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Introduction
of Amisulpride
Amisulpride is a selective dopamine antagonist. It has a
high affinity for D2 (Ki 2.8 nM) and D3 (Ki 3.2 nM)
dopaminergic receptors. Its dosage ranges from 200 to 1200
mg/day. Lower doses (less than 50 mg) preferentially block
d2 autoreceptors that control the synthesis and release of
dopamine. This results in an increase in dopaminergic
transmission. This dopamine increase is hypothesized to
cause a reduction in both depressive and negative symptoms.
Higher doses of the drug block the postsynaptic dopamine
receptors resulting in an improvement in psychoses.
Amisulpride is not approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for use in the United States.
Amisulpride (in 50mg doses) is marketed as a treatment for
dysthymia in Italy (as Deniban) In one study, anxiety
measured by HAM-A total mean score decreased significantly
more with amisulpride 50mg/day (63%) than with fluoxetine
20mg/day (54%; P = 0.021).
Side Effects of Amisulpride
Prolactin induction, nausea, weight gain, although much less
than similar drugs in its class, and less commonly QT
interval prolongation (which can lead to serious heart
arrhythmias). Overdoses of amisulpride have been linked with
torsades de pointes.
Disclaimer:
Information on this page is provided for general
information purposes. You should not make a clinical treatment
decision based on information contained in this page without
consulting other references including the package insert of
the drug, textbooks and where relevant, expert opinion. We
cannot be held responsible for any errors you make in
administering drugs mentioned on this page, nor for use of any
erroneous information contained on this page.
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