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Compare Latuda vs. Saphris

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

Key takeaways

Latuda (lurasidone) and Saphris (asenapine) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Latuda is taken as an oral tablet once a day, while Saphris is a dissolvable tablet taken under the tongue twice a day. Latuda is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, whereas Saphris can cause weight gain and other metabolic changes. Latuda is available in generic form, making it potentially more affordable than Saphris, which is available as a brand only. Additionally, Latuda can be used in children as young as 10 for bipolar depression, while Saphris can be used in children aged 10 and older for bipolar disorder. Lastly, Saphris cannot be used in people with severe liver problems, a restriction not mentioned for Latuda.

  • Latuda (lurasidone)
    Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Latuda (lurasidone)
    Asenapine (Saphris)

  • Summary of Latuda vs. Saphris

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older. It can also be used for treating depression from bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect is sleepiness, and the medication is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics.

    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 Latuda vs. Saphris

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in people age 13 years and older
    •Depression from bipolar disorder in people age 10 years and older
    •Add-on therapy to lithium (Lithobid) or divalproex (Depakote) for depression from bipolar disorder in adults
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Latuda vs. Saphris

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Works well for depression from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Can use in adults and children
    •Less likely to affect your weight than other antipsychotics
    Cons
    •Can take several weeks before you feel the full effects
    •Can make you feel sleepy
    •Can cause movement problems
    •Only available as a tablet
    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 Latuda vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Difficulty moving or slow movements
    •Can't stay still
    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 Latuda vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Changes in weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels
    •High prolactin levels
    •Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls
    •Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Triggering a manic episode
    •Side effects affecting the nervous system in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia
    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 Latuda vs. Saphris

    Learn more about Latuda
    Learn more about Asenapine

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