Amisulpride: What It Is and Who Uses It
Amisulpride is a prescription medicine that belongs to the antipsychotic family. Doctors mainly give it to people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to help control mood swings, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts. It works by balancing dopamine, a brain chemical that influences thinking and feeling. If you’ve been told to start amisulpride, you’re probably looking for a drug that’s less sedating than older options.
Even though the drug is powerful, most folks handle it well when they follow the doctor’s instructions. The key is to know the basics: why you’re taking it, how often, and what to watch for. Below we break down the most common questions in plain language.
How to Take Amisulpride Correctly
First off, always take amisulpride exactly as your doctor prescribes. The usual starting dose for adults is 200 mg once daily, but some doctors may split the dose into morning and evening tablets. The dose can go up to 800 mg per day, depending on how you respond.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. You can take it with food or on an empty stomach—just be consistent each day so your blood levels stay steady. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule; don’t double up.
Never stop taking amisulpride without talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, insomnia, or a return of psychotic symptoms. If you need to come off the medication, the doctor will taper you down slowly.
Possible Side Effects and When to Call a Doctor
Like most medicines, amisulpride can cause side effects. The most common ones are mild and go away on their own: drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, or a slight increase in prolactin (a hormone that can affect menstrual cycles or cause breast discomfort).
Watch out for more serious signals. If you develop a fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, sudden muscle stiffness, or trouble breathing, seek medical help right away. Some people experience a drop in white blood cells, which can increase infection risk—look for fevers, sore throat, or unusual bruising.
Because amisulpride can raise prolactin, women may notice irregular periods or milk production, and men might feel breast tenderness. If these changes bother you, tell your doctor; they may adjust the dose or switch you to another drug.
Finally, keep an eye on your mood. While the drug aims to stabilize thoughts, a small number of users report feeling extra anxious or depressed. If you notice worsening mood or thoughts of self-harm, call a healthcare professional immediately.
Staying informed and staying in touch with your prescriber are the best ways to use amisulpride safely. Keep a list of any new symptoms, bring it to appointments, and never hesitate to ask questions. With the right monitoring, amisulpride can be a useful tool in managing mental health conditions.
