Sulpiride

Sulpiride is 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.

Sulpiride may be taken with or without food, preferably at night. 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 in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms. However, discontinue this medicine immediately if you experience neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered consciousness or seizures.

Some common side effects of this medicine include a skin rash, tremor, breast pain, parkinsonism, and increased liver enzymes. 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 may increase your weight but, modifying your lifestyle by having a healthy diet and exercising regularly can reduce this side effect. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medicine.

• Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder in which a person’s thinking ability, feelings and behavior become abnormal. Sulpiride helps restore the chemical imbalances in the brain that are responsible for such changes. It improves thoughts, behavior and enhances the quality of life.

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 Stride

• Skin rash
• Weight gain
• Sleepiness
• Tremors
• Breast pain
• Parkinsonism
• Akathisia (inability to stay still)
• Increased liver enzymes
• Drowsiness

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Sulpiride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Sulpiride works by modulating the action of certain chemical messengers in the brain that affects thoughts.

• Take it at bedtime to avoid feeling sleepy during the day.
• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Sulpiride can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine because it can make drowsiness worse.
• It may cause weight gain. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and monitor your weight regularly.
• Inform your doctor if you experience any abnormal or uncontrolled movements while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms such as high fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, and faster breathing. These may be due to a rare side effect known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Do not stop taking Sulpiride without talking to your doctor first as it may cause a worsening of symptoms.

Stahl SM, editor. Sulpiride. In: Stahl's Essential Pschopharmacology: Prescriber's Guide. 5th ed. New York, New York: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 637-41.

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