The effect of clozapine on saliva flow rate: a pilot study.

This study examined the effect of clozapine on saliva flow rate. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from 9 patients taking clozapine (dose range = 50-400 mg/day) and from 8 controls who had never used clozapine. There was no significant difference between the average saliva flow rates in the two groups (p > .10), nor was there significant correlation between saliva flow rate and daily clozapine dose (p > .10). Alternative explanations for observations or complaints of excessive salivation, drooling, or a choking feeling while taking clozapine are proposed.