Amisulpride/Sulpiride

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Amisulpride and sulpiride are anti-psychotic drugs. They’re used to treat psychosis in schizophrenia acute and chronic, at there onset, and over long term where delusions and hallucinations are known as positive symptoms, with the negative symptoms being emotional and social withdrawal. Sometimes people with these symptoms may also feel tense, anxious or depressed.

Individuals showing mainly positive symptoms are treated with higher doses, while those with the negative symptoms are treated with a lower dosage. With Tourette’s Syndrome (inherited neurological disorder) anxiety disorders, and vertigo being treated with Sulpiride. In small doses it is also used to treat depression. When the sequential use of two or more antipsychotics (one of which should be an atypical antipsychotic) fail to adequately control the schizophrenia clozapine may need to be introduced.

Amisulpride works by blocking the effect of a chemical in the brain which is thought to affect thinking, feelings and behavioural problems. Amisulpride is not suitable for everyone and some people should never use it. Other should only use it with special care. It is important that your doctor/health care professional prescribing this medicine knows your full medical history. Over time it is possible that Amisulpride can become unsuitable for some people, or they may become unsuitable for it. If at any time it appears that Amisulpride has become unsuitable, it is important that you contact your doctor/healthcare professional immediately.

Detailed Information

Sulpitil™ (sulpiride) 200mg tablets in packs of 112 has been discontinued from the UK market. The decision to discontinue this product has been taken for commercial reasons.

Quick Guide

• Antipsychotic danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of drug.

Side Effects

You may if on amisulpride suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Drowsiness, Sleep disturbances, Trembling, Muscle stiffness or spasm, Slow movement, Producing more saliva than usual, Constipation, Feeling or Being sick, Dry mouth, Feeling drowsy or sleepy, Movements that you cannot control, mainly of the arms and legs.
Rare: Anxiety/Agitation, Dizziness, Nausea, Palpitations, Parkinsonism, Weight Gain, Movements that you cannot control, mainly of the face or tongue, High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), Allergic reaction.

Signs of an allergic reaction may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately or go to a hospital straight away.

If you suffer a high temperature, sweating, stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, fast breathing and feel confused, drowsy or agitated. These could be the symptoms of a serious but rare side effect called ‘neuroleptic malignant syndrome’ If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately or go to a hospital straight away.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using amisulpride It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Adverse effects in which there is involuntary movement such as the tongue and face may be come a problem during long term use.(very rarely occurs).

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how amisulpride or sulpride affects you has the drug can cause slow reaction maybe also drowsiness from time to time. Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medication.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Most medication, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy reached when you take the medicine.

Discuss both pregnancy and breast feeding with your doctor. This medicine is not suitable during pregnancy. It is very important that you seek urgent medical advice if you become pregnant or think you have become pregnant while taking this medicine as safety of amisulpride/sulpride is not known.

Tell Your Doctor

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason.

Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking or intend to take. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, vitamins, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

A lower dose may be necessary for the elderly as this age group are more likely to get low blood pressure or feel sleepy at the full adult dosage. It may be necessary to monitor you more closely. Not recommended for children under the age of 15 years.

Overdose

If for what ever reason you find you have unintentional taken an extra dose it would be unlikely to give reason for concern. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms or you or someone you know has taken a large overdose you should notify your doctor immediately.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Overdose symptoms may include:feeling restless or shaky, rigid muscles, feeling drowsy or sleepy which could lead to a loss of consciousness.

Other Medication Reactions

If you are taking more than one type of medicine *(see below) it is posible that they may interact with each other. There may be times when your doctor/health care professional may decide to use medicines that interact, in other cases this may not be appropriate.

The decision to use medicines that interact depends on your individual circumstances. if your doctor believes that the benefits of taking the medicines together outweigh the risks. In such cases, it may be necessary to alter your dose or monitor you more closely.

• Amiodarone (anti-arrhythmics), amphotericin B, if injected into a vein (polyene antifungal drug).
• Bepridil (calcium channel blockers).
• Cyhlordiazepoxide ( medicines which help you sleep such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines), Cisapride (gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Heartburn))(centrally acting alpha-agonist hypertension agent).
• Digitalis (digoxin also known as digitalis), diltiazem (calcium channel blocker), disopyramide (antiarrhythmics).
• erythromycin, if injected into a vein (antibiotic).
• guanfacin (antihypertensives)
• halofantrine (drugs used to treat and prevent anxiety disorders), haloperidol (butyropyhenone and antipsychotics).
• imipramine (tricyclic antidepressant and and urinary disorders).
• levodopa (drug for parkinsonism), lithium (antimanic drug).
• methadone analgesics.
• pentamidine (Anti-infective), pimozide (antipsychotic), procainamide (antiarrhythmics).
• quinidine (Antiarrhythmic (class IA), antimalarial).
• sotalol (beta-blocker), sparfloxacin (antibiotic), sultopride (typical antipsychotic).
• tetracosactide (Corticosteroid).
• thioridazine (phenothiazine antipsyhcyhotic).
• verapamil (anti-angina, antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive), vincamine, if injected into a vein.

The taking of amisulpride alongside the above may cause unwanted side effects.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

You should keep taking amisulpride/sulpride until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking your medication just because you feel better. If you stop, your illness may get worse or recur.

Effect Of Medication

The effects of this drug can be felt within 1 hour of taking. The Duration may last for some 12 to 24 hours.

Storage and Safety

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take amisulpride if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exits.
• Keep amisulpride in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If amisulpride has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.