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Saphris Side Effects
In clinical studies, commonly reported side effects of Saphris included weight gain, dizziness, and insomnia. If reactions to the drug do occur, they are generally mild and easily treated; however, some side effects are potentially serious and should be reported to a healthcare provider. These include extrapyramidal symptoms and signs of an allergic reaction.
An Introduction to Saphris Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Saphris® (asenapine). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Saphris. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Common Side Effects of Saphris
Saphris has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking Saphris were documented and compared to those that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). This way, it is possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the placebo.In these studies, the most common side effects of Saphris included:
- Drowsiness -- in up to 24 percent of people
- Insomnia -- up to 16 percent
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (see the next section for more information) -- up to 12 percent
- Headache -- up to 12 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 11 percent.
Other common problems, occurring in 2 to 7 percent of people, included:
- Constipation
- Loss of sensation of the mouth (oral hypoesthesia)
- Vomiting
- Weight gain (see Saphris and Weight Gain)
- A jittery sensation
- Anxiety
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Increased salivation
- Changes in taste
- Joint pain
- Dry mouth
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Stomach discomfort
- Toothache
- Irritability
- Depression
- Pain in the extremities.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD