Saphris (Asenapine)

Do's

• Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically twice a day.
• Use dry hands to remove the medication from the packaging by peeling back the tab. Don't push it through.
• Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely.
• Take it regularly at the same times each day.
• Continue taking it even if you feel well.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't eat or drink anything for 10 minutes after taking the medication.
• Don't take more than the prescribed dose or take it more often than prescribed.
• Don't stop taking Saphris without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't chew, crush, split, or swallow the tablet whole.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Extrapyramidal symptoms
• Headache
• Weight gain
• Increased glucose
• Cholesterol abnormalities
• Temporary numbness of the mouth or tongue
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Increased saliva
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Muscle stiffness
• Tremor
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Increased heart rate
• Increased levels of prolactin
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased libido
• Increased risk of falls in elderly patients
• Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Increased risk of stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - characterized by fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions
• Serious hypersensitivity reactions
• Changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation, which can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death
• Serious neurologic problems: very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, tremors, twitching, or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• Serious allergic reactions: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Saphris,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies you have before taking Saphris. This includes allergies to asenapine itself or any other ingredients in the medication.

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, particularly if you have liver problems, heart problems, stroke, diabetes, obesity, low blood pressure, seizures, low white blood cell count, dehydration, breast cancer, substance abuse disorder, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, trouble swallowing, or breathing trouble during sleep (sleep apnea). These conditions can affect how Saphris works or increase the risk of side effects.

Saphris may cause irregular heartbeat. Tell your healthcare provider about any heart problems you have or medications you take that can affect heart rhythm.

Saphris may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen dizziness or drowsiness.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery or any medical/dental procedures.

Saphris may increase your risk of heat stroke. Avoid hot weather, strenuous activity, and hot tubs. Drink plenty of fluids and stay cool.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Saphris, especially drowsiness and dizziness which can increase the risk of falls.

During pregnancy, Saphris should only be used when clearly necessary. There is a risk of newborn side effects if taken in the last trimester. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if Saphris passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

There is a slightly increased risk of serious side effects in older adults with dementia who take Saphris. Saphris is not approved for dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

If you are taking Saphris with other medications to treat depression, be sure to read the information for those medications as well.