Sulpiride: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

There are a large number of mental disorders and conditions caused by increased levels of a substance of the nervous system called dopamine, which, among many other functions, is responsible for regulating our emotions.

Sulpiride is an antipsychotic drug that regulates dopamine levels. in these cases. Throughout this article we will talk about the diseases in which it is used, the side effects and the possible precautions that those who consume it should take.

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What is sulpiride?

Sulpiride is an antipsychotic or neuroleptic drug, popularly known as Dogmatil. This antipsychotic is in the category of specific dopamine receptor antagonists, exerting a specific effect on D2 and D3 receptors.

Since it is an antidopaminergic drug, its role is to act on receptors of dopamine found in the brain, preventing the release of this neurotransmitter. The functions of dopamine are to regulate emotional responses, as well as mediate bodily movements.

In addition, dopamine is in charge of regulating the experimentation of sensations such as pleasure, pain or excitement.

Pathologically high dopamine levels are associated with mental illnesses such as psychosis and schizophrenia. For this reason, much of today's antipsychotic medication is created with the goal of blocking the effects of dopamine.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

In what disorders is this drug used?

In adults, sulpiride has proven to be highly effective in numerous psychological disorders and conditions, providing notable improvements in conditions such as neuroses and depressive disorders, as well as psychosomatic syndromes, senile dementia, dizziness, mania, schizophrenia or diseases whose symptoms include delusions and paranoia.

On the other hand, it is also administered to children with severe behavioral problems.

1. Neurosis

By neurosis we understand all those mental illnesses or affections linked to hallucinations and delusions that are distinguished by presenting a series of nervous and emotional alterations without there being any physical injury or organic damage that justifies them.

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2. depressive disorders

Despite the fact that there is great variability in terms of the symptoms of depressive disorders, there are a series of manifestations that are practically common to all of them.

these symptoms include feelings of regret or sadness, irritability, tearfulness, and anhedonia. The latter consists of the inability to feel pleasure or enjoy activities that were previously satisfactory. Furthermore, in most cases sleeping and eating patterns are also altered.

• Related article: "Are there different types of depression?"

3. Psychosomatic syndromes

Broadly speaking, psychosomatic syndromes or disorders are conditions in which the person presents a series of physical symptoms that cannot be justified by any disease organic; but rather they are due to a series of sufferings and discomforts of a psychological nature.

4. Senile dementia

Senile dementia is a degenerative disease or syndrome in which the person gradually loses most of his or her cognitive abilities especially at the cognitive level.

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5. dizziness

Vertigo is a condition caused by damage or injury to the area of ​​the inner ear called the vestibular labyrinth. It is responsible for controlling our balance, or an abnormal functioning of the sensory information that comes from this area.

The sensation of vertigo is a subjective impression in which the person perceives movements in objects and the surrounding context. This perception is very similar to the feeling that “everything is spinning around us”.

6. Mania

Mania or manic episodes are included in mood disorders. This is distinguished by causing a mood disturbance by which it presents an increase and intensification of some thoughts and emotions associated with frenzy.

In general, these people present a great excitability, alteration, euphoria, constant agitation and loss of inhibition, among many other symptoms.

7. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that encompasses a series of diagnoses that are characterized by presenting alterations of perception, a lack of adjustment with reality and a neuropsychological disorganization that affects numerous functions executives.

How is it administered?

Sulpiride is available as a tablet to take by mouth. Despite the dose may vary according to the patient's disease and its severityThere are a number of dosing guidelines for this drug. Of course, you have to follow the instructions of the doctors to the letter.

For administration in adults, the recommended dose of sulpiride is between 3 and 6 capsules per day. Which should be divided into three doses throughout the day and, if possible, before meals.

However, the medical professional will adjust the dose to the specific needs of the patient, who may not modify it under any circumstances. This means that you will not be able to increase or decrease the dose, as well as not taking it more frequently than indicated by the doctor. Otherwise, the patient may suffer numerous health consequences such as withdrawal syndrome.

In cases where the patient feels that the medication is not working, or perceives unwanted side effects, they should not stop sulpiride on their own or immediately. It is recommended that you contact your doctor so that he can adjust the dose or, if necessary, gradually eliminate the treatment.

What side effects does it have?

Although not all patients experience them, sulpiride also has a number of side effects that can be classified according to the areas that it affects, as well as according to the probability of appearance.

General alterations

• neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Weight gain.
• Skin changes such as rashes or spots.

heart conditions

• Drop in blood pressure when getting up or standing up.
• Rarely, heart conduction problems appear or Torsade de pointes condition.

Hormonal changes

• Increased prolactin levels.

reproductive system disorders

These conditions are closely related to increased prolactin levels. They include the following.

• amenorrhea.
• Abnormal secretion of milk.
• Increased breast size in both women and men.
• Chest pain.
• Alterations in sexual performance.
• Anorgasmia.

Nervous system conditions

• Drowsiness.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms associated with Parkinsonism.
• Slowing of movements and muscle tone.
• Inability to sit still.
• dyskinesia.
• Seizures very rarely.

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Like the rest of drugs, both antipsychotics and any other category, the patient must inform his doctor of any disease, allergy or special health condition, before starting your treatment with sulpiride.

In addition, You must also communicate any treatment with other medications, vitamin supplements or natural compounds. The reason is that interference between them may appear, as well as reduce their effectiveness.

Due to the sedative effects of sulpiride, the consumption of alcohol is totally contraindicated during the entire treatment. Like those people who carry out activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery, they must also take special precautions.

Finally, the administration of sulpiride is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, since it can cause damage to both the fetus and the newborn.