Asenapine is used to relieve symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This drug can be used alone or in combination with other drugs. The combination of asenapine with other drugs is commonly used to relieve manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug that works by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring substances in the brain. That way, symptoms such as hallucinations or changes in mood or mood can subside.
Please note that this drug can not cure schizophrenia. Asenaphine is also not intended to treat mental disorders associated with dementia in the elderly (elderly).
Asenapine trademark: Saphris
What is Asenapine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Antipsychotic |
| Benefit | Relieve symptoms of schizophrenia or treat bipolar disorder |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Asenapine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Asenapine is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Asenapine
Asenapine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking asenapine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Asenapine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver disease, heart disease, arrhythmia, obesity, stroke, hypotension, leukopenia, seizures, breast cancer, alcoholism, dementia, electrolyte disturbances, or sleep apnea.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Do not get up too quickly from a lying position after taking this medicine because it can cause dizziness, sweating, or nausea.
- Avoid driving a vehicle or engaging in activities that require alertness while taking asenapine, as this drug can cause drowsiness and headaches.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are taking asenapine, as this will increase the risk of side effects.
- Avoid doing strenuous exercise or activities that can make you hot, because this drug has the risk of causing heat stroke.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking asenapine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Asenapine
The following is the dose of asenapine for adults divided according to the condition to be treated:
- Condition: Schizophrenia
Initial dose 5 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 10 mg, 2 times daily after 1 week of treatment.
- Condition: Bipolar disorder
Initial dose 5 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased to 10 mg, 2 times a day. Treatment can be combined with lithium or valproic acid.
How to Take Asenapine Correctly
Take asenapine as directed by your doctor and always read the instructions for use listed on the medicine package. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Take asenapine tablets whole. Do not crush, chew, or split this medication as this may affect the effectiveness of the drug.
Do not eat or drink anything for 10 minutes after you take asenapine to increase the absorption of this medicine.
If you forget to take asenapine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of asenapine to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop treatment with asenapine even if you feel better, unless advised by your doctor.
Store asenapine in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Asenapine Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interactions that can occur if asenapine is taken with certain drugs, including:
- Increased blood levels of asenapine when taken with fluvoxamine
- Increased risk of serious side effects, such as respiratory distress, coma, and even death, when used with opioid drugs, such as fentanyl or codeine
- Increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances if used with amiodarone, amisulpride, ceritinib, chloroquine, haloperidol, or methadone
- Increased risk of seizures when used with bupropion
- Increased risk of hypotension or respiratory arrest when used with clozapine
- Enhanced effect of antihypertensive drugs
- Increased risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating if taken with clonazepam or lamotrigine
Side Effects and Dangers of Asenapine
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking asenapine are:
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth area
- Constipation
- Sleep disturbance
- Heartburn
- Dizzy
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Anxious or restless
- Irregular menstruation or breast milk even though you are not breastfeeding
- Enlarged breasts or gynecomastia in men
- Painful and prolonged erections
- Seizures
- Muscle stiffness or pain
- Fever or excessive sweating
In addition, the use of asenapine can also increase the risk of extrapyramidal syndrome, which can be characterized by the appearance of uncontrolled muscle movements (dystonia) or repetitive movements of the face or other body parts (dyskinesia tardive).
