Asenapine is a prescription medication that patients take as a sublingual tablet for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to the Drugs.com website. It is an atypical antipsychotic, and its mechanism of action is not completely understood. Patients should be aware that asenapine may cause side effects, some of them serious, and therefore they may undergo lab tests during therapy to check on their condition.
Drowsiness and Dizziness
Asenapine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, and these problems may be more exaggerated if the patient takes the drug with an alcoholic beverage. Patients should not drive or do anything that requires mental alertness until they know how asenapine will affect them, explains Drugs.com.
Increased Susceptibility to Infection
Patients taking asenapine may suffer a decreased ability to fight infection because of a temporary drop in white blood cell count. Therefore, patients should avoid people who have colds or the flu, and consult their doctor if they develop symptoms of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash or chills.
Changes in Heart Rhythm
According to the MayoClinic.com website, asenapine may cause changes in the patient's heart rhythm, which would show up on an electrocardiogram as a condition called QT prolongation. This condition may lead to fainting or other more serious side effects. Patients who notice a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat while taking asenapine should contact their doctor immediately.
Agitation and Irritability
Some patients may experience agitation or irritability while taking asenapine. The drug may also cause other abnormal behaviors and in some cases may lead to thoughts of suicide, according to MayoClinic.com.
Tardive Dyskinesia
MayoClinic.com explains that asenapine may lead to a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. Symptoms of this disorder include lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, and random and uncoordinated movements of the arms and legs. Patients who experience these symptoms should contact their doctor right away.
Hyperglycemia and Increased Risk of Diabetes
According to MedlinePlus, asenapine may lead to elevated blood sugar levels, a condition called hyperglycemia, in patients who do not have diabetes. People who have schizophrenia are at greater risk of getting diabetes than people who do not have schizophrenia, and taking asenapine may increase this risk even further.
Member Comments