Sulpiride is an antipsychotic drug that decreases the amount of dopamine. Dopamine is involved in a multitude of processes, so its correct transmission is essential for the proper functioning of the mind and brain.
If you want to know therefore What it is, what it is for and the side effects of Sulpiridecontinue reading this Psychology-Online article.
What is Sulpiride
Sulpiride It is a medication that belongs to the group of so-called antipsychotics.also known as neuroleptics.
Its active ingredient is benzamide which is considered part of the classic neuroleptics. It is an antagonist of dopamine receptors, that is, it is responsible for preventing dopamine (neurotransmitter that is responsible for reward sensations) from being captured by the next neuron and, therefore, preventing there from being an excess of it in our nervous system.
What is Sulpiride used for?
Sulpiride It is responsible for decreasing the amount of dopamine in the brain. It has an important role in functions of cognition, behavior, motor activity, motivation, reward, regulation of milk production in women, sleep, mood, attention and learning.
Therefore, this medication is used for a multitude of disorders, including:
It is an exclusive medicine for adults.
Side effects of Sulpiride
Like any medication, there is a chance of various side effects. Some of them are:
- Weight gain due to a deregulation in the metabolism of sugars and lipids. Many people wonder if Sulpiride makes you fat. As we see, weight gain is one of the possible side effects.
- Rashes.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Increased body temperature (up to 40ºC and even more), muscle rigidity, problems when speaking and swallowing, tremors, kidney failure, seizures. In the most extreme cases it could lead to the death of the patient.
- Decrease in tension.
- Higher prolactin levelsincreased breast size (in women and men), amenorrhea, anorgasmia, chest pain, abnormal secretion of breast milk…
- Drowsiness.
- Symptoms related to Parkinson’s such as slowing down movements.
- Dyskinesia.
- Seizures.
What are the long-term side effects of Sulpiride? Recent studies have shown that prolonged use of these medications does not increase complications. Formerly, it was believed that the reason for the average life expectancy of people with schizophrenia was 10 years younger was due to the consumption of antipsychotics, but it has been proven that this is not really the case and that These medications help increase life expectancy.
In general, it has been seen that the quality of life of people with the aforementioned diseases who consume antipsychotics compared to those who do not have a better quality of life. It should be noted that once the medication is withdrawn, these symptoms would disappear.
How to take and how to stop taking Sulpiride
Under no circumstances should the dose be modified if it has not been indicated by the psychiatrist.. This is because abrupt withdrawal of treatment could cause a withdrawal syndrome. Likewise, a sudden increase in the dose can cause an excess of dopamine, which can increase side effects and, in the worst cases, lead to the person’s death.
Usually, a low dose of the medication is started and gradually increased until the optimal dose for the patient is reached. For its withdrawal, it would also be done gradually in order to avoid the withdrawal syndrome already mentioned.
In many cases, the medication is prescribed by a professional other than a psychiatrist, which is the cause of many of the side effects of these medications since the patient is not provided with the optimal dose.
Contraindications of Sulpiride
Because it could cause interference, it is important to notify your doctor before taking other types of medication or even vitamin supplements. Likewise, due to its multitude of side effects, you should notify if you have any other type of illness since taking this type of medication could be contraindicated.
Since the medication can cross the placenta or be transmitted to the baby through breast milk, its consumption is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It is contraindicated alcohol consumption and, in addition, precautions must be taken when drive or operate machinery since there is a greater risk of accidents.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Ikemoto, S. (2007). Dopamine reward circuitry: two projection systems from the ventral midbrain to the nucleus accumbens–olfactory tubercle complex. Brain research reviews, 56(1), 27-78.
- Lambert, M., Schimmelmann, B.G., Karow, A., & Naber, D. (2003). Subjective well-being and initial dysphoric reaction under antipsychotic drugs-concepts, measurement and clinical relevance. Pharmacopsychiatry, 36(S 3), 181-190.