Amisulpride/Sulpiride

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

[amisulpride] Solian; [sulpiride] Eglonyl, Espiride

Drug group:

Antipsychotic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Amisulpride and sulpiride are atypical anti-psychotic drugs used to treat:

• Schizophrenia (acute/chronic) - reduces “positive” symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders) and “negative” symptoms (emotional and social withdrawal)
• Tourette’s syndrome

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Taken 1–2 x daily
• Patients with mainly positive symptoms are treated with higher doses, and mainly negative symptoms with lower doses
• Amisulpride: [negative symptoms] 50–300mg daily; [positive symptoms] 400–1200mg daily; doses >300mg should be split and taken twice daily
• Sulpiride: [negative symptoms] 400–800mg daily; [positive symptoms] 400–2400mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour

How long will the effects last?

12–24 hours
            

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use can rarely cause tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the tongue and face), although this is less common with amisulpride compared to older antipsychotic drugs.

                                                       

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: insomnia, drowsiness, anxiety, agitation
• Less common: weight gain, nausea, vomiting, breast swelling, parkinsonism, loss of libido, menstrual irregularities
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: any severe side effects

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, hypertension, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, pituitary tumour, breast cancer, phaeochromocytoma, blood problems
• Other medicines: amiodarone, disopyramide, diuretics, droperidol, erythromycin, methadone, sotalol, antihypertensive drugs, sedatives
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drugs can cause slow reaction times, drowsiness or loss of concentration
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects