What is Saphris
AsenapineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAsenapine is a medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is taken under the tongue and works by blocking certain brain chemicals that are involved in these mental health conditions. Asenapine was developed by Schering-Plough and was approved by the FDA in 2009. It can also be prescribed for off-label uses, such as for severe post-traumatic stress disorder nightmares in soldiers.
Saphrisis the brand name
Saphris Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Saphris
Asenapine
2009
35
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Asenapine, also called Saphris, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder .Schizophrenia
Helps manage Schizophrenia
Bipolar Disorder
Helps manage Bipolar 1 Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Helps manage Mixed manic depressive episode
Acute Coryza
Helps manage acute Manic episode
Effectiveness
How Saphris Affects PatientsAsenapine is a drug that helps to block serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and histamine. It is known to cause drowsiness through its activity at histamine receptors and has been seen to have fewer side effects such as muscle stiffness due to its effect on glutamate transmission in the brain. It does not appear to have any significant influence on muscarinic or cholinergic receptors and so is not likely to cause symptoms such as dry mouth or constipation. Asenapine has a stronger effect on all the mentioned receptors than earlier antipsychotic drugs, except for 5-HT1A and 5-HT
How Saphris works in the bodyAsenapine is a drug used to treat schizophrenia. It works by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps increase the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine. This can improve cognitive function and reduce negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
When to interrupt dosage
The suggested dose of Saphris is dependent upon the diagnosed illness, such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Acute Coryza. The amount of dosage is articulated in the table below, based on the administration way.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Bipolar Disorder
2.5 mg, 0.76 mg/hour, 0.38 mg/hour, 0.57 mg/hour, 10.0 mg, , 5.0 mg
Film, extended release, , Sublingual, Tablet, Film, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Transdermal
Schizophrenia
2.5 mg, 0.76 mg/hour, 0.38 mg/hour, 0.57 mg/hour, 10.0 mg, , 5.0 mg
Film, extended release, , Sublingual, Tablet, Film, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Transdermal
Acute Coryza
2.5 mg, 0.76 mg/hour, 0.38 mg/hour, 0.57 mg/hour, 10.0 mg, , 5.0 mg
Film, extended release, , Sublingual, Tablet, Film, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Transdermal
Bipolar Disorder
2.5 mg, 0.76 mg/hour, 0.38 mg/hour, 0.57 mg/hour, 10.0 mg, , 5.0 mg
Film, extended release, , Sublingual, Tablet, Film, extended release - Transdermal, Tablet - Sublingual, Transdermal
Warnings
Saphris ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hepatic Impairment
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Asenapine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Saphris Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alfuzosin
Major
Asenapine may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Amisulpride
Major
Asenapine may increase the antipsychotic activities of Amisulpride.
Aripiprazole lauroxil
Major
Asenapine may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Aripiprazole lauroxil.
Artemether
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Asenapine is combined with Artemether.
Azelastine
Major
Asenapine may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Saphris Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Saphris?
171 active clinical trials are currently examining the potential of Saphris to improve Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Acute Coryza.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Schizophrenia
183 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1
Bipolar Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Acute Coryza
0 Actively Recruiting
Bipolar Disorder
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Saphris Reviews: What are patients saying about Saphris?
5Patient Review
5/12/2016 I've only been taking this for five days, but so far I'm really liking it. The numbness has gone away and it doesn't have a bad taste. I do feel a little tired, but that's manageable. I was previously on limictal, but had to stop because of the hallucinations. This seems like a much better option for bipolar patients.
5Patient Review
7/7/2016 I finally found a drug that helps with my BP-II. I take 10mg of it and it knocks me out within 45 minutes. The only downside is the tongue numbing effect.
4.7Patient Review
10/19/2016 I've been taking this for five years now at a dose of 10mg.
4.3Patient Review
6/15/2016 I'm so glad I found this drug! It's been a life-changer for me. The taste isn't that bad, and I can't believe all the complaints. I've only been using it for one month, but I felt myself getting more alive, alert, and happy by day six. If this continues for me, it will be my miracle drug after about 10 mishaps on other meds. Sleep is easy, dreams are amazing, and I don't feel drowsy upon awakening.
4Patient Review
7/20/2016 This medication has been a godsend. I take it before bed and sleep soundly for 8 hours straight. If I have to get up to use the restroom, I don't feel drugged or groggy. When I wake up in the morning, I feel refreshed and alert with no residual sedation from the medication. Additionally, this medication doesn't cause any delusions, manic or depressive symptoms. I also take two antidepressants for my depression, and they work wonders as well. Overall, this medication has allowed me to live a normal life again!
4Patient Review
2/14/2017 I have bipolar disorder type 1 and this medication has been really helpful in managing my symptoms.
4Patient Review
3/28/20164Patient Review
8/28/2018 Saphris was working great for me until I realized it was eroding my gums. I'm really disappointed because it had been such a helpful medication.
3.7Patient Review
9/6/2017 I find it difficult to open and have felt a little itchy since starting if. Otherwise, my sleep has improved incredibly: from 16 hrs/ day to 8-9 hrs/ night and my thinking is clearer. Overall, once you get the package open, it is an incredible med.
3Patient Review
8/3/2016 While this did help with my bipolar disorder and sleep, one of the unfortunate side effects I experienced was tardive dyskinesia.
3Patient Review
2/2/2019 I've been on this medication for 8 years now, and I have to say that it's really not been great. I've gained 50lbs, my sex drive is gone, and I just generally feel like a shell of my former self. Medications like this always seem like they're doing more harm than good in the long run.
2.3Patient Review
9/14/2021 I had a seizure after only taking this medication for one day. I know it's worked well for other people, but please be aware of any potential health issues before taking it. The reaction I had was 6 hours after taking the drug, but I could feel it working within an hour.
2.3Patient Review
12/12/2017 I am experiencing many adverse effects, like tardive dyskinesia. I am having problems with speaking, swallowing and chewing. I think that I will take a different medication.
1Patient Review
10/31/2018 I had a really bad reaction to this drug. After only one dose I started feeling incredibly restless and my breathing and speech were both affected.
1Patient Review
2/24/2022 This was a complete nightmare and did not work at all. If anything, it made my hallucinations worse.
1Patient Review
11/27/2018 I was thrilled to find this website. I had been paying almost $2 per pill from Canada, and now 30 10mg tabs of saphris cost me only $6!
Patient Q&A Section about saphris
Is Saphris a mood stabilizer?
"SAPHRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults or children (ages 10-17). When used with a mood stabilizer (lithium or valproate), it can also be used to treat bipolar I disorder in adults." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is Saphris used for anxiety?
"Zyprexa may help to decrease hallucinations, prevent mood swings, reduce anxiety, improve thinking, and increase activity levels." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are the side effects of Saphris?
"The following side effects may occur: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, weight gain, numbness or tingling of the mouth (usually goes away within one hour), sores, blisters or pain under the tongue (rarely)." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the drug Saphris used for?
"Asenapine is a medication that is used to treat schizophrenia by working in the brain. It is classified as a second generation antipsychotic (SGA) or atypical antipsychotic. Asenapine helps to improve thinking, mood, and behavior by rebalancing dopamine and serotonin levels." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer