Recurrent falls while taking clozapine

A 56-year-old man developed frequent falls after starting clozapine for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. His falls were caused by negative myoclonus (see videos)—a rare adverse effect of clozapine. His movement disorder persisted despite adding antiseizure medication (valproate), and the clozapine had to be reduced rapidly to reduce risk of falls and functional impairment. This case emphasises the importance of a thorough medication review and detailed physical examination in patients with psychiatric disorders who develop falls when taking multiple and complex medications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Practical Neurology
Published
2026-06-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/pn-2026-005235
Primary Topic
Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Recurrent falls while taking clozapine

Jonathan Rogers, Alex J. Berry, Juliet Kenstavica Pinto
Practical Neurology
Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Disorders
article

Recurrent falls while taking clozapine

Jonathan Rogers, Alex J. Berry, Juliet Kenstavica Pinto
article en

Abstract

A 56-year-old man developed frequent falls after starting clozapine for treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. His falls were caused by negative myoclonus (see videos)—a rare adverse effect of clozapine. His movement disorder persisted despite adding antiseizure medication (valproate), and the clozapine had to be reduced rapidly to reduce risk of falls and functional impairment. This case emphasises the importance of a thorough medication review and detailed physical examination in patients with psychiatric disorders who develop falls when taking multiple and complex medications.

Practical Neurology
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (GB), National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (GB), University College London (GB)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Parkinson's Disease and Spinal Disorders
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