A patient taking clozapine may develop slow gastrointestinal motility, which can result in constipation.
A person taking clozapine may:
(1) have additional risk factors for constipation
(2) not complain of constipation even when present
Mechanism: reduced neurogenic and myogenic contractions resulting in slow peristalsis and gastrointestinal motility
Complications:
(1) stool impaction
(2) stercoral colitis
(3) bowel obstruction
(4) bowel wall ischemia with perforation
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
