Amisulpride

Antipsychotic Some Weight Gain Risk

Sedating: Can be Driving: Caution QT risk: Moderate Akathisia: Low Metabolic: Moderate Prolactin: High t½: 12 h Tmax: 1.5 h

A selective D2/D3 antagonist, unusual in that it doesn’t mess much with serotonin or histamine. That means it can improve negative symptoms (low motivation, social withdrawal) better than some other antipsychotics. Downsides: it hits prolactin hard and can prolong QT. Still fairly common in the UK, especially when standard atypicals don’t cut it.

Uses • Warnings

🩺 Main Uses

Schizophrenia (acute & maintenance); dysthymia augmentation (off‑label).

🧪 The Science & Facts

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Half‑life (t½)

12 h

How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.

Time to Peak (Tmax)

1.5 h

Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.

What it hits (receptors)

Primary:

D2 (antagonist)D3 (antagonist)

Little 5‑HT/H1/M1 action → relatively “clean” but prolactin rises.

How your body processes it (metabolism)

Minimal CYP metabolism; largely renal. Fewer DDIs but watch QT.

⚠️ Warnings

Hyperprolactinaemia common; QT prolongation possible.

⏬ Taper & Withdrawal

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If you’re reducing

Taper gradually; prolactin falls after dose reduction/stop.

Possible withdrawal

Insomnia/anxiety; relapse risk if abrupt.

Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.

🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:23 by Connor O’Driscoll

Drugs.com

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NHS

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⚠️ Black Box Warning

All antipsychotics: ↑ mortality in elderly with dementia‑related psychosis.

This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.

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