Asenapine is primarily used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder. Asenapine can be taken alone or in combination with lithium or valproic acid.
What is Asenapine?
Asenapine is an antipsychotic. Its exact mechanism of action has not yet been identified. It is, however, thought to work by blocking the action of certain substances in the brain.
How should Asenapine be taken?
Asenapine is administered orally in the form of sublingual tablets.
Side effects associated with Asenapine
Asenapine may increase the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, heat stroke, hyperglycemia or diabetes, high cholesterol, high levels of prolactin in the blood and weight gain. It can also increase susceptibility to infection and cause involuntary muscle movements.
Among the other possible side effects of asenapine include the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Increased production of saliva
- Indigestion
- Articolar pains
- Restlessness
- Changes in taste
- Temporary numbness or tingling around the mouth
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Changes in the amount of urine produced
- Fainting
- Changes in heart beat
- Persistent fever, chills or sore throat
- Blisters or irritation to the mouth
- Pain, stiffness or muscle weakness
- New or more severe mood changes
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Suicidal thoughts
- swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Involuntary muscle movements
- Excessive sweating
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Asenapine
Asenapine is contraindicated in case of severe kidney problems, low potassium or magnesium in the blood, and slow or irregular heart rate. It is also prohibited to take this medication if you are taking antiarrhythmics, some antipsychotics or citalopram, metoclopramide, fenotiazione, quinolones, or drugs that increase the risk of prolongation QT interval.
Asenapine can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be exacerbated by alcohol and some drugs. High temperatures, strenuous physical exercise and fever can all increase dizziness caused by this medication. For this reason, it is advisable to get up slowly from a lying or seated position (especially in the morning).
Before starting treatment with asenapine, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular medications against: high blood pressure, allergies, cancer, depression or other mood problems, infections, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, reflux, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, Tourette's syndrome, weakened immune system or pain
- You have never taken an antipsychotic
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from diabetes, heart problems, low blood pressure, vascular disease, stroke, low white blood cell count, kidney problems, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, suicidal thoughts, Alzheimer's disease or dementia, Parkinson’s disease, esophagus problems, dehydration, hypovolemia, high levels of prolactin in the blood, or tumors
- You are exposed to high temperatures on a regular basis
- You are at risk of inhalation
- You drink alcohol on a regular basis or you have abused alcohol in the past
- You have recently suffered from a heart attack
- You are predisposed to diabetes
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
Ten minutes before and after taking asenapine, it is advisable not to drink or eat anything.
Treatment should not be stopped without permission from a doctor.
