What weight change should be noted for a client on clozapine?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia in patients who are resistant to other treatments. A significant concern with clozapine is its side effect profile, which can include metabolic changes. Clients taking clozapine often experience weight gain due to factors such as increased appetite and changes in metabolism.

A weight gain of 1 kg is commonly observed as a potential outcome for patients on clozapine. This change is considered minimal and may reflect the beginning of a trend often seen in long-term treatment with this medication. Weight monitoring is important because substantial weight gain can occur over time, potentially leading to more serious health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In contrast, weight loss, no significant change, or a larger weight gain might not accurately represent the typical experience of patients on clozapine. Weight gain of 1 kg is a conservative estimate reflecting the initial metabolic impact of the medication without being alarmingly high. This understanding allows healthcare providers to monitor and manage clients' health effectively while on clozapine.