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Clozapine and speech dysfluency: two case reports

Broadmoor Hospital, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7EG, email: kevin.murray{at}wlmht.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

We describe two patients, both diagnosed with psychotic illnesses, who developed stuttering while being treated with clozapine.

RESULTS

In both patients the stuttering was severe and significantly impaired progress towards recovery. Deviant speech dimensions and voice quality were consistent with dysarthria and dystonia.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Patients who develop abnormal electroencephalogram activity and those who have a family or personal history of stuttering might be at increased risk of developing speech problems with clozapine. Speech dysfluency might be a consequence of clozapine’s action in lowering the seizure threshold. Potential management strategies include the use of sodium valproate and changing the type of antipsychotic.