Asenapine (US brand name Saphris®) is a second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotic. Here is basic information about this medication.
FDA-approved indications
1. Schizophrenia
2. Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (monotherapy)
3. Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (adjunctive to lithium or valproate)
Dosage
Schizophrenia – acute treatment in adults
Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
Recommended: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Schizophrenia – maintenance treatment in adults
Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania – adults (monotherapy)
Starting: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania – children 10 to 17 yrs (monotherapy)
Starting: 2.5 mg sublingually twice daily
Recommended: 2.5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania – adults (adjunct to lithium or valproate)
Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
General Instructions
1. Sublingual tablets should not be swallowed.
2. Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue and left to dissolve completely.
3. Eating and drinking should be avoided for 10 minutes after administration.
Dosage forms and strengths
Sublingual tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Second-Generation Antipsychotics: Dose Equivalents
Antipsychotics and QT prolongation
Antibiotics, Antipsychotics, and QTc Prolongation
What should I be doing to monitor patients who are on an antipsychotic?
Second-generation (“Atypical”) antipsychotics
Antipsychotics: Index and Links
References
Asenapine Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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