Drug-induced nutrient depletion

Clozapine & Nutrient Depletion

Also searched as Clozaril, Versacloz. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.

Medical content reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Last reviewed July 2026
1Nutrient association
Insufficient EvidenceHighest rating
The bottom line

Clozapine has been associated with depletion of SELENIUM. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Clozapine long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

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The evidence

Reported nutrient depletions with Clozapine

Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.

SELENIUM

Insufficient Evidence

CLOZAPINE (Clozaril)

Clozapine might reduce selenium levels.

Low plasma selenium levels are found in some people treated with clozapine. Since selenium has antioxidant properties, there is speculation that lowered levels might contribute to agranulocytosis and cardiac side effects of clozapine; however, there are no studies to confirm this. There isn't enough information to recommend routine selenium supplementation with clozapine therapy.
Taking Clozapine? Insufficient evidence to rate; clinical significance is not known. ⓘ
Dr. Brian Staiger, Pharm.D explains

Selenium is a mineral your body uses as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage. Some studies have noticed lower selenium levels in people taking clozapine, though exactly why is not yet clear, and researchers have wondered whether this plays any role in certain rare side effects of the drug. That connection is still speculative, and right now there simply is not enough evidence to say whether this matters in practice. If you have concerns, it is worth bringing up with your doctor or pharmacist rather than starting a supplement on your own.

Learn more about this nutrient: Selenium — uses, safety & interactions

References (2)
  1. Linday LA, Pippenger CE, Howard A, Lieberman JA. Free radical scavenging enzyme activity and related trace metals in clozapine-induced agranulocytosis: a pilot study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1995;15:353-60. PubMed
  2. Vaddadi KS, Soosai E, Vaddadi G. Low blood selenium concentrations in schizophrenic patients on clozapine. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2003;55:307-9. PubMed
Important

This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.

Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
Keep exploring

More about Clozapine

Understand the basics

What drug-induced nutrient depletion means

Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.

Association is not deficiency

An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.

Evidence varies by pair

Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.

When to ask about labs

If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.

Don't self-supplement blindly

Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.

Never stop a medication over this

These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.

Food first, usually

For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.

Common questions

Clozapine & nutrients: FAQs

Does Clozapine deplete SELENIUM?
Clozapine has been associated with lower SELENIUM levels in the clinical literature — see the evidence rating and details above. An association is not a guarantee: dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter. If you take Clozapine long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether checking your SELENIUM status is appropriate.
Should I take a supplement because I take Clozapine?
Not automatically. The right first step is usually a conversation with your pharmacist or provider — they can weigh your dose and duration, decide whether testing makes sense, and recommend food-first strategies or a supplement if genuinely needed. Some supplements can interact with medications, so do not add one without checking.
Should I stop taking Clozapine?
No — never stop a prescribed medication because of a nutrient association. Clozapine is prescribed for good reasons, and nutrient considerations are usually manageable with monitoring or diet. Any change to your medication belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Where does this information come from?
The depletion records come from the Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) database — an evidence-graded clinical reference — and are displayed as published, with their citations. The plain-English context is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists.

Questions about Clozapine and your nutrition?

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Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Nutrient depletion records for Clozapine are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.