How Clozapine Saved My Life | Schizophrenia Treatment Journey

From the Abyss to Stability: The Power of Clozapine in Treating Childhood-Onset Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a formidable opponent. A mental disorder that often generates fear and misunderstanding, it can debilitate the lives of those it affects and their families. However, the battle against schizophrenia is not a lost cause, as demonstrated by Stephen's inspiring journey, a story of resilience, determination, and hope, which he bravely shares on his YouTube channel, "Surviving Schizophrenia." In his recent video titled "CLOZAPINE Saved My Life!" Stephen highlights the life-altering impact of a potent antipsychotic medication, Clozapine.

Stephen's ordeal with schizophrenia started quite early. At the tender age of 12, he began to exhibit the disturbing symptoms of psychosis, a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are impaired, and contact is lost with external reality. His life abruptly shifted from a typical childhood experience to one filled with delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Like many in his situation, Stephen was initially treated with several second-generation antipsychotic drugs, including Zyprexa, Abilify, and Latuda. However, in his case, these medications proved insufficient to pull him out of the depths of psychosis.

After a year of trial and error with different medications, at the age of 13, Stephen was introduced to Clozapine. This decision marked a crucial turning point in his journey. Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is often reserved for severe cases like Stephen's – those with childhood-onset, treatment-resistant schizophrenia. In essence, it is considered the gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

It's essential to understand why Clozapine is considered such a potent and effective medication. Unlike many other antipsychotic drugs, Clozapine interacts with various neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine receptors. This broad spectrum of action is believed to be the key to its high efficacy rate.

Stephen's experience with Clozapine has been life-saving, according to his own words. It has been the only antipsychotic medication capable of pulling him out of the clutches of psychosis. While battling schizophrenia, he has found a way to manage his symptoms effectively with Clozapine.

However, the road to recovery with Clozapine is not always straightforward. Like all medications, it comes with its own set of potential side effects and requires regular monitoring to ensure its safe use. These include weight gain, drowsiness, and in rare cases, agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal drop in white blood cells. This is why patients on Clozapine must undergo regular blood tests. The challenges associated with managing these side effects can feel overwhelming for some patients, but the benefits have far outweighed the potential risks for Stephen and others like him.

Stephen's story provides hope for those living with schizophrenia and their loved ones. His life stands as a testament to the effectiveness of Clozapine for those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. His experiences shared through his YouTube channel offer crucial insights and provide comfort and understanding for those walking a similar path.

Stephen is not merely surviving schizophrenia, he is thriving, leading a full life despite his diagnosis, and he attributes much of this to Clozapine. His tale underscores the importance of perseverance in adversity and the crucial role of finding the proper treatment.

While everyone's journey with schizophrenia is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another, Stephen's story offers hope. It underscores the potential within each individual to overcome challenges and reclaim their life from schizophrenia's grip. In the case of Stephen, Clozapine has not just been a medication; it has been a lifeline. He bravely shares his story and, by doing so, shines a light on the path for others grappling with this complex and often misunderstood mental health condition.

The key takeaway from Stephen's story is the critical importance of personalized treatment in managing schizophrenia. It is essential to continue seeking help until the right solution is found. Whether you are a patient, a family member, or a healthcare provider, remember the power of persistence, the value of open communication, and the impact of informed decision-making. As Stephen's story beautifully illustrates, sometimes, the most challenging paths lead us to the brightest destinations.

[Dalester]

Your parents saved your life before the medication did. So many other parents, understandably, would've handled this poorly and in those cases, the sufferer is lost to suicide or O.D. Thankfully, your parents were right there fighting every day with you. So happy for you now and that you have found some peace and happiness, not to mention the long awaited and overdue symptom relief.

[ellamaria]

I’m currently on clozapine. I’ve been on it for about nine months. I’m still at a really low dose because I’m scared of the cardiac issues it can cause but this video makes me have some hope. I have schizoaffective. Thank you for this video, I’m rooting for you!

[sunnylady]

I love the fact that you have such a supportive dad. My dad is also very supportive, in fact, he lives with me because of my diagnosis. I have paranoid psychosis, not schizophrenia though but I'm pretty much symptom free with risperidone. My only troublesome side effect is brain fog with with intrusive thoughts but no psychosis.

[Somali.Pirate]

My brother has paranoid schizophrenia, he is always anxious and only talks about his delusions, he is very nom compliant and can have hypo manic violent episodes. Me and my father had him admitted a few days ago, we are very stressed as we are still trying to find the meds that work. Thank you so much for this info, I will keep clozapine in mind. One of the meds he tried gave him jaw dystonia, we got him off it immediately, he is currently on risperidone, we will see how that works. Psychosis is horrible, and being in that psychiatric ward is one of the worst feelings ever. Being strong for my brother. You and your dad give me hope that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Good bless.

[rpink]

This title is important. My good friends share that Clozapine is demonized even when they obtain their refill from the pharmacy! The pharmacists actually demean clients being treated with this drug- THAT'S how bad the stigma is.
So thank you for this video- it's SO IMPORTANT 🙏

[Romans-dzbq]

Thank you for sharing. This illness is so consuming for the person affected as well as the family.
I'm happy you're doing so well!

[celiari]

My daughter was suicidal. Since starting on Clozapine she says she’s happier (since the voices are so much less bothersome). Her dose is still being gradually increased. Even still, she’s so much more hopeful now and talking about her future. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

[sorrywrongplanet]

I have a neighbour on clozapine. He had a couple of bad psychotic breaks but has had decades of relative wellness outside of those episodes. It is the drug of last resort.

[grahamhardie]

Good luck with your treatment. I’ve taken similar medication for over 30 years and enjoyed a decent life. Nice to see your dad supporting you. 👍

[youssefhusseinmokhtarsaleh]

The part when your dad said (we’re not gonna abandon steven made me cry so hard). Get well soon inshallah my friend, remember that Allah (god) is the most merciful, it’s a hard test for you and your family but i’m sure you’re much stronger ♥️

[donnacogsdell]

You and your dad have helped me understand what y 33 yr old son goes through. He got sick with schizophrenia at the age of 19 to 20. He is on a shot of Invaga stestina. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[aleon]

I'm so happy this generation has the second generation drugs. The first generation was like a sledge hammer. I had an acute psychotic break, and they used Thorazine, etc. (i don't think people really improved on them). I hope eventually there is a safer alternative. BTW, tiredness can be partly due to living with a disability. It is much harder, and ordinary things take much more energy. Thanks to you and your dad, you are helping a lot of people and you seem like a wonderful father and son.

[VeganoGuy]

What a great father - son relationship. ❤

[Forest-lifestyle]

Stephen, you're such a Leader in this area of advise regarding Schizophrenia. On an empathic level I feel sorry to know how you've suffered to gain your position yet on a philosophical level I see the genius of reality in choosing someone as articulate & together as you to safely lead others in their journey. Thankyou, for your generosity

[fionagall]

Clozapine has made a world of difference for my son...he started on invega sestena and other second generation drugs ...they were better than nothing but then a major relapse...from the age of 15 to 21 he had already spent months in the hospital at different points...at 25 he needed hospitalization again and that's when I was like why not just try the only drug known to truely work...Clozapine...it can be a dangerous drug...blood work everyweek while he adjusts...He my son is a beautiful kind and generous soul...The drug has literally saved him...he is happy.

[Tolya]

Schizophrenia is more linked to males, partly because it is highly associated with overactive adrenaline and cortisol levels, as well as a highly overactive immune system, both of which get triggered in adolescent males. Keep up the good work!

[garymulsp]

Well done Stephen, thank you for making these videos!

[noelbrown]

Thanks, my son's new Psychiatrist is considering Clozapin for my 33 yr old son . He's been diagnosed 14yrs ago and tried several other meds with over a dozen different doctors with unsatisfactory results. Just started researching this med. Thanks for sharing your experience

[flyingcat]

I had weight gain on an antidepressant that was prescribed for my insomnia. I gained over 20lbs and can't lose the weight no matter how much I diet or exercise. But at least it improved my 20 years of insomnia and anxiety.

These psyche meds are very helpful but the side effects can sometimes be hard to manage.

I am very happy that the Clozapine finally worked for you.

[theresab]

Im so glad I have learned about this medication and listened to your experiences .
January 2025 my adult daughter will finally be given the opportunity to take this medication. She has suffered 15 plus years and tried every available drug and drug combo for psychosis and has had only minimal relief.
We are In Texas and it's not easy finding a doctor that is willing to prescribe.
I am so grateful to you both for putting yourselves out there so to speak to give an honest look at these issues.
We have both started to be much more open about what issues our family and our daughter is struggling with and it's very freeing to be able to make our needs known. As with anything in life it's not always easy but it has helped us tremendously. Thank you to you both for what you are doing for each other and for the viewers who need this information.