Amisulpride
Introduction To Amisulpride
Amisulpride is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of schizophrenia, a mental disorder that can result in hallucinations or delusions and also adversely affects a person’s ability to think and behave.
Amisulpride may be taken with or without food, preferably before bedtime. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, and dryness in the mouth. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, so it is better to rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It also causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can lead to weight gain and may increase your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, modifying your lifestyle by having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce this side effect.
Uses of Amisulpride
- Schizophrenia
Benefits of Amisulpride
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability,
feelings and behavior become abnormal. Amisulpride helps restore the chemical
imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves
thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life. Take it as prescribed by
the doctor and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Side effects of Amisulpride
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Normenta
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dryness in mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
- Akathisia (inability to stay still)
- Parkinsonism
- Increased prolactin level in blood
How to use Amisulpride
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Amisulpride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Amisulpride works
Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic. It works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affect thoughts.
Quick tips
- Amisulpride helps treat schizophrenia.
- Take it at bedtime to avoid feeling sleepy during the day.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Amisulpride can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Do not consume alcohol while on treatment with this medicine as it may worsen the side effects.
- It may cause increased weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides (fat) levels. Eat healthy and exercise regularly.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking Amisulpride without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Amisulpride if I’m pregnant?
Amisulpride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Amisulpride if I’m breastfeeding?
Amisulpride is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Amisulpride safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Amisulpride.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Amisulpride?
Amisulpride may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. You may feel less alert, drowsy or sleepy while taking this medicine. This may affect your driving ability.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Amisulpride if I have/had kidney diseases?
Amisulpride should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Amisulpride may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Amisulpride is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Amisulpride if I have/had liver diseases?
Amisulpride is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Amisulpride may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Amisulpride make you sleepy?
Yes, Amisulpride may make you sleepy, drowsy, less alert, and may even blur your vision. If you experience these symptoms you should not drive or operate heavy machinery.
Q. When should I take Amisulpride?
The time of taking the medicine will be suggested by your doctor depending upon your dose. Doses up to 300 mg can be taken anytime of the day but preferably at the same time each day. Doses more than 300 mg can be taken half in the morning and half in the evening. You can take the medicine during or between meals.
Q. What does Amisulpride do to the brain?
Amisulpride belongs to antipsychotic class of medicines. It acts against dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which helps in regulating mood and behavior. Schizophrenia is associated with an overactivity of dopamine in the brain, and this overactivity may cause delusions and hallucinations. Amisulpride prevents this excessive activity of dopamine in the brain which helps in treating symptoms of schizophrenia.
Q. Does Amisulpride help with anxiety?
No, there is no data to support the use of Amisulpride in the treatment of anxiety. On the contrary, anxiety is a common side effect of Amisulpride.
Q. Can I stop taking Amisulpride after some time?
No, you should keep taking Amisulpride as long as your doctor has advised. Do not stop the medication even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition or symptoms may come back. Talk to your doctor who will gradually reduce your dose.
Q. Who should not take Amisulpride?
You should not take Amisulpride if you are under 15 years of age, allergic to it, have breast cancer or a tumor known as prolactinoma. Avoid taking Amisulpride if you are breastfeeding, have tumor of adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma), or if you are taking certain medicines like levodopa, medicines to treat heart rhythm disorders, etc.
Q. Is Amisulpride addictive?
No, there is no evidence to say that Amisulpride causes addiction. Also, its use is not known to have any tendency for abuse.
Q. What are the withdrawal symptoms of Amisulpride?
Suddenly stopping Amisulpride may cause withdrawal symptoms which include nausea, vomiting, sweating, difficulty sleeping, extreme restlessness, muscle stiffness or abnormal movements, or your original condition may come back. Therefore, it is advised to gradually reduce the dose of Amisulpride.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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