Sulpiride

Benzamide Some Weight Gain Risk

Sedating: Can be Driving: Caution QT risk: Low Akathisia: Moderate Metabolic: Low Prolactin: High t½: 8 h Tmax: 2 h

Another benzamide antipsychotic like amisulpride, but older and less selective. Low sedation, fairly “clean” compared to the old phenothiazines, but prolactin elevation is a given. Occasionally used in psychosis or as a quirky antidepressant add-on. More of a legacy drug these days, but still in circulation.

Uses • Warnings

🩺 Main Uses

Schizophrenia; persistent dizziness (off‑label), depression augmentation (legacy).

🧪 The Science & Facts

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Half‑life (t½)

8 h

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

Time to Peak (Tmax)

2 h

Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.

What it hits (receptors)

Primary:

D2 (antagonist)

Minimal H1/M1; relatively activating in some.

How your body processes it (metabolism)

Renal excretion; minimal CYP interactions.

⚠️ Warnings

Hyperprolactinaemia; EPS at higher doses.

⏬ Taper & Withdrawal

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If you’re reducing

Reduce slowly; monitor prolactin.

Possible withdrawal

Withdrawal usually mild; 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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🔗 Interaction Checker

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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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