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Compare Invega vs. Saphris

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

Key takeaways

Invega (paliperidone) and Saphris (asenapine) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Invega (paliperidone) is available in both brand and generic forms and is taken as an extended-release tablet once a day, while Saphris is a dissolvable tablet taken under the tongue twice a day and does not have a generic form. Invega is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, whereas Saphris is used for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Invega can be used in adolescents for schizophrenia, while Saphris can be used in children aged 10 and older for bipolar disorder. Common side effects of Invega include drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements, while Saphris often causes trouble sleeping and mouth numbness. Additionally, Saphris cannot be used in people with severe liver problems, unlike Invega.

  • Invega (paliperidone)
    Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Invega (paliperidone)
    Asenapine (Saphris)

  • Summary of Invega vs. Saphris

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Invega (paliperidone) is taken by mouth and used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's available as both brand and generic versions in an extended-release pill, which means the medication is released slowly in your body. It only needs to be taken once a day. Some common side effects include drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements. There are long-acting injection forms of this medication available given by a trained healthcare provider.

    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 Invega vs. Saphris

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

  • Pros and Cons of Invega vs. Saphris

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths to make it easier to customize your dose
    •Can be used in adolescents
    •Only need to take the medication once a day
    Cons
    •You might have to see your provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you
    •Can make you feel sleepy or sedated
    •Can cause weight gain
    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 Invega vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal muscle movements (up to 40%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 26%)
    •Headache (up to 14%)
    •Irregular heart beat (up to 14%)
    •Vomiting (up to 11%)
    •Anxiety (up to 9%)
    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 Invega vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Higher risk of falls
    •High prolactin levels
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Not for people with gut problems
    •Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)
    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 Invega vs. Saphris

    Learn more about Invega
    Learn more about Asenapine

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