Solian (Amisulpride): Uses, Side Effects, Dosing & Availability 2025

If you searched for Solian, you likely want straight answers fast: what it is, whether you can get it where you live, how it’s used, and what to watch for. Here’s the short truth. Solian is the brand name for amisulpride, an antipsychotic widely used outside the United States for schizophrenia. In the U.S., the oral form isn’t approved, which is why finding clear, trustworthy info can feel messy. This guide gives you the fastest path to reliable sources, the key safety details in plain language, and your best alternatives if Solian isn’t an option where you are.

What to expect here: you’ll confirm what Solian treats, check 2025 availability by country, grab official documents (the patient leaflet and prescriber label), learn dosing and side effects worth caring about, and see practical swaps if you can’t access it. No fluff-just what helps you decide your next step with your clinician.

What Solian (amisulpride) is and where it’s available in 2025

Solian is amisulpride, a selective dopamine D2/D3 receptor blocker. Clinically, it’s used for schizophrenia-both acute episodes and ongoing symptoms. At lower doses, amisulpride can help negative symptoms (lack of motivation, social withdrawal). At higher doses, it targets positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions). It’s part of the “second-generation” antipsychotics, though it behaves a bit differently from the more common U.S. options.

Availability in 2025 varies a lot by country:

• United States: Oral amisulpride (Solian) isn’t FDA-approved. There is an IV amisulpride brand (for postoperative nausea/vomiting), but that’s not the same use or dosing.
• United Kingdom, EU, Australia, New Zealand: Amisulpride is approved and sold (often as generic). You’ll find it on national medicine registries and in pharmacy systems.
• Canada: No oral amisulpride approval for schizophrenia. Prescribers use other antipsychotics.

Why that matters: if you’re in the U.S., your clinician will likely suggest an approved alternative. Importing Solian for personal use is typically not allowed for conditions that have U.S.-approved treatments-which schizophrenia does (think risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, lurasidone, cariprazine, clozapine).

Evidence snapshot: Amisulpride has long-standing approvals with full labeling through EU/UK regulators (Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Leaflets). APA (American Psychiatric Association) and NICE (UK) guidelines include second-generation antipsychotics as first-line choices; amisulpride is commonly referenced in European practice, while U.S. guidance focuses on FDA-approved options.

Step-by-step: how to find trustworthy Solian info online

Don’t waste time on random forums. Use regulator-backed pages that your doctor would trust. Here’s the shortest path.

1. Confirm current labeling (professional): Search “European Medicines Agency amisulpride product information”. On the EMA site, open the Product Information PDF titled “Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)”. Visual cue: a blue EMA header and a PDF icon. This has dosing, contraindications, renal adjustments, and interactions.

2. Get the patient-friendly leaflet: Search “GOV.UK patient information leaflet amisulpride” or “MHRA PIL amisulpride”. Visual cue: GOV.UK black header with the crown logo. The PIL translates the SmPC into everyday language-ideal if you’re new to the medicine.

3. Check availability outside the EU/UK: For Australia, search “TGA amisulpride Product Information”. For New Zealand, search “Medsafe amisulpride data sheet”. Both are PDF labels with locally approved dosing and warnings.

4. U.S. status, to avoid confusion: Search “Drugs@FDA amisulpride”. You’ll likely see an IV product for nausea (Barhemsys). That drug is not the oral Solian used for schizophrenia. If you want to verify, open the label and check the “Indications and Usage” section-it will mention postoperative nausea/vomiting, not schizophrenia.

5. Clinical guidelines (context, not a replacement for labels): For U.S. practice, search “APA schizophrenia guideline 2020 PDF”. For UK practice, search “NICE guideline schizophrenia adults”. These documents explain how antipsychotics are chosen and monitored in real care.

Tip: When skimming labels, start with sections titled Indications, Posology/Dosing, Contraindications, Special Warnings (QT prolongation, prolactin, neuroleptic malignant syndrome), Interactions, and Use in Pregnancy/Lactation.

Safe use at a glance: dosing, side effects, and interactions

This is the plain-English version of what official labels say. Use it to prepare for your appointment; don’t self-prescribe.

What it treats: Schizophrenia in adults, including acute psychotic episodes and persistent negative symptoms (per EU/UK/AUS/NZ labels).

