Posted by JohnL on September 19, 2000, at 3:58:39
In reply to Ampisulpride vs. American Neuroleptics -- HELP, posted by shellie on September 18, 2000, at 13:25:26
> My pdoc would like to put me on serequel before we go the parnate route. She will not consider ampisulpride. Why is ampisulpride not on the U.S. market? Why is it thought to be more favorable on this board than the other neuroleptics? I am petrified of serequel; I had a horrible reaction to risperal. Does ampisulpride have the same risk of the other neuroleptics--tardive dyskhesia, etc? I have an appointment in two weeks with a new pdoc who will consider European meds, if I can get by without falling apart maybe I should wait. Shellie
Shellie,
I am one of those at this board that favors Amisulpride over other antipsychotics for treating depression. The reason is because it only affects several dopamine receptors and has no effect on other receptors. It is very targeted. It works for a wide variety of symptoms and has few, if any, side effects in a majority of users. It's not at all like the other APs. Other APs also hit serotonin, NE, alpha, histimine, and other receptors...just to name a few. Though that could be involved in their therapeutic effect, it also creates a host of side effects and unusual reactions. Amisulpride isn't like that.
Amisulpride does share the same risks as other neuroleptics. However, the risks are much lower. The lowered risks usually only occur at the higher doses not used for treating depression. In clinical trials Amisulpride has shown a much lower incidence and severity of side effects and risks compared to the other APs.If you can hang in there for two weeks, it might be worth trying Amisulpride. Keep in mind though that it will be at least another 2 weeks, maybe as much as 4, before you receive delivery of Amisulpride. In the meantime, post a message to AndrewB. He can supply you with all the research on Amisulpride so you can review it with your doc. And in the meantime, SAMe might be worth a shot. I've found it works well enough and fast enough to be kind of like a stepping stone or a crutch, to help me through those particularly rough spots.
It is a very expensive option to enter a drug into the FDA approval process. I suspect that is why it is not available in the USA. If I'm not mistaken, I think I heard a rumor a couple weeks ago that Amisulpride is being considered for FDA approval. But even if that happens, it will take years. In the meantime, you should at least be aware that is has been tested clinically and approved in quite a few other countries. It is an outstanding legitimate medication in my opinion, and a real crime it isn't available in the USA.
What is the character of your depression? For example, is it mixed anxiety+depression? Or is it anhedonic, apathetic, no interest in anything kind of depression? How would you describe your depression? Suicidal thoughts? Crying spells? I'm just trying to understand what kind of depression are you dealing with?
John
poster:JohnL
thread:44875
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/44894.html