Which side effect is particularly concerning with clozapine treatment?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is notably associated with the risk of agranulocytosis, which is a serious side effect characterized by a dangerously low level of neutrophils in the blood. This condition significantly increases the risk of infections due to the impaired ability of the immune system to respond to pathogens. Because of this risk, patients on clozapine require regular monitoring of their white blood cell counts, particularly the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

While other side effects such as hypertension, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia can occur with various antipsychotic medications, agranulocytosis is particularly unique to clozapine and demands specific safety precautions. The potential severity of agranulocytosis makes it a primary concern in the pharmacological management of conditions such as schizophrenia where clozapine is prescribed, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and risk assessment during treatment.