How it’s dosed (typical ranges):

• Predominant negative symptoms: 50-300 mg once daily.
• Acute psychosis/positive symptoms: 400-800 mg/day in divided doses; some labels allow up to 1,200 mg/day. Target the lowest dose that keeps symptoms controlled.
• Elderly: No specific starting dose in labels, but use caution and consider a lower starting dose due to sensitivity to side effects and cardiac risk.

Kidney function matters: Amisulpride is cleared by the kidneys. Labels advise dose reductions:

• Creatinine clearance 30-60 mL/min: about half the usual dose.
• Creatinine clearance 10-30 mL/min: about one-third of the usual dose.
• Below 10 mL/min: not recommended due to lack of data-discuss alternatives.

Liver function: No routine adjustment (amisulpride isn’t heavily metabolized by the liver), but caution is still sensible.

Common side effects (what patients actually notice):

• High prolactin (very common): breast changes, milk discharge, missed periods, sexual dysfunction. This is a signature issue for amisulpride.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (dose-related): stiffness, tremor, restlessness. Lower at small doses; rises at higher doses. Let your clinician know early-dose tweaks or adjuncts can help.
• Insomnia or sedation (varies), anxiety, GI upset.
• Weight gain: tends to be moderate versus some peers but not zero-monitor.

Serious but uncommon risks (why monitoring matters):

• QT prolongation and arrhythmia: higher risk if you have heart disease, low potassium/magnesium, or take other QT-prolonging meds. Baseline ECG makes sense if you’re at risk.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (rare emergency): fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, fast heart rate. Go to emergency care if suspected.
• Seizures (low risk overall) and blood pressure changes.

Interactions to avoid or double-check:

• Dopamine agonists (like levodopa): they cancel each other out. Avoid combining with Parkinson’s medicines that boost dopamine unless a specialist directs it.
• Other QT-prolonging drugs: class IA/III antiarrhythmics (e.g., sotalol), some macrolide antibiotics, certain antipsychotics and antidepressants. Your pharmacist can run a QT risk screen.
• Alcohol and sedatives: can add sedation, impair judgment.
• Lithium: possible added neurotoxicity/EPS-needs close monitoring if combined.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Antipsychotic use in late pregnancy can cause newborn withdrawal or movement symptoms; use only if benefits outweigh risks. Prolactin-raising drugs can affect fertility. Breastfeeding guidance varies by label; many clinicians avoid amisulpride while nursing due to limited human data-discuss alternatives with your prescriber.

What to monitor (practical checklist to bring to your visit):

• ECG at baseline if cardiac risk or on QT-prolongers.
• Prolactin level if symptoms appear (galactorrhea, menstrual changes, sexual side effects).
• Weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, and lipids.
• Renal function (creatinine/eGFR) before starting and if things change.
• EPS check-ins (stiffness, tremor, restlessness) during dose changes.

Quick pharmacology facts you can share with your clinician:

Sources for the above include EU/UK SmPCs and patient leaflets, Australia’s TGA Product Information, New Zealand’s Medsafe data sheets, and consensus guidelines (APA, NICE). These are primary, regulator-backed documents.

If you can’t get Solian: credible alternatives and trade-offs

In countries without oral amisulpride (like the U.S.), you won’t be left without options. The right substitute depends on symptoms, side-effect priorities, heart health, and metabolic risk. Here’s a quick, practical rundown to discuss with your prescriber:

• Risperidone (and paliperidone): Similar dopamine profile and can raise prolactin like amisulpride. Good for positive symptoms; watch for EPS at higher doses and prolactin effects.
• Aripiprazole: Often chosen when prolactin or metabolic risk is a concern. Partial agonist profile; tends to be activating rather than sedating. Good option if you want lower prolactin impact.
• Olanzapine: Strong efficacy for many, but higher risk of weight gain and metabolic effects. Impressive for acute stabilization; not ideal if diabetes risk is high.
• Quetiapine: Sedating, lower EPS risk at typical doses, weight gain possible. Useful if sleep is poor and anxiety is high.
• Ziprasidone and lurasidone: More weight-neutral choices. Ziprasidone has QT cautions; lurasidone needs food for absorption and can be activating.
• Cariprazine: Good for negative symptoms and cognition in some; activating; prolactin-neutral profile.
• Clozapine: Gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia with strong efficacy, but requires intensive blood monitoring and carries serious risks. Reserved for specific cases.

How to pick among them-simple decision cues:

• If prolactin side effects are your main worry: aripiprazole, cariprazine, or quetiapine may be kinder than risperidone-like options.
• If weight and metabolic health are top of mind: consider lurasidone, ziprasidone, or aripiprazole before olanzapine or quetiapine.
• If you need strong sedation at night: quetiapine or olanzapine might help-balance that with daytime grogginess.
• If adherence is tough: ask about long-acting injectables (LAIs) for risperidone, paliperidone, aripiprazole, or olanzapine.

Cost and access (2025 snapshot): In countries with generic amisulpride, monthly costs are usually modest through public formularies or standard insurance. In the U.S., generics of alternatives like risperidone and aripiprazole are widely covered with low copays, while newer agents may require prior authorization. Always check your plan’s formulary-your pharmacy can run a real-time claim to show your price before you commit.

About importing Solian into the U.S.: The FDA’s personal importation policy is narrow and case-by-case, typically for serious conditions without good local options. Because schizophrenia has many approved treatments in the U.S., importing amisulpride is unlikely to be permitted. Work with your clinician on an approved substitute.

FAQ and next steps

Quick answers to the most common questions, followed by practical next moves.

FAQ

• Is Solian the same as amisulpride? Yes-Solian is a brand name. Many countries sell generic “amisulpride.”
• Can I get Solian in the U.S.? Oral amisulpride isn’t FDA-approved. You’ll be offered an approved alternative. The IV form for nausea (different brand) isn’t for schizophrenia.
• How fast does it work? Some symptoms improve within 1-2 weeks, but full effects can take 4-6 weeks. Stick with the plan unless your clinician changes it.
• Will it make me gain weight? Risk exists but is generally lower than with olanzapine. Track weight, diet, and activity; adjust early if trends go the wrong way.
• What about sexual side effects? Elevated prolactin is common. Report changes promptly; dose changes or switching to a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic can help.
• Do I need an ECG? If you have heart disease, low potassium/magnesium, or take QT-prolonging meds, yes-get a baseline ECG.
• Is it safe in pregnancy? Use only if benefits outweigh risks; late-pregnancy exposure can affect the newborn. Talk with your obstetrician and psychiatrist together.
• Can I drink alcohol? Best to avoid-it can worsen sedation and judgment. Ask your clinician what’s safe for you.
• Are there blood tests? Expect prolactin checks if symptoms arise, metabolic labs (glucose/lipids), and kidney function before and during treatment.
• What if I miss a dose? Take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose-then skip and resume. Don’t double up.

Next steps and troubleshooting

1. If you’re outside the U.S. and considering Solian: Grab the official SmPC and Patient Leaflet (EMA/MHRA/TGA/Medsafe). Note your current meds and conditions. Book time with your prescriber to match dose to your profile (especially kidney function and cardiac history).

2. If you’re in the U.S.: Bring this guide to your appointment and ask for the closest-fit alternative. Use the decision cues above. If prolactin is a worry, start the conversation with aripiprazole, cariprazine, or a weight-neutral option.

3. Monitoring plan you can agree on: Request a simple schedule-ECG if at risk (before and after titration), labs at baseline and 3 months (weight, glucose, lipids), then every 6-12 months. Ask who to call if EPS or prolactin symptoms show up.

4. Side effects in the first weeks: Keep a daily log (sleep, restlessness, stiffness, appetite, mood). Bring it to follow-ups. Early tweaks beat late fixes.

5. Cost check: Before you commit, have the pharmacy run a test claim. If the price is high, ask your clinician about a generic alternative or a patient assistance program.

6. When to seek urgent care: Chest pain, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, high fever with muscle stiffness, or sudden confusion-don’t wait. Go to emergency care.

Credible sources behind this guidance include regulator labels (EMA SmPC, MHRA PIL, TGA Product Information, Medsafe Data Sheets), U.S. FDA databases for approval status, and practice guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and NICE. Those are the documents your clinician uses to make decisions-and now you know how to find them fast.