Which statement correctly describes Clozapine?

• A. It is a tricyclic antidepressant with no agranulocytosis risk.
• B. It is a first-line SSRI for depression.
• C. It requires weekly CBC or WBC monitoring due to risk of agranulocytosis.
• D. It has no monitoring requirements.

Answer: (C)

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, and it carries a real risk of agranulocytosis—a dangerous drop in neutrophils. Because of that risk, its use is tightly monitored with regular blood tests. The typical approach starts with baseline testing, then weekly CBC or WBC monitoring for the first six months, followed by less frequent checks (every two weeks for the next six months, then monthly thereafter). This ongoing monitoring is why the statement is correct. It isn’t a tricyclic antidepressant, nor is it a first-line SSRI for depression, and there are clear monitoring requirements rather than none.