Sulpiride

Sulpiride is a drug that is useful for treating schizophrenia, a disease that causes changes in perception, thought content , and behavior. Sulpiride is used to relieve symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or delusions, and to improve the patient's ability to carry out daily activities.

Sulpiride belongs to the class of benzedamine antipsychotics. This drug works by balancing the levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical compound that regulates the body's physical and psychological functions, including mood , motivation , attention and memory.

Sulpiride may reduce the appearance of positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions , distorted thoughts, or abnormal behavior. This drug can also reduce negative symptoms, such as flat emotions, not wanting to socialize, or loss of motivation to do activities.

Sulpiride trademarks: Dogmatil, Dogmatil Forte

What is Sulpiride

Warning Before Using Sulpiride

Pay attention to the following things before consuming sulpiride:

• Do not take sulpiride if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
• Do not take sulpiride if you have pheochromocytoma , breast cancer, porphyria , or pituitary gland cancer.
• Tell your doctor if you have or are suffering from heart disease , blood vessel problems, blood disorders, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, liver disease, jaundice , prostate problems, glaucoma , respiratory problems, epilepsy , depression, or myasthenia gravis .
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while taking sulpiride because it can increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you have an addiction to alcohol .
• Limit activity in the sun and use sunscreen while taking sulpiride, because this drug can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Use birth control to prevent pregnancy while on treatment with sulpiride. Consult your doctor about the most effective contraceptive for you.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor that you are using sulpiride before having any medical or surgical procedure that requires sedation, including dental surgery.
• Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness after taking sulpiride, because this drug can cause drowsiness and dizziness .
• Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic reaction or serious side effects occur after consuming sulpiride.

Dosage and Rules for Use Sulpiride

The dose of sulpiride will be adjusted according to the schizophrenic symptoms each patient suffers from. Here is a general dosing breakdown for adults:

• Condition: Predominant schizophrenia with positive symptoms
  Adults and children ≥14 years: 400 mg twice daily. Maximum dose 1200 mg 2 times a day.
• Condition: Predominant schizophrenia with negative symptoms
  Adults and children ≥14 years: 200–400 mg twice daily. Maximum dose of 800 per day.
• Condition: Schizophrenia with mixed positive and negative symptoms
  Adults and children ≥14 years: 400–600 mg twice daily.

How to Use Sulpiride Properly

Sulpiride should only be given by a doctor . Use sulpiride according to doctor's instructions and read the instructions for use before taking this drug.

Sulpiride needs to be consumed regularly. Continue to take sulpiride even though your condition has improved. Do not change the dosage or stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. Stopping drug use suddenly can worsen your condition.

Sulpiride can be taken with or without food. Swallow sulpiride with plain water.

If you forget to take sulpiride, consume it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the dose in the next schedule.

If you have diabetes taking treatment with sulpiride, be sure to check your blood sugar regularly, as this drug can affect blood sugar levels.

Store sulpiride in a dry and cool place. Avoid this drug from exposure to direct sunlight and keep it out of reach of children.

Sulpiride Interactions with Other Drugs

Sulpiride can cause drug interactions when used with certain drugs, drug interactions that can occur include:

• Loss of effect of sulpiride and levodopa when the two drugs are used together
• Increased risk of torsade de pointes arrhythmias when used with beta blockers , bisacodyl, calcium antagonists , amphotericin B, antidepressants , quinidine, diuretics , amiodarone, sotalol , pimozide, haloperidol , or imipramine
• Increased side effects of drowsiness or low blood pressure when used with opioids
• Increased extrapyramidal effects, such as trembling of the hands and fingers or stiffness of the arms or legs, when used with lithium
• Increased risk of developing orthostatic hypotension when used with antihypertensive drugs
• Decreased effectiveness of bromocriptine or ropinirole
• Decreased effectiveness of sulpiride when used simultaneously or in close proximity to antacids or sucralfate

Side Effects and Dangers of Sulpiride

Some of the side effects that can arise after consuming sulpiride are:

• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when changing positions from sitting or lying down to standing
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Appetite or weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Shaking ( tremors )
• Restless and want to keep moving
• Swollen, painful, or oozing breasts, in both men and women
• Changes in the menstrual cycle

Contact your doctor if the side effects you experience do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction or serious side effects that rarely occur, such as:

• seizures
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome , which can be characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or fast heart rate
• Dystonia , which can be marked by stiff and tense muscles, difficulty speaking or swallowing, twitching, or eyeballs rolling up
• Tardive dyskinesia , which can be characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, jaw, or other areas of the body, following long-term use of sulpiride
• Heart rhythm disturbances , which can be characterized by palpitations or irregular beats, or fainting many times
• Infection, which can be characterized by fever, sore throat, or canker sores that don't get better
• A clot that blocks a vein (venous thromboembolism), which can be characterized by severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling or pain in the legs
• Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, legs, vision problems, or difficulty speaking