Key Takeaways
- Clozaril is the original brand name for clozapine.
- Prescribed for schizophrenia, psychosis, certain mood disorders, and reducing recurrent suicidal behavior.
- Requires ongoing blood monitoring for severe side effects.
- Generics and brand names share identical active ingredients, dosing, and safety standards.
What is Clozaril prescribed for?
Clozaril can be prescribed for schizophrenia, psychosis, and certain mood disorders. It can also be prescribed for reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.1
Clozaril side effects
The side effects people notice most often are sedation, increased saliva, constipation, weight gain, and dizziness on standing. Most are manageable, and several ease over the first few weeks.1,2
The FDA-approved label for Clozaril carries five boxed warnings: severe neutropenia; low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and fainting on standing; seizures; inflammation and weakening of the heart muscle (myocarditis and cardiomyopathy); and increased mortality in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.1
Scheduled blood test monitoring and close follow up by prescribers are essential for managing these side effects.
Is Clozaril the same as clozapine?
Yes. Clozapine is the name of the drug itself. Clozaril is the brand name that clozapine was first sold under when it was introduced in the United States.1,3
When companies develop a drug, they give it a brand name and sell it exclusively for a number of years. When that exclusivity period ends, other manufacturers can make the same drug and sell it under its generic name. Generic clozapine has been available in the United States for decades, and the FDA lists the approved generic versions in its Orange Book.4,5
The FDA-approved labels for Clozaril and the labels for generic clozapine carry the same dosing recommendations and neutrophil monitoring schedule.1,6
Other brand names for clozapine
Pharmacy labels, discharge paperwork, and insurance statements don’t always use the same name for the same medication. Here’s a list of names you might see for clozapine.
| Name | Type | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Clozapine | The generic name of the drug itself | Tablet |
| Clozaril | The original brand name | Tablet |
| Versacloz | Brand name | Oral suspension, liquid |
| Clozapine ODT | Generic | Orally disintegrating tablet |
| FazaClo ODT | Discontinued brand name for the dissolving tablet5 | Orally disintegrating tablet |
At a Glance
Clozaril, name brand clozapine, is an antipsychotic medication. Clozaril, clozapine, Versacloz, and clozapine ODT are the same medicine in different packages.1,6,7
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Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic medication that reduces psychosis, violent behavior, suicide risk, and substance abuse. By applying the EASE model, we shift Clozapine from a last resort to a first-line option, leading to earlier intervention and significantly better patient outcomes.
Get startedCommon questions
Is Clozaril still available?
Yes. The FDA lists the 25 mg and 100 mg Clozaril tablets as currently marketed prescription products. The 50 mg and 200 mg strengths have been discontinued, and the FDA notes they were not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Generic clozapine remains available in a full range of strengths.5,6
Can I switch between Clozaril and generic clozapine?
Talk with your prescriber before changing anything about how you take clozapine. The products are therapeutically equivalent, but clozapine is sensitive to interruptions in dosing, and any change to your prescription is worth coordinating with the person who manages your treatment.1,4
Do I still need blood tests while taking Clozaril?
Yes. Regular absolute neutrophil count testing is still part of the FDA-approved labeling. However, the federal Clozapine REMS program ended in June 2025, so your pharmacy no longer needs authorization from a national registry before filling your prescription.1 Clozaril labeling also recommends heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose monitoring and more. Beyond those recommendations, there are multiple blood tests that prescribers should conduct to effectively manage the side effects of clozapine with their patients.
What is the difference between Clozaril and Versacloz?
They are the same medication in different forms. Clozaril is a tablet you swallow. Versacloz is a liquid which can be easier for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.1,7
Why is FazaClo no longer available?
FazaClo ODT, a brand of clozapine that dissolves on the tongue, has been discontinued by its manufacturer. The FDA records that it was not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Generic clozapine orally disintegrating tablets are still available for people who need that form.5,6
Sources
- DailyMed. CLOZARIL (clozapine) tablets, prescribing information. National Library of Medicine. Revised June 2025. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Clozapine (Clozaril and Versacloz). Published 2024. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Information on Clozapine. Updated November 2023. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Generic Drug Facts. Updated November 2024. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- US Food and Drug Administration. Orange Book: Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations. Updated October 2026. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- DailyMed. Clozapine orally disintegrating tablets, prescribing information. National Library of Medicine. Revised April 2024. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- DailyMed. VERSACLOZ (clozapine) oral suspension, prescribing information. National Library of Medicine. Revised October 2023. Accessed October 15, 2026.