Sign inBefore taking amisulpride
Before taking amisulpride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have heart or circulation problems.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have Parkinson’s disease.
- If you have ever had convulsions or epilepsy.
- If you have breast cancer or ‘a prolactin dependent tumour.’
- If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. This is especially important if you take medicines that change your heart rate.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
- If you are under 18 years old.
How to take amisulpride
- Take amisulpride exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take amisulpride before a meal.
- If you have been given tablets, swallow them whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.
- If you have been given solution, measure your dose by putting the pipette into the bottle, hold the barrel and draw the plunger up to the graduation mark equal to the amount of solution you need. The graduations on the pipette measure the amount of amisulpride in milligrams. Remove the pipette from the bottle, and empty the contents into your mouth or into a drink.
- Try to take amisulpride at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Amisulpride may slow your reactions and make you drowsy. If this happens do not drive.
- Alcohol will increase the drowsiness you feel, so avoid alcoholic drinks.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
- Do not stop taking amisulpride without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with amisulpride.
Can amisulpride cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Make sure you know how you react before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Lightheadness or dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position, particularly when you first begin treatment | Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness returning |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Constipation | Eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre. Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Shakiness or trembling, unusual or uncontrollable movements, and restlessness | Speak to your doctor. Your treatment may need adjusting |
| Increases in weight, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, changes in sexual ability, breast pain and enlargement in men, abnormal breast milk production, and menstrual changes | If troublesome, tell your doctor |
Important: If you develop chest pain or have a fit, contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store amisulpride
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Solian®, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised June 2008, accessed 6 August 2008.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Solian® Solution, Sanofi-aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised June 2008, accessed 6 August 2008.
- British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.