MedDataToolAsenapine is a medication used to treat bipolar I disorder, specifically for managing manic or mixed episodes in children aged 10 to 17 and as an add-on treatment for adults taking lithium or valproate. It works by affecting certain brain chemicals to help stabilize mood. The medication comes in the form of a sublingual tablet, which means you place it under your tongue to dissolve; the starting dose is 2.5 mg twice daily for kids and 5 mg twice daily for adults, with a maximum dose of 10 mg twice daily. It's important not to take this medication if you have severe liver problems or a known allergy to asenapine. Additionally, be cautious if you are taking paroxetine, as it can significantly increase the levels of asenapine in your body.
✦
Uses
- Bipolar I disorder.
- Acute manic or mixed episodes in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17.
- Adjunctive treatment to lithium or valproate in adults.
◷
Dosage
Pediatric patients (10 to 17 years): 2.5 mg to 10 mg sublingually twice daily.
Adults (as adjunct to lithium or valproate): 5 mg to 10 mg sublingually twice daily.
Do not swallow the tablet; place it under the tongue to dissolve.
Avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes after taking the tablet.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
somnolenceoral hypoesthesiadizzinessnauseaincreased appetitefatigueincreased weightneuroleptic malignant syndrome
Serious
tardive dyskinesiaseizuresfallscognitive impairment
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
- Monitor for hypotension when taking with antihypertensive drugs.
⇄
Drug interactions
- Antihypertensive Drugsmay enhance effects and cause low blood pressureCaution
- Paroxetinereduce dose by half when used with asenapine.Caution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).