There are a large number of mental disorders and conditions caused by an increase in the levels of a nervous system substance 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.
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 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 experience 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 today’s antipsychotic medication is created with the aim of blocking the effects of dopamine.
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 in psychosomatic syndromes, senile dementia, vertigo, 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 neuroses we understand all those mental illnesses or conditions linked to hallucinations and delusions They are distinguished by presenting a series of nervous and emotional alterations without any physical injury or organic damage to justify them.
2. Depressive disorders
Although there is great variability in 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, crying, 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.
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 organic disease; but rather they are due to a series of psychological ailments and discomforts.
4. Senile dementia
Senile dementia is a degenerative disease or syndrome in which the person gradually loses most of their cognitive abilities especially at a cognitive level.
5. Vertigo
Vertigo is a condition caused by damage or injury to the area of the inner ear called the vestibular labyrinth, which is responsible for controlling our balance, or by 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 the objects and the context that surrounds them This perception is very similar to the feeling that “everything is spinning around us.”
Mania or manic episodes are included in mood disorders. This is distinguished by causing a mood alteration in which there is an increase and intensification of some thoughts and emotions associated with frenzy
Generally, these people present great excitability, disturbance, 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 alterations in perception, a lack of adjustment with reality, and neuropsychological disorganization that affects numerous executive functions.
How is it administered?
Sulpiride is sold in tablet format to be taken orally. Despite The dose may vary depending on the patient’s disease and the severity of this , there are a series of guidelines for the dosage of this drug. Of course, you must follow the doctors’ instructions 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 will not be able to modify it under any circumstances. This means that You will not be able to increase or decrease the dose , nor take it more frequently than indicated by the doctor. Otherwise, the patient may suffer numerous consequences on his health 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.
Although not all patients will experience them, sulpiride also has a series of side effects which can be classified according to the areas 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
Decrease in blood pressure when getting up or standing.
In rare cases, heart conduction problems appear or Torsade de pointes condition
Hormonal alterations
Increase in prolactin levels.
Reproductive system disorders
These conditions are closely related to increased prolactin levels They include the following.
Amenorrhea
Abnormal milk secretion.
Increase in 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 remain seated.
Dyskinesia
Seizures very rarely.
What precautions should be taken with its consumption?
Like the rest of the drugs, both antipsychotics and any other category, The patient must inform his doctor of any illness, 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 may appear between them, as well as reducing 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 operating heavy machinery, they must also take special precautions.
Finally, the administration of sulpiride during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended, since it can cause harm to both the fetus and the newborn.
