Abstract
This is the research protocol for a study considering the effectiveness of commonly used laxatives in clozapine-treated patients. We will compare gastrointestinal motility times (as measured by radiopaque marker transit tests) before and after laxative treatment in psychiatric inpatients treated receiving clozapine. Laxative treatment will be informed by the Porirua Protocol, which involves monitoring gastrointestinal function, with doses of docusate & senna adjusted in response to constipation symptoms, to a maximum of 4 tablets daily, with macrogol 3350 added when docusate & senna is inadequate.