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Compare Geodon vs. Saphris

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ziprasidone (Geodon) and asenapine (Saphris) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, but they have some key differences. Ziprasidone is available in both oral and injectable forms, while asenapine is taken as a dissolvable tablet under the tongue. Ziprasidone must be taken with food twice daily, whereas asenapine dissolves quickly under the tongue and should not be chewed or swallowed. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics. Asenapine can be used in children aged 10 and older for bipolar disorder, while ziprasidone is only approved for adults. Both medications can cause weight gain, but ziprasidone is less likely to do so compared to other antipsychotics. Additionally, ziprasidone has a lower risk of causing heart rhythm problems, but it still requires caution in people with heart issues.

  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
    Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Ziprasidone (Geodon)
    Asenapine (Saphris)

  • Summary of Geodon vs. Saphris

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Asenapine (Saphris) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and bipolar I disorder in people ages 10 years and older. It comes as sublingual (under the tongue) tablets in both a brand-name and generic versions. The usual dosage is to dissolve a tablet under the tongue twice a day. Some potential side effects of this medication include sleepiness, trouble sleeping, and movement problems.

  • Indications of Geodon vs. Saphris

    Indications for
    •Bipolar I disorder
    •Schizophrenia
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Geodon vs. Saphris

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to weight gain than other similar medications
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Taken twice daily
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication
    •Must be taken with food
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Dissolved under the tongue; good option for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets
    •Possible option for children who have bipolar I disorder
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than some other antipsychotic medications, like olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Cons
    •Can cause drowsiness or trouble sleeping
    •Taken twice a day
    •Can't be taken by people who have severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Geodon vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Nausea (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •Indigestion (8%)
    •Restlessness (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Respiratory tract infection (8%)

    Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 16%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 15%)
    •Movement problems (up to 12%)
    •Restlessness (not being able to sit still, up to 11%)
    •Dizziness (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (up to 7%)
    •Vomiting (up to 7%)
    •Mouth numbness (up to 7%)

    *Note: Side effects listed above were reported by adults with schizophrenia. Similar side effects are seen in adults and children with bipolar disorder.

  • Warnings of Geodon vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Seizures
    •Serious skin reaction
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •High prolactin levels
    •Heart rhythm problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Low blood pressure and changes in heartbeat
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Phenylketonuria

  • Prices with our coupons for Geodon vs. Saphris

    Learn more about Ziprasidone
    Learn more about Asenapine

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