Metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac effects of amisulpride: A 24-week follow-up study

Abstract

Background: Amisulpride is a second-generation antipsychotic which has been proved to be effective in the control of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study we aimed to determine metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac effects of amisulpride commonly used in our clinical practice.Methods: A total of 18 patients (11 males, 7 females) diagnosed with schizophrenia received amisulpride at the dosage of 800 mg/day and were followed up for 24 weeks. Positive and negative psychotic symptoms, extrapyramidal and sexual side effects, metabolic, endocrinologic and cardiac parameters were evaluated at regular intervals.Results: Significant improvement in both positive and negative symptoms was observed in patients starting from the second week of treatment. Prolactin levels increased significantly both in men and women starting from the measurement on day 4. Prolactin elevation was significantly higher in women than in men. Increase in total cholesterol level became significant at week 24. No other significant difference was observed between weeks 1 and 24 regarding the other parameters.Conclusions: The clinical data from the present study supports the fact that amisulpride is an effective and safe antipsychotic drug, but elevates prolactin levels in both sexes.