Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotics
Table of Contents
Overview
Saphris (asenapine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat symptoms conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults, and for bipolar disorder in younger patients, ages 10–17. It may decrease hallucinations and prevent mood swings. It may also help those who take it to feel less anxious, think more clearly, and take more of an active role in everyday life.
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
It works by helping change certain chemicals in the brain, which professionals refer to as “neurotransmitters.” It is not yet well-understood why changing these neurochemicals results in symptom relief for the conditions this drug is commonly prescribed for.
How to Take It
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Side Effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include:
- weight gain
- excessive tiredness
- dry mouth
- headache
- drowsiness
- stomach pain
- irritability/restlessness
- change in taste
- dizziness
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
Warnings & Precautions
- Let your doctor know if you have a family history of diabetes. Your blood sugar may be elevated while taking this medication, even if you do not already have diabetes.
- Stop taking Saphris and call your doctor immediately if you have high fever, irregular heartbeats, tremors, rigid muscles, twitching, confusion, uncontrollable movements of the eyes, face, arms or legs, or sweating. This medicine can cause serious neurologic problems.
- If you are allergic to asenapine or any other medications, let your doctor know.
- It may be harder to cool your body down while you are taking this medication. You should drink plenty of water, dress lightly when the weather is hot, avoid a lot of exercise, and stay inside as much as possible.
- Tell your doctor if you have seizures or epilepsy, low white blood cell count, a personal history of Long QT syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, liver or heart disease, or a history of breast cancer.
- Consult with a doctor before administering this medication to any person younger than 18-years-old.
- For an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. For non-emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes supplements and herbal products.
Dosage & Missed Dose
Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. It is available in the form of a sublingual tablet, that should dissolve under the tongue. Generally it is taken 2x/day. After the tablet dissolves in your mouth, do not drink or eat anything for 10 minutes.
If you skip a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses or take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (preferably not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know immediately. If taken during the last months of pregnancy, Saphris could cause problems in newborn babies.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider, or you can visit this website, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a610015.html for additional information from the manufacturer of this drug.