Veralipride

A benzamide antipsychotic drug

Veralipride
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Veralipride is a benzamide antipsychotic medication that was primarily used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. It was marketed under the brand name Agreal and was available in several countries, including Spain and Italy.

Pharmacology

Veralipride is a dopamine antagonist, which means it works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. This action is thought to help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Uses

Veralipride was prescribed to manage vasomotor symptoms of menopause, which include hot flashes and night sweats. It was considered an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who could not take HRT or preferred not to.

Side Effects

The use of veralipride has been associated with several side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances. More serious side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms, which are movement disorders that can result from dopamine receptor blockade.

Withdrawal and Controversy

Veralipride was withdrawn from the market in several countries due to concerns about its safety profile. Reports of psychiatric side effects, such as depression and anxiety, led to increased scrutiny. In 2006, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the suspension of veralipride's marketing authorization in the European Union.

Related pages

• Menopause
• Dopamine antagonist
• Extrapyramidal symptoms

References

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  Veralipride chemical structure

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  Veralipride molecule ball-and-stick model