Indications
Saphris is a prescription medicine used to treat certain mental/mood disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its active ingredient is asenapine maleate. Asenapine is a psychiatric medication that belongs to the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Asenapine is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Saphris is available in sublingual tablets and is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Uses and Dosage
Saphris is a sublingual tablet that should be taken as directed by your doctor, typically 2 times a day. To take the medication, gently remove it from the packaging with dry hands by peeling back the tab - do not push the tablet through the packaging. Place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely in your saliva. Do not chew, crush, split, or swallow the tablet whole, and do not eat or drink anything for 10 minutes after taking the medication.
Take Saphris regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It may take several weeks before you experience the full benefit of this drug. Do not stop taking Saphris without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Increasing your dosage or taking the drug more often than prescribed will not improve your condition any faster and will increase your risk of side effects.
Asenapine (Saphris) is typically taken by placing the sublingual tablet under the tongue, twice daily. The usual dose for schizophrenia is 5 mg under the tongue twice daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg twice daily. For bipolar disorder, the typical dose for adults is 5 mg to 10 mg under the tongue twice daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg twice daily. The dose for children and teens aged 10 to 17 years is typically 2.5 mg to 10 mg under the tongue twice daily, with a maximum dose of 10 mg twice daily.
Your dosage will be based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
Side Effects
Common Effects of Saphris (Asenapine):
- Altered sense of taste
- Drowsiness
- Feeling tired
- Inability to sit still
- Increased appetite
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling inside or around your mouth
- Restlessness
- Ulcers
- Blisters, swelling, or peeling of your gums
- Weight gain
Serious Effects of Saphris (Asenapine):
- Breast pain or swelling
- Chills
- Cold or flu symptoms
- Confusion
- Cough
- Fast or uneven heartbeats
- Fever
- High fever
- Ill feeling
- Lightheadedness
- Nipple discharge
- Painful mouth sores
- Skin sores
- Slow heartbeats
- Slurred speech
- Sore throat
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden weakness
- Sweating
- Swollen gums
- Tremors
- Trouble swallowing
- Twitching
- Uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs
- Very stiff (rigid) muscles
Form and Strength
Saphris (Asenapine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Saphris: Sublingual Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Asenapine: Sublingual Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Caution
- Saphris is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.
- Saphris can cause serious side effects such as stroke, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), and tardive dyskinesia (TD).
- Saphris may also cause metabolic changes, such as increased blood sugar, weight gain, and increased cholesterol levels.
- Saphris can interact with other medications, so patients should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking.
- Patients should inform their healthcare providers if they have a history of seizures or if they have a condition that might increase the risk of seizures.
- Patients should not stop Saphris suddenly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or insomnia.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of heart problems, including heart attack, heart failure, or irregular heartbeats.
- Saphris can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can impair the ability to perform tasks that require alertness. Patients should avoid operating machinery or driving until they know how Saphris affects them.
- Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Saphris can harm an unborn baby.
- Saphris can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I miss a dose of Saphris?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.
Can Saphris be taken during pregnancy?
Saphris can harm an unborn baby, so it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
How long does it take for asenapine (Saphris) to dissolve?
Asenapine (Saphris) should dissolve within seconds.
How long does it take for asenapine (Saphris) to work?
You can expect asenapine (Saphris) to start working in 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take several weeks until you feel the full effects. Some people might see continued improvement with this medication during the first 3 to 4 months of taking it.
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