A Double Blind Comparison of Amisulpride vs. Haloperidol in Acute Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract

Amisulpride is chemically a o-methoxy-p-aminobenzamide and is a new developed member of a series of benzamides. The pharmacological properties are qualitatively similar to those of Sultopride and Sulpiride, but the inhibitory activity of amisulpride on DA₂-dopamine and α₂-adrenergic receptors is more pronounced; in animal experiments, however, amisulpride revealed relatively low cataleptogenic activity. This pharmacological profile suggested the clinical effects of an antidepressant and antipsychotic drug, but it also let expect a lack of extrapyramidal side effects. A previous open trial demonstrated a favourable clinical profile of Aminosulpride with marked antipsychotic efficacy going along with only negligable unwanted effects. The controlled study presented here was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic effects and potential extrapyramidal side effects of Amisulpride relative to the standard neuroleptic Haloperidol.