Saphris
(asenapine)
Treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Our bottom line
While Saphris (asenapine) has fewer side effects compared with other medicines that treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, it can be more expensive.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Saphris (asenapine) can be used to treat bipolar disorder in children age 10 or older, and schizophrenia in children age 12 or older.
- You don't need water to take Saphris (asenapine); the pill dissolves in your mouth right away.
- Compared to other medicines, the side effects of Saphris (asenapine) are milder.
What to expect from Saphris, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Saphris (asenapine) is only available as a brand name.
- Compared to other medicines, Saphris (asenapine) can cause changes in your hormones and make you sleepy.
- You have to take Saphris (asenapine) twice a day, which can be hard to remember.
What to expect from Saphris, on one page
Download Fact SheetWhile it's not clear how Saphris (asenapine) helps to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, it changes the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, two chemicals that are known to regulate mood.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Dissolving pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.What to expect when you take Saphris (asenapine) for Schizophrenia
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Changes in blood pressure
- Higher risk of infection
- Sleepiness
- Numbness in the mouth
Side effect rates for Saphris (asenapine)
- Sleepiness22%22%10%10%
- Trouble sleeping10%10%8%8%
- Difficulty controlling movements6%6%5%5%
- Numbness in the mouth5%5%
- Fatigue4%4%2%2%
- Dizziness4%4%2%2%
- Indigestion3%3%2%2%
- Swelling in the arms and legs3%3%1%1%
- Weight gain3%3%
- High blood pressure3%3%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Saphris.
People taking Saphris felt side effect more
People taking Saphris felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Saphris (asenapine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › People age 65 or older with dementia and psychosis
Older people who have dementia and psychosis have a higher risk of death if they take antipsychotic medicines like Saphris (asenapine). They shouldn't be given this medicine.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Saphris (asenapine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- People on medicines like Saphris (asenapine) have had weight gain and higher blood sugar to the point of having diabetes. Your doctor will work with you to stop that from happening.