Chemical Information

• Chemical Name:      4-Amino-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl]-5-(ethylsulfonyl)-2-methoxybenzamide

• Molecular Formula: C17H27N3O4S

• Molecular Weight: 369.48 g/mol

• CAS Number: 71675-85-9

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Pharmacological Action

Amisulpride is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and, at lower doses, dysthymia. Its efficacy and pharmacological profile can be attributed to the following mechanisms of action:

1.     Dopamine D2 and D3 Receptor Antagonism:

o    Primary Mechanism: Amisulpride exerts its antipsychotic effects by selectively blocking dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the limbic system rather than in the striatum, which helps alleviate both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

2.     Presynaptic Auto-Receptor Blockade at Low Doses:

o    Secondary Mechanism: At lower doses, amisulpride preferentially blocks presynaptic dopamine D2/D3 auto-receptors. This blockade enhances dopaminergic neurotransmission, which is thought to be beneficial in treating negative symptoms and depressive states associated with schizophrenia and dysthymia.

3.     Selective Serotonin Receptor Activity:

o    Although amisulpride's primary action is on dopamine receptors, it also has minor activity on serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT7, which might also contribute to its therapeutic effects on mood and cognitive function.