A 2-year prospective follow-up study of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients treated with clozapine

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Dec;28(6):618-24. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e31818a6cfd.

Abstract

Urinary incontinence and enuresis are well-known side effects of clozapine. However, clinical experience has shown that patients also suffer from diverse lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The natural course of clozapine-related LUTS is unclear. Thus, a longitudinal follow-up study is needed. A total of 101 subjects who were taking clozapine initially participated. Their LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), other questionnaires, and a medical records review. After 2 years, 87 of the original subjects could be contacted, and the status of their LUTS was re-evaluated. The average IPSS total was 7.4 +/- 5.9 at the initial evaluation. Although only 11 subjects (10.9%) reported actual incontinence, 42 subjects (41.6%) were found to have clinically significant LUTS (IPSS total score > or =8). No influencing factors could be found among the demographic and clinical variables. At the follow-up, the average IPSS total (7.9 +/- 6.0) and the percentage of subjects with clinically significant LUTS (43.7%) had both increased, although the change was not statistically significant. The prevalence of LUTS in clozapine-medicated patients was higher than in the general population of the same age. However, the prevalence of incontinence was only a quarter of that of LUTS. If clinicians focus only on incontinence, distress from LUTS will not receive appropriate attention. Furthermore, contrary to literature observations, clozapine-related LUTS did not remit easily but rather persisted even into the long-term maintenance phase. More concern should be directed at these troublesome and often neglected side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Clozapine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Records
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors
  • Urinary Incontinence / chemically induced*
  • Urinary Incontinence / psychology
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy
  • Urination Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Urination Disorders / psychology
  • Urination Disorders / therapy
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine