How does Dobren work?
Dobren (Sulpiride), a D2-receptor antagonist, is an antipsychotic medication. It functions by blocking some receptors in the brain, specifically dopamine receptors. An excess of dopamine in the brain causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors, which may result in psychotic illness. Sulpiride blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, helping to control psychotic illnesses.

Off-label Usage:
Sulpiride has been used off label as a galactagogue to promote lactation. The normal dose for milk supply is 25mg to 50mg, three times a day, although some studies suggest a doses as small as 10mg three to four times a day may be most effective. A placebo-controlled double-blind trial of twenty-eight newly delivered mothers with inadequate lactation was carried out with sulpiride
50mg thrice daily for four weeks. Of the 26 women who completed the trial, 14 had taken sulpiride and 12 the placebo. Mean breast-milk yields also increased in the sulpiride treatment group (by an average of 212-265ml) and fell in the women given placebo. Of the 14 infants in the sulpiride-treatment group, four did not need supplementary feeds during the trial, in the control group, however, all infants continued to require such feeds. Infants in the sulpiride-treatment group gained significantly more weight than did the controls. Three women taking sulpiride complained of mild side effects, but none occurred in the infants. These findings suggest that sulpiride is an effective treatment for inadequate lactation in the puerperium.
Source: British Medical Journal

• Disturbed sleep
• Drowsiness
• Jaundice
• Seizures
• Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)
• High blood prolactin (milk producing hormone) level (hyperprolactinaemia). Sometimes this can lead to symptoms such as breast enlargement, production of milk and stopping of menstrual periods.
• Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia)
• Sexual problems
• High temperature combined with falling levels of consciousness, paleness, sweating and a fast heart beat (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). If you experience this side effect, stop the medicine and seek immediate medical treatment.

Further Information:
Please note: For more information about any other possible risks, please consult your doctor or pharmacist and read the information provided with Dobren.

Further Advice:
Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking any medication and always discuss the risks and benefits of taking any medication with your doctor. Please consult your doctor for appropriate dosage for your body and how this drug will interact with any other medications and/or medical conditions.