How To Get Rid Of Saphris Side Effects Without Stopping Its Intake?

Posted on Fri, 20 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 7 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am taking Saphris 20mg sublingually at night. It is causing mouth ulcers, a known but rare side effect. The drug is a miracle for me and I do not want to stop taking it. Could I swallow a higher dose or break up the tablets, put them in a capsule and take them orally?

Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Try it buccally or supralingually

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

Oral absorption of saphris (asenapine) is very less (<2%) and if you take it in capsule or swallow it, it would not absorb in sufficient amount. Due to side effects, you can either try buccally ('cheeking') or allowing the tablet to dissolve on the top of the tongue. In three route, absorption is best in sublingual (35%) as compared to buccal (30%) and supralingual (25%). You can use these routes randomly to avoid any mucosal side effect.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar