Saphris Uses

Approved Saphris uses include the short-term treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, in many cases, the drug will be prescribed for a longer period if symptoms are kept under control. (This is known as an "off-label" use.) It is not licensed for use in children or for elderly people with dementia-related psychosis.

Saphris Medication Information

What Is Saphris Used For?

Saphris^® (asenapine) is a prescription antipsychotic medication. Specifically, it is approved for the acute treatment of schizophrenia and the acute treatment of mixed or manic episodes of bipolar disorder in adults.

Using Saphris for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most confusing and disabling mental illnesses. Although the causes of schizophrenia are not fully understood, genetics and environmental factors are believed to play an important role. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:

Hallucinations and/or delusions
Lack of pleasure in everyday life
Flat affect (immobile facial expression, monotonous voice)
Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
Thought disorders
Disorders of movement
Poor executive functioning (the ability to absorb and interpret information and make decisions based on that information)
An inability to stay focused
Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).

Although psychotherapy may be helpful for schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is usually essential to schizophrenia treatment.

Saphris is one of many medications that can help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. Although the drug is currently only approved for acute (short-term) treatment, healthcare providers may recommend that people who respond well to this medication use it long-term in order to receive continued benefit.

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