Saphris (Asenapine)

Brand name: Saphris
Generic name: Asenapine
Used to: Treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
Availability: Brand Saphris (Lundbeck), 5 mg, 10 mg

How Saphris Works

Saphris (Asenapine) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. Saphris may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are both thought to be caused in part by chemical imbalances in the brain, especially dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. It is unknown exactly how Saphris works, but it is thought to be effective due to its antagonistic effects on certain dopamine and serotonin receptors. By attaching to and altering these receptors, Saphris is thought to correct the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, and in turn reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Saphris Possible side effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own. Some of the common side effects include:

• Dizziness;
• Drowsiness;
• Increased appetite, weight gain;
• Muscle stiffness, jerky muscle movements;
• Nausea;
• Numbness or tingling in or around your mouth;
• Restlessness, agitation

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following side effects:

• Breast pain or swelling, nipple discharge;
• Light-headedness;
• Signs of low white blood cell counts (fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing);
• Signs of severe nervous system reaction (rigid muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeats, tremors);
• Ulcers, blisters, swelling, or peeling in your mouth;
• Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement)

Saphris Guidelines

You should not use Saphris if you are allergic to asenapine, or if you have severe liver disease. To make sure Saphris is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, high blood pressure, a heart attack or stroke, diabetes, liver disease, breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease, low white blood cell counts, or long QT syndrome. Saphris may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding in order to discuss any risks. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather, as it is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Saphris. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medication will affect you, as your reactions may be impaired. Taking Saphris with other drugs that may make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication for anxiety or seizures. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of any possible interactions.