Latuda vs. Saphris for Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Asenapine

(Saphris)

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Summary for Latuda

Prescription only

Latuda, also known by its generic name lurasidone, is a type of atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens. It can also help with depression from bipolar disorder in people 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) comes as a tablet that you swallow whole once a day with food (at least 350 calories). The most common side effect is sleepiness. This medication isn't likely to cause weight gain. Latuda (lurasidone) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Latuda

Schizophrenia in people 13 years and older
Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in people 10 years and older
Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in adults - as add-on therapy to lithium or divalproex (Depakote)

Pros and Cons for Latuda

Pros

Only need to take once a day
Okay for both adults and children of certain ages to take
Less likely to affect your weight than other antipsychotics

Cons

Can take several weeks before you notice the full effects of the medication
Can make you feel sleepy
Can cause movement problems

Common Side Effects for Latuda

Sleepiness
Nausea
Movement problems (e.g., tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles)
Can't stay still (restlessness)

Warnings for Latuda

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
Changes in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight
Low blood pressure and risk of falls
Trouble concentrating and extreme sleepiness
High prolactin levels
Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk of infection)
Seizures
Risk of manic episode
Higher risk of side effects in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia

Summary for Saphris

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 for Saphris

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

Pros and Cons for Saphris

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 for Saphris

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.