Amisulpride in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Amisulpride is a second generation D2 and D3 receptor blocking antipsychotic agent. It has so called biphasic affect - low doses increase and higher doses decrease dopaminergic neurotransmission. It has proven efficacy in the treatment of positive as well as negative symptoms of schizophrenia and, it is assumed that it also impacts on affective (depressive) symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Amisulpride is effective as monotherapy although some evidence also exists of its efficacy when used in combinations, namely in combination with clozapine and, alternatively, olanzapine. It has only a few contraindications and, due to relatively low number of side-effects, is well-tolerated.