Asenapine
Saphris
Saphris (asenapine) is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It manages symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings and offers rapid absorption as a sublingual tablet. Despite its benefits, Saphris may cause side effects, including drowsiness, weight gain, and movement disorders. You may buy Saphris online from Canada in 5 and 10 mg tablets, with specific dosing guidelines based on individual treatment needs and medical history.
Product Overview
Saphris (asenapine) is a sublingual antipsychotic medication designed to treat schizophrenia and the mixed or manic episodes linked with bipolar I disorder in adults. It effectively manages symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood swings. Saphris has a unique administration method as it dissolves under the tongue, ensuring rapid and efficient drug absorption.
While it provides significant benefits, including improving cognitive functions and potentially stabilizing mood, it also carries risks of side effects such as drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders). Affordable Saphris sublingual tablets are available in 5 mg and 10 mg sublingual tablets, with dosages adjusted based on the patient’s response and medical conditions.
It requires careful monitoring, especially in patients with liver impairments or those at risk of severe side effects. Asenapine’s impact on dopamine and serotonin levels helps to alleviate symptoms of psychiatric conditions, though it necessitates strict adherence to prescribed doses to avoid complications like overdose or severe side effects.
What Is Saphris Used For?
- Bipolar I disorder
- Schizophrenia
What Are the Benefits of Saphris?
- Effectively treats schizophrenia in adults by helping to manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- Helps manage acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults.
- Can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other mood stabilizing medications.
- Helps reduce the frequency and severity of mood swings in bipolar disorder.
- Dissolves quickly under the tongue, providing convenient and rapid medication absorption.
- May help improve cognitive function and reduce the severity of negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
- Offers an alternative treatment option for patients who have not responded well to other antipsychotic medications.
- Can potentially help stabilize mood and reduce the risk of psychiatric hospitalizations.
- Provides a treatment option that may have a lower risk of certain metabolic side effects compared to some other antipsychotic medications.
What Are the Side Effects of Saphris?
Common Saphris side effects may include:
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders)
- Increased appetite
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Increased salivation
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Akathisia (restlessness or need to move)
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth (oral hypoesthesia)
[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Saphris?
Saphris for mental health care comes in the form of sublingual tablets and has the following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
What Is the Typical Dosage of Saphris?
Dosage of Saphris for managing bipolar disorder in Adults
- Monotherapy:
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- Starting Dose: 10 mg under the tongue twice daily.
- Maintenance Dose: Maintain at 10 mg twice daily. Adjust dosage based on the patient’s clinical response and tolerance.
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- Adjunctive Therapy with Lithium or Valproate:
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- Starting Dose: 5 mg under the tongue twice daily.
- Maintenance Dose: Can increase to 10 mg twice daily after one week, depending on the patient’s response and tolerance.
Dosage of Saphris for Schizophrenia Treatment in Adults
- Starting Dose: 5 mg taken under the tongue twice daily.
- Maintenance Dose: May increase to 10 mg twice daily after one week, depending on the patient’s reaction and ability to tolerate the medication.
Special Considerations
- Renal or Hepatic Impairment:
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- Mild to Moderate Hepatic Impairment: Start with a lower dose and adjust as needed.
- Severe Hepatic Impairment: Not recommended for use.
- Elderly Patients: Start with the lower end of the dosage range and monitor closely due to a higher risk of side effects.
How to Take Saphris?
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions precisely. Do not change the dose without consulting your doctor.
- Saphris is a sublingual tablet, meaning it dissolves under the tongue. Do not swallow, chew, or crush it.
- Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve fully, which should take about 10 minutes. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 10 minutes afterward to ensure full absorption.
- Take Saphris at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in your bloodstream.
- Attend all appointments to monitor your progress and any side effects.
- Share details of other medications you take and any health conditions to prevent interactions.
What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Saphris?
If you miss a dose of Saphris for schizophrenia treatment, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up doses.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Saphris at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]
What Happens When You Overdose on Saphris?
Overdosing on Saphris for managing bipolar disorder can be dangerous. Symptoms include severe drowsiness, confusion, agitation, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, seizures, and difficulty breathing. An overdose is potentially life-threatening; seek immediate medical help if suspected.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Saphris Work?
Saphris adjusts dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, crucial for mood and behavior. It blocks specific brain receptors to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, such as hallucinations and mood swings. The medication typically begins to work within 1 to 2 weeks, but full effects may take longer to observe.
What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Saphris?
- Elderly Risks: Increased mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis; not approved for this condition.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Rare but serious, symptoms include fever, stiff muscles, confusion. Immediate medical attention required.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: Long-term use can cause irreversible involuntary movements.
- Metabolic Risks: May increase blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, with associated diabetes and heart disease risks.
- Cardiovascular Risks: May cause low blood pressure and heart rhythm changes, increasing fall and fainting risks.
- Blood Cell Count: Can lower white blood cell count, increasing infection risk.
- Seizure Risk: Higher in individuals with a history of seizures.
- Phenylketonuria: Contains phenylalanine, problematic for those with PKU.
- Black Box Warnings: Increased risk of death in elderly with dementia-related psychosis and suicidal thoughts in younger populations.
- Precautions: Inform of allergies, medical history, avoid alcohol, CNS depressants, and overheating.
- Contraindications: Not for use in severe liver impairment or those allergic to asenapine.
How Do You Store Saphris?
- Keep at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Store in original packaging to protect from light and moisture; avoid damp areas.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What Drugs Interact with Saphris?
- Interactions with Food & Beverages:
- Caffeinated Beverages
- Alcohol
- Grapefruit Juice
- Interactions with Medications:
- Dopamine Agonists
- QT Prolonging Drugs
- Cimetidine
- Enzyme Inducers
- Medications Affecting Blood Sugar
- Antihypertensive Medications
- Anticholinergic Medications
- Enzyme Inhibitors
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
- Interactions with Herbs:
- Kava
- Valerian Root
- Interactions with Supplements:
- St. John’s Wort
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]
What Are the Saphris Alternatives?
- Vraylar (cariprazine)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Depakene (valproic acid)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Geodon (ziprasidone)
- Seroquel (quetiapine)
- Haldol (haloperidol)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Abilify (aripiprazole)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Fluphenazine (fluphenazine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zyprexa (olanzapine)
- Latuda (lurasidone)
- Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Chlorpromazine (chlorpromazine)
- Lithium (lithium)
- Invega (paliperidone)
- Risperdal (risperidone)
- Rexulti (brexpiprazole)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Saphris alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Saphris Cost & Coupons
Saphris, prescribed for treating schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, can be expensive in the U.S. To reduce costs, consider buying Saphris online from Canada through Arctic Meds. We provide medications at much lower prices, benefiting U.S. residents seeking more affordable Saphris sublingual tablets. Use the Saphris coupon code “ARCTIC10” to get an extra 10% off your first purchase. Join our referral program to enjoy additional savings, potentially reducing your medication expenses significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if you stop taking Saphris?
It is crucial not to stop taking Saphris suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, and dizziness. Always consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication to ensure it is done safely.
How does Saphris make you feel?
Saphris may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weight gain. Some people may experience a temporary tingling or numb feeling in the mouth.
Does Saphris need to be taken with food?
Saphris does not require food for intake. Avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes after taking the medication to ensure its effectiveness.
Is it safe to take Saphris while pregnant?
The safety of Saphris during pregnancy is not well-established. Antipsychotics can cause movement issues and withdrawal symptoms in newborns when used in the third trimester.
Our Guarantee
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