Posted by kregpark@yahoo.com on April 21, 2002, at 15:40:01
In reply to Re: Amisulpride/Sulpiride - nearest US equivalent?, posted by jonh kimble on April 16, 2002, at 17:19:01
I tried amisulpride low dose for 3.5 weeks, for mild dysthymia which accomanies my otherwise well treated primary generalized social phobia.
I had dystonic reactions at low dose. I was somewhat illiterate that I was "at risk", and my overeagerness to act on the research I *had* done was in retrospect a mistake. I did develop some ongoing dystonia which is fading after 3 months. No-one has noticed any of this I don't think other than those I have shown - thus it is mild and hopefully will entirely abate.
Nevertheless, I would be *very* careful with any antipsychotic at low dose for anyone with affective disorders, since their dopamine function may be compromised already, in addition they may be taking other medication(s) affecting dopamine (as I was). My Dr. actually prescribed amilsulpride for me and knew all my meds. If my symtpoms were significant enough and were to persist - likely he could be sued. But by intent is simply to regain full health.
It is scary stuff - I do not recommend amisulpride for people with affective disorders unless you really know what you are doing first.
I would say that olanzapine is probably significantly safer than amilsulpride in low dose and provides similar dysthymia relief generally speaking. Amisulpride is very effective, and I was highly impressed by the results ... BUT ... this is the only reaction I've ever had like this and I've went through a lot of trial in prior years. I never considered antipsychotics and was stunned by posts here about amisulpride and some quick research supports the claims, but dystonic reactions are common.
I would say that no antipsychotics is best. zyprexa is shown safer (amisulpride is not in USA because of safety concerns) - but is still not totally safe. Because I doubt long term antipsychotic use (including zyprexa) is wise, I would no longer suggest these to any with affective disorders. Preloading with selegeline may be helpful - but over long run who knows outcome when you go off ?
Finally, check out the related sulpride and also notably METACLOPRAMIDE which are 2 drugs in the same "substitute benzamide" class. Check out all of the orofacial dystonias and dyskinesias associated in these mediations. And think again before you act.
Ray... (not kregpark, my old fake name)
poster:kregpark@yahoo.com
thread:103216
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103728.html