Uses of Aride: - Schizophrenia Acute and chronic schizophrenic disorders, in which positive symptoms (such as delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders) and/or negative symptoms (such as blunted affect, emotional and social withdrawal) are prominent, including patients characterised by predominant negative symptoms. Prolactin-dependent tumours, phaeochromocytoma. Lactation.

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Amisulpride binds selectively to the human dopaminergic D2 and D3 receptor subtypes without any affinity for D1, D4 and D5 receptor subtypes. Unlike classical and atypical neuroleptics, amisulpride displays low affinity for serotonin, α- adrenergic, histamine receptor subtypes, muscarinic receptors and sigma sites. In the rodent, it preferentially blocks post synaptic D2 receptors located in the limbic structures as compared to those in the striatum as indicated by its reversal of d-amphetamineinduced hyperactivity without affecting stereotypies. In addition, it does not induce catalepsy and it does not produce D2 hypersensitivity after repeated treatment.Moreover, it preferentially blocks pre-synaptic D2/D3 dopamine receptors, producing dopamine release responsible for its disinhibitory effects. This atypical pharmacological profile may explain amisulpride’s antipsychotic effect at higher doses through post-synaptic dopamine receptor blockade located in the limbic areas and its efficacy against negative symptoms, at lower doses, through presynaptic dopamine receptor blockade. In addition, the reduced tendency of amisulpride to produce extrapyramidal side effects may be related to its preferential limbic activity.

How to use Amisulpride: 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. Amisulpride may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Adult Dose: Adult Acute episodes, 400—800mg daily in two divided doses. Adjust according to response; max 1.2g daily. Mixed positive and negative symptoms, adjust dose to control positive symptoms. Predominant negative symptoms, 50—300mg once daily. Elderly: Dose reduction may be required. Hepatic Failure: Since the drug is weakly metabolised a dosage reduction should not be necessary. Child Dose: Under 18 years, not recommended. Renal Dose: Amisulpride is eliminated by the renal route. In renal insufficiency, the dose should be reduced to half in patients with creatinine clearance (CRCL) between 30-60 ml/min and to a third in patients with CRCL between 10-30 ml/min. As there is no experience in patients with severe renal impairment (CRCL < 10 ml/min) particular care is recommended in these patients

Other antipsychotics, drugs that prolong QT interval, levodopa, CNS depressants, alcohol, antihypertensives.

Prolactin-dependent tumours, phaeochromocytoma. Lactation.

Common - Nausea - Vomiting - Dryness in mouth - Constipation - Weight gain - Decreased blood pressure - Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions) - Akathisia (inability to stay still) - Parkinsonism - Increased prolactin level in blood Nervous system disorders: Very common: Extrapyramidal symptoms may occur: tremor, rigidity, hypokinesia, hypersalivation, akathisia, dyskinesia. These symptoms are generally mild at optimal dosages and partially reversible without discontinuation of amisulpride upon administration of antiparkinsonian medication. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms which is dose related, remains very low in the treatment of patients with predominantly negative symptoms with doses of 50-300 mg/day. Common: Acute dystonia (spasm torticollis, oculogyric crisis, trismus) may appear. This is reversible without discontinuation of amisulpride upon treatment with an antiparkinsonian agent. Somnolence. Uncommon: Tardive dyskinesia characterized by rhythmic, involuntary movements primarily of the tongue and/or face have been reported, usually after long term administration. Antiparkinsonian medication is ineffective or may induce aggravation of the symptoms. Seizures. Psychiatric disorders: Common: Insomnia, anxiety, agitation, orgasmic dysfunction Gastrointestinal disorders: Common: Constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth Endocrine disorders: Common: Amisulpride causes an increase in plasma prolactin levels which is reversible after drug discontinuation. This may result in galactorrhoea, amenorrhoea, gynaecomastia, breast pain, and erectile dysfunction. Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Uncommon: Hyperglycaemia . Cardiovascular disorders: Common: Hypotension Uncommon: Bradycardia Investigations: Common: Weight gain Uncommon: Elevations of hepatic enzymes, mainly transaminases Immune system disorders: Uncommon: Allergic reaction

pregnancy Category C. The safety of amisulpride during human pregnancy has not been established, and therefore use of amisulpride is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of child bearing potential not using effective contraception, unless the benefits justify the potential risks and the administered dose and duration of treatment should be as low and as short as possible. Amisulpride has been found in the breast milk of treated women. Breast-feeding is contraindicated.

Precaution: Cardiovascular disease, family history of QT prolongation, hypokalaemia, renal impairment (CrCl <60ml/min), epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, risk factors for stroke or VTE, history or family history of breast cancer. Elderly. Withdraw gradually. Pregnancy; ensure contraception in women. Lactation It is not known whether amisulpride is excreted in breast milk, breast-feeding is therefore contra-indicated.

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Amisulpride binds selectively with a high affinity to human dopaminergic D2/D3 receptor subtypes whereas it is devoid of affinity for D1, D4 and D5 receptor subtypes.

pregnancy Category C. The safety of amisulpride during human pregnancy has not been established, and therefore use of amisulpride is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of child bearing potential not using effective contraception, unless the benefits justify the potential risks and the administered dose and duration of treatment should be as low and as short as possible. Amisulpride has been found in the breast milk of treated women. Breast-feeding is contraindicated.