Asenapine Side Effects: Exploring Studies and Understanding the Risks

Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Like all medications, asenapine has potential side effects, and understanding these risks is essential for both healthcare providers and patients. This article will explore the available research on asenapine side effects and outline the most common risks.

Common Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of asenapine include:

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

While rare, asenapine may also cause more severe side effects, including:

  • Tardive dyskinesia: involuntary movements, often affecting the face, tongue, or limbs
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): a life-threatening reaction characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction
  • Orthostatic hypotension: a drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness and potential falls
  • Seizures
  • Metabolic changes: increased risk of high blood sugar, diabetes, and unhealthy cholesterol levels
  • Prolonged QT interval: a heart rhythm disorder that can potentially lead to life-threatening arrhythmias
Asenapine Side Effects: Exploring Studies and Understanding the Risks
Asenapine Side Effects

Assessing the Risks

When considering asenapine treatment, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the possible side effects. Healthcare providers should take into account the patient’s medical history, other medications they may be taking, and any pre-existing conditions that could increase the risk of side effects. Patients should be closely monitored, especially during the initial stages of treatment, and any side effects should be promptly addressed.

Minimizing Side Effects

Healthcare providers can help minimize the risk of side effects by:

  • Starting with a low dose of asenapine and gradually increasing if needed
  • Regularly monitoring the patient’s weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels
  • Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise
  • Discussing the potential side effects with the patient and involving them in the decision-making process

In conclusion, asenapine is an effective treatment option for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but it has potential side effects that must be considered. By carefully assessing the risks and implementing strategies to minimize side effects, healthcare providers can help ensure that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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