Sulpiride: uses, side effects and precautions
There are a lot of disorders and mental disorders caused by an increase in the 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 should be taken by those who consume it.
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What is sulpiride?
Sulpiride is an antipsychotic or neuroleptic drug, popularly known as Dogmatil . This antipsychotic is within the category of specific dopamine receptor antagonists, exerting a specific effect on the D2 and D3 receptors.
Since it is an antidopaminergic drug, its role is to act on the dopamine receptors found in the brain, preventing the release of this neurotransmitter. The functions of dopamine are to regulate emotional responses, as well as mediate body movements.
In addition, dopamine is responsible for regulating the experimentation of sensations such as pleasure, pain or excitement.
Pathologically high levels of dopamine are associated with mental illnesses such as psychoses and schizophrenia . For this reason, a large amount of the current antipsychotic medication is created with the aim 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 been found to be highly effective in numerous disorders and psychological conditions, providing notable improvements in conditions such as neurosis and depressive disorders, as well as in psychosomatic syndromes, senile dementia, dizziness, mania, schizophrenia or in diseases whose symptoms includes delusions and paranoia.
On the other hand, it is also administered to children who have serious behavioral problems.
1. Neurosis
By neurosis we understand all those diseases or mental conditions linked to hallucinations and delusions They are distinguished by presenting a series of nervous and emotional alterations without there being any physical injury or organic damage that justifies them.
- Maybe you're interested: "Neurosis (neuroticism): causes, symptoms and characteristics"
2. Depressive disorders
Although there is great variability in the symptomatology of depressive disorders, there are a series of manifestations that are practically common to all of them.
These symptoms include feeling of regret or sadness, irritability, crying and anhedonia . The latter is the inability to feel pleasure or enjoy activities that previously were satisfactory. In addition, in most cases the patterns of sleep and food are also altered.
- Related article: "Are there several types of depression?"
3. Psychosomatic syndromes
Broadly speaking, syndromes or disorders of a psychosomatic nature are conditions in which the person presents a series of physical symptoms that can not be justified by any organic disease; rather, they are due to a series of psychological ailments and discomforts.
4. Senile dementia
Senile dementia is a disease or degenerative syndrome in which the person loses most of their cognitive abilities gradually especially at the cognitive level.
- You may be interested: "The 7 phases of senile and precocious dementia"
5. Vertigos
Vertigo is a condition caused by damage or injury in the area of the inner ear called vestibular labyrinth, which is responsible for controlling our balance, or abnormal functioning of sensory information that comes from this area.
The feeling of vertigo is a subjective impression in which the person perceives movements in the objects and the surrounding context . This perception is very similar to the feeling that "everything is spinning".
6. Mania
Mania or manic episodes are included within mood disorders. This is distinguished by causing a mood alteration by which it presents an increase and intensification of some thoughts and emotions associated with frenzy .
In general, these people show 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 executive functions.
How is it administered?
Sulpiride is available as a tablet to be taken orally. Although the dose may vary depending on the patient's illness and the severity of this , there are a series of guidelines in the dosage of this drug. Of course, we must 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 takes throughout the day and, if possible, before meals.
However, the medical professional will adjust the dose to the specific needs of the patient, who can not modify it under any circumstances. This means that you can not increase or decrease the dose , as well as taking it more often than indicated by the doctor. Otherwise, the patient may suffer numerous consequences in his health such as withdrawal syndrome.
In cases in which the patient feels that the medication is not effective, or perceives unwanted side effects, he should not leave sulpiride on his own or immediately. It is recommended that you contact your doctor to adjust the dose or, if necessary, eliminate the treatment gradually.
What side effects does it have?
Although not all patients will experience them, Sulpiride also has a series of side effects which can be classified according to the areas affected, as well as according to the probability of occurrence.
General alterations
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- Weight gain .
- Skin disorders such as rashes or spots.
Heart diseases
- Decrease in blood pressure when getting up or standing up.
- Rarely, heart conduction problems appear or the condition Torsade de pointes .
Hormonal alterations
- Increase in prolactin levels.
Reproductive system disorders
These conditions are closely related to the increase in prolactin levels . They include the following.
- Amenorrhea .
- Abnormal milk discharge
- Increase in breast size in both women and men.
- Chest pain.
- Alterations in sexual performance .
- Anorgasmia
Nervous system disorders
- Drowsiness.
- Extrapyramidal symptoms associated with Parkinsonism.
- Slowing of movements and muscle tone.
- Inability to stay seated.
- Dyskinesia .
- Convulsions on very rare occasions.
What precautions should be taken with their consumption?
Like all other drugs, both antipsychotics and any other category, the patient should inform his doctor of any disease, allergy or special health condition, before starting your treatment with sulpiride.
Likewise, you should also report any treatment with other medications , vitamin supplements or natural compounds. The reason is that interferences may appear between them, as well as diminishing their effectiveness.
Due to the sedative effects of sulpiride, alcohol consumption is totally contraindicated during the entire treatment. Like those people who carry out activities such as driving or handling heavy machinery, they should also take special precautions.
Finally, the administration of sulpiride during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended, since it can cause damage to both the fetus and the newborn.
