Question

A 19-year-old man with refractory schizophrenia is brought to the ED by his mother for an acute psychotic episode. Routine laboratory tests reveal a WBC count of 1.0. His mother reveals that he recently started a new medication. Which of the following medications is the patient most likely taking?

A) Chlorpromazine
B) Clonazepam
C) Clozapine
D) Levetiracetam

Answer 1

The patient is most likely taking Clozapine, as it is an antipsychotic medication associated with agranulocytosis, a significant decrease in white blood cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The 19-year-old man with refractory schizophrenia experiencing an acute psychotic episode and a very low white blood cell (WBC) count is most likely taking Clozapine. Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication known for its efficacy in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but it has a significant side effect in the form of agranulocytosis (decreased white blood cells), which requires regular monitoring of the patient's WBC count. Neither Chlorpromazine, Clonazepam, nor Levetiracetam are commonly associated with agranulocytosis as a side effect.