asenapine (Saphris)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like asenapine (Saphris) may be right for you.

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Kate Hanselman

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is asenapine (Saphris) used for?

Asenapine (Saphris) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.

Can asenapine (Saphris) cause depression?

Asenapine is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include mood changes and even depression. If you're experiencing depression with asenapine treatment, call your provider. They can discuss your options, including dosage changes or switching to a different medication to manage depression symptoms.

Does asenapine (Saphris) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, increased appetite and weight gain are common side effects of taking asenapine. If you're concerned about weight gain with asenapine treatment, talk with your doctor. They can discuss ways to manage a healthy weight while you're taking asenapine.

Does asenapine (Saphris) make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness and drowsiness are common in people taking asenapine, and you may experience sleepiness when you first start taking the medication. Until you know how asenapine affects you, don't drive or operate machinery. If the sleepiness is bothersome or doesn't go away, talk with your provider. They may suggest ways to help with this side effect.

Is asenapine (Saphris) a controlled substance?

No, asenapine is not a controlled substance. It is not habit-forming, nor is it known to cause addiction. If you have questions about how asenapine works, talk with your provider to learn more.

Does asenapine (Saphris) start working immediately?

No—although asenapine starts to work soon after you take a dose, it may take 1-2 weeks before you notice a change in your condition. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to months of consistently taking asenapine before you feel its full benefits. If you have questions about how well asenapine is working to treat your condition, talk with your provider.

How long does asenapine (Saphris) stay in your system?

Asenapine's half-life is 24 hours. This is how long it takes for half the medication to leave your body. It takes around five half-lives for a medication to leave your body completely, so it would take about this long for asenapine to leave your system.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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