Question 1

What happens if you stop taking Saphris?

Accepted Answer

It’s important not to stop taking Saphris suddenly, even if you start feeling better. Discontinuing the medication without consulting your doctor can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, and dizziness. Always talk to your doctor before stopping the medication to ensure it’s done safely.

Question 2

How much Saphris can you take?

Accepted Answer

The recommended dose of Saphris for managing bipolar disorder or schizophrenia for most people is 5 mg taken twice daily. Your doctor may adjust the dosage depending on your needs and response to the medication.

Question 3

How does Saphris make you feel?

Accepted Answer

Saphris can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and weight gain. Some people may also experience a tingling or numb feeling in the mouth, but this usually goes away within an hour.

Question 4

Does Saphris need to be taken with food?

Accepted Answer

No, Saphris does not need to be taken with food. However, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes after taking the medication to ensure it works effectively.

Question 5

How common is weight gain with Saphris?

Accepted Answer

Weight gain is a known side effect of Saphris. About 8% to 12% of adults and 4.4% to 4.8% of children taking Saphris for 3 weeks may experience an increase of 7% or more in body weight, compared to only 1.1% of adults and 1.6% of children on a placebo.

Question 6

How quickly does Saphris start to take effect?

Accepted Answer

Saphris typically begins to show effects within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment. However, it might take several weeks to experience the maximum benefits. Continued improvement is often observed over the first 3 to 4 months of treatment with this medication.

Question 7

Can Saphris lead to weight gain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Saphris, like many antipsychotics, may cause weight gain, although it does not affect everyone. If you experience significant weight gain while using asenapine (Saphris), consult your healthcare provider. Switching to a different medication may sometimes mitigate this side effect.

Question 8

Is it safe to take Saphris while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

The safety of Saphris for mental health care during pregnancy has not been well-studied. Antipsychotic medications used in the third trimester are known to potentially cause movement issues and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. To better understand the effects of mental health medications like asenapine during pregnancy, there is a National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. If you’re pregnant and on asenapine, consider enrolling in this registry to contribute to and access information on its safety. For more details, you can contact the registry directly.