abdominal pain and distention of several days in duration and vomiting for the previous 24 hours. He had been seen in the family practice clinic at this academic medical center on the day prior to admission for similar complaints and magnesium citrate was recommended. An abdominal plain film from that visit was consistent with ileus and moderate stool load. The patient was admitted to the emergency treatment center later that day with newonset vomiting. He was sent home after three soap suds enemas with only minimal results